I honestly can’t remember when I started cross-stitching—or even what my very first project was. The first one I do remember was “Jesus Knocking at the Door,” a Bucilla kit (from back in the 1990’s). I was probably 17 or 18 when I got the kit, finished it around age 19 or 20, and gave it to my mom. It’s hanging on her wall in her bedroom, still in a cheap frame with no glass, yellowed from age, and has knots all over the back. I had masking tape around the edges. It was done by a teenager who had no idea what she was doing… but I loved it.
Years later, I picked it back up again. Around 2014 or 2015, I bought a tiger kit for my son, who loved tigers at the time. It was on black Aida, and I learned the hard way that stitching on black fabric is not my happy place. It ended up in the UFO pile, where it still lives today.
Then one day, I stumbled onto a Flosstube video—Sarah from A Stitchin’ Mommy—and my mind was blown. I had no idea you could buy fabric in colors other than white or black. I didn’t know there were different types of fabric besides Aida. I didn’t know you could buy patterns without buying a kit, choose your own floss, stitch without a hoop or frame, or even dye your own fabric. My whole world opened up.
Like many, I got a little carried away. I found Heaven and Earth Designs, fell in love with massive full-coverage pieces, and bought way too many giant projects I’ll never finish in my lifetime (Boho Seaside Max Color, I’m looking at you). I eventually realized that smaller patterns can bring me just as much joy—and can actually get finished.
Today, I have close to (or maybe more than) 100 cross-stitch projects in progress, plus a dresser full of floss, fabric, and patterns. I don’t finish often, but I love every stitch. Some pieces I’ve given away, some I’ve kept but haven’t framed yet, and some… well, they’re still in time-out. Right now I’m taking a break to focus on a wedding quilt, but I still think about cross-stitch every single day. And someday soon, I’ll be back at it—probably starting another project I don’t need, but can’t resist.
A Stitchin’ Hot Mess 