If I’m not working on Teaching Stripling Warriors or caring for my family of four boys, you can find me in my favorite chair.  I will have a needle in one hand, and an embroidery hoop in the other.  To say I love cross stitching is probably an understatement.  I have as many framed cross stitch works as I have framed family photos!!

My love for cross stitching started in my youth.  My grandma Nielson first tried to teach me to crochet.  We both got frustrated when I could never round the corner (literally) from a crochet stitch.  Finally she decided I could surely make an X and taught me how to cross stitch.  30+ years later, I am still loving the art.  

I have decided to host a Cross Stitch “Stitch a Long” that will continue throughout the year and probably into next.  Besides bringing like-minded stitchers together to create, I will also have great prizes!!  If you are a beginner to this fabulous craft, or a seasoned pro, I hope you will join me!  Feel free to send any questions to beckyfullmer@gmail.com.  

The pattern I have picked is a gorgeous portrait of the Savior.  I hope that this will bring delight into your stitching as we study Come, Follow Me throughout the rest of the year and the life of our Savior next year.  This pattern is an intermediate pattern, but totally within reach for even the newest cross stitcher. I don’t own the cross stitch pattern, but it is available for purchase from Country Town Girl on Etsy for $8.99.  

About the Pattern:

It is available for purchase from Country Town Girl on Etsy for $8.99.  

Stitches: 250w x 320h

Finished Size :

14 count: 17.9” X 22.9”; 45.4 cm X 58.1 cm

18 count: 13.9” X 17.8”; 35.3 cm X 45.2 cm

22 count: 11.4” X 14.6”; 28.9 cm X 36.9 cm

Color: 74 (charted for DMC floss); uses solid floss colors, All stitches are full Stitches.
No half stitches or back stitching.
Black & White PDF electronic Pattern chart with Symbols.

Supplies (only a recommendation; as stitchers you know what you like): 

• I love Aida fabric 18 ct, but you do you. I looked on Amazon for some reasonably priced ones. I know they are huge but you can cut them and save the extra for another project

                  Aida Cloth 14 Count Cross Stitch Fabric,60×39inch 

                  Aida Cloth 18 Count Cross Stitch Fabric 59 x 39 inches

• I LOVE!!! PILOT FriXion Fineliner Erasable Marker Pens to grid my fabric! Then it disappears with an iron, it is that simple. It was a quilter that told me about the miracle of Fusion pens. For so many years I never gridded, but I will never go back! Little tip: I do my gridding at church. It is so mindless and all you need is the pen and your fabric and a hoop. 
• Baggie: I use floss baggies to store my floss that I am using on my WIP. I then place labels on the baggies. I created labels for the SAL that you can use. Click here for the download. I like to print it on sticker paper.
• DMC Floss: I get my DMC floss from Everything Cross Stitch. I like how you can do a “Quick Add”. It is $.60 each. Where do you get yours? Is it cheaper?
• Needles: The most commonly used tapestry needles for cross stitch are sizes 24 and 26
• Hoop: I am a hoop girl. I have tried frames, but I always go back to a hoop. 
• Light: I bought this light to use while traveling and it instantly became a must have. It is so bright and easy to adjust. My sisters bought one for themselves for their crocheting.

**Optional.  Pattern Keeper While you can join this Stitch-a-Long without Pattern Keeper, I highly recommend it. 

Points for reading (listening): 10 points total a week

Once a month get the download for the month’s Come Follow Me reading, a podcasts and conference talks links on YouTube or LDS.org.  Click on the link and listen while you stitch!

Each reading will count as a point.

Example:

The goal is to complete 100 stitches a week. Of course you can do more! Each stitch equals 10 stitches. There is also a place to record bonus stitches.

Example:

POINTS!

Each week you can earn 1-20 points depending on what you have accomplished.

1-10: Reading (Listening)

1-10: Stitching

There is always Extra Credit when I am in charge!

Bonus stitches can add you 1-10 extra points!

Once a month you will report your points and they will go in a drawing.

10 points=name in once

20 points=name in twice

You get the point (no pun intended)

So, now the good part, the prize

Once a month prize

The winner of the drawing will get a free month of the Stitch Along

Every 3rd month I’m going to be Oprah and give the winner one of my favorite stitching essentials.

And the grand prize at the end of the year…drum roll please…

1st prize: The winner will have their cross stitch framed by “I’ve Been Framed”.

2nd prize: Will receive a kit for next year’s Stitch Along

3rd Prize: Will receive the pattern and labels for next years cross stitch

So get stitching!!