Cross stitch -- some call it x-stitch because of the little x's that are made -- you go from left to right making stitches that look like / and then back along those stitches from right to left, crossing them with \ stitches. That's probably about as clear as mud!
Smile was stitched for Markie
Anyway, I love to cross stitch -- probably even more so than crochet. (But don't tell my crochet hooks that -- they will be very jealous!) But there's only so much you can do to give as gifts or do for yourself. Although I must admit, there are about a million cross stitch pictures that I would like to do for myself. I keep telling myself to decide on one and just do it, but, well you know how things get.
Follow Your Dreams was stitched for Tylynn
One way that I get in some cross stitch time is to stitch for an organization called "Love Quilts" which gives finished quilts to children who are critically ill or who have lifelong illnesses.
Family was for Inspirational Words and Phrases to be used on any child's quilt. These are extra squares that have no deadline and can be used on any child's quilt to fill in when needed, or to assemble a quilt in an emergency situation.
When the child is signed up, the parents provide a photo and some background on the child -- siblings, pets, favorite sports or other likes, information about the child's illness, etc. Then a theme and a favorite color are picked and the stitching volunteers sign up to stitch a square for that child. They usually try to get around fifteen to twenty squares for each quilt.
The two cutie bears were stitched for any child's quilt
The squares are sent in and then they are assembled into a quilt by quilting volunteers. Depending on how many squares are received, the quilt could be all cross stitch squares, or with some fabric squares to round things out. They are finished with batting and a fabric back and then machine quilted. Then they are sent or sometimes taken to the child. The parents usually send in pictures of the child with the quilt -- that's probably the best part! They always have such huge smiles on their sweet faces!
There are some ladies who stitch for each and every child, sometimes more than one square for each! It just amazes me the love and care that go into each of these quilts.
Ducks stitched for Shane
This is the quilt for Shane -- you can see the duck square on the left side
Butterfly stitched for Karon
Karon's purple quilt. The butterfly square I stitched is on the bottom row on the right.
There is a lot of work involved to assemble each quilt and the only monetary request is a small donation to accompany each square that is stitched. And it doesn't matter if you stitch one square or many, all are accepted with love and all are assembled and presented to the child with love.
A number of years ago my computer crashed and I lost all my photos -- so a lot of my cross stitch pics are gone. I always wrote the year and the child's name on the chart, and of course I remember each one, but I sure wish I had those pictures!
I didn't participate at all this year, but plan to do at least a few blocks in 2014.
Maybe I'll even do something for myself!
If you'd like to learn more about the Love Quilts organization, or perhaps stitch a square for them, here's a link to their site.
sharing over at Miss Jenny's for Alphabe-Thursday where we are studying the letter X
21 comments:
Beautiful cross-stitching! It made me miss a beautiful cross stitched table cloth that my mother had, ...but unfortunately it was lost in a house fire.
wonderful stitches there.
hope you have a great day.
What wonderful x stitching! Well done!
Your cross stitch is beautiful - especially that butterfly! I was not aware of Love Quilts but sent this on to my daughter who does do cross stitch -- she needs to do this! What a wonderful cause!
What a wonderful outlet for your beautiful work! I used to do a lot of cross stitch too, especially when I was younger and my eyes much better. I've picked up my crochet hook lately though. I need a scarf to match my new coat. :)
Darn!! Why didn't I think of taking a photo of my current x-stitch project??
Off to get a photo for the neXt X!
I loved doing counted cross stitch for many years. It is amazing what can be produced with just using small X stitches.
Yours are lovely.
Very creative post for X ~ lots of great photos of creative works ~ happy day ~ carol, xx
I think you should definitely do something for yourself! lovely...
Great, creative post for *X*– superb pics!
Happy Hallowe’en!
Beautiful! And what a lovely gift!
I used to do a lot of cross-stitching myself. The quilts are really special!
=)
My grandmother loved to cros stitch, but I've never been any good at it. It's funny because I like and can do other counted stitch embroidery projects!
This is such a wonderful organization! Those quilts are so special and so thoughtful! It's great you donate to such a wonderful cause!
I've always admired the work of cross-stitchers. That quilt is beautiful! I'm sure it will be cherished!
I am currently working on three frogs... hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil. :-)
what an amazing collection! I'm partial to those ducks, but then I'm from Oregon!
These are all wonderful! such fun designs! The children who receive the quilts must feel very special.
What a beautiful way to use your skill.
It really saddens me when I see sat itch pictures in a charity shop.
So much love just cast aside.
Phew thought I had missed Linky for X , now trying to say hi to everyone missed you while I was internet deprived in France.
what a gorgeous collection!
these are all beautiful! amazing designs.
wishing you a great week ahead~
i love your blog!
Xcellent eXample of ordinary people doing eXtraordinary deeds...
Seemingly small aXtions like these, eXemplifies the positive affeX it can have on their morale...
Xcellent post, thanks for linking to the letter "X"!
A+
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