CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--THE ULTIMATE CROSS STITCH BOOK

Right now we’re wilting from the heat and humidity of summer, but if you’re a crafter, you’re probably thinking about or have already begun your holiday craft projects, especially those of you who cross stitch or do other needlecrafts because unlike many other crafts, needlework takes time. Even small projects require hours to complete.

In my craft room my bookshelves are filled with cross stitch books. My favorites are the ones filled with lots of different projects. My all-time favorite is 2001 Cross Stitch Designs. I think the title is pretty much self-explanatory as to why it’s my favorite. 2001 different designs in one book? Talk about a bargain!

Along with all those cross stitch charts in full color, the book also includes basic cross stitch tips, project patterns and finishing directions, 50 different specialty stitch diagrams, and directions for designing your own cross stitch.

Each chapter is filled with anywhere from dozens to hundreds of motifs divided by categories. Chapters include florals, designs for children, country themes, Americana, nature designs, animals, special occasions, sports and hobbies, alphabets, borders, and holidays—including an unbelievable selection of Christmas designs.

Within the pages of this book you’ll find a project for every person on your gift-giving list.

Buy Link 

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED HALLOWEEN ORNAMENT

It's hard to believe that Halloween is only a few weeks away. If you're one of the millions of people who love to decorate your house for the holiday, here's a quick cross stitch design you can whip up to add to your decor. The finished piece, when stitched on 14-ct. fabric, measures approximately 3-3/8"w x 3-7/8"h.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--COUNTED CROSS STITCH COFFEE GRINDER

If you're like me, and can't function without that first cup of coffee in the morning, you're probably grateful that you don't first have to hand crank your beans. Still, you might want to harken back to the olden days with this cross stitch design, perfect for a refrigerator magnet. and as a reminder of how appreciative we are for our modern conveniences.

Design measures 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" when stitched on 14-ct. fabric or 1" x 1" when stitched on 18-ct. fabric.

Cross stitch with two strands of floss. Backstitch with one strand black.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED APPLE PIE

What could be more American than a slice of apple pie at a summer picnic? Okay, a slice of watermelon springs to mind. Perhaps that will be a future cross stitch project. For now, enjoy stitching up this quick and easy design.

Stitch count: 19 x 19
Size: approximately 1-3/8" x 1-3/8" when stitched on 14-ct. fabric

Cross stitch with two strands floss. Backstitch with one strand black (DMC 310, Anchor 403).

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED CLADDAGH

photo courtesy of Royalcladdagh

I have a Pinterest page on which I post all the crafts and recipes that appear on Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers. Two years ago I posted a cross stitch design for a Celtic knot on the blog. That design has been repinned on Pinterest more than anything else on any of my Pinterest boards. So in honor of St. Patrick’s Day coming up in a little over a week, I’ve decided to post another Irish cross stitch design. This one is for a Claddagh.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Claddagh, it’s the design used in a traditional Irish ring. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. Claddagh rings are sometimes used as friendship rings but more often as engagement or wedding rings. In many Irish families the rings are passed down from mothers to daughters.

The Claddagh ring had its origins in Roman times, but the ring as we know it today comes from the small fishing village of Claddagh, located outside of Galway and was first made in the seventeenth century.

The cross stitch design below is 37 stitches wide x 29 stitches high. When stitched on 14-ct. fabric it will be approximately 2-2/3" x 2".

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--KISS ME, I'M IRISH CROSS STITCH

For the Irish in all of us, here's a quick cross stitch project for St. Patrick's Day.