February 9, 2023
Everyone has that one thing they enjoy more than anything to pass the time. It might be knitting, clothespin art, or even painting. For those of you looking for a new or more challenging hobby, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve picked out an ultimate, step-it-up activity to push your perseverance and boost your creativity.
Cross Stitching
My grandma has a wonderfully creative hobby that involves plastic canvas and thread. Cross stitching is something I have yet to learn, personally, but one of her pieces sits in my living room now (see picture). It’s not her most complicated project, but you can see that she spent hours putting it together—fruiting trees, a church, a house, a lighthouse by the water, people, all in color and on a 17″ x 13” canvas. And with practice, you can make the scene of your choice, too.According to crossstitchacademy.com, cross stitching has been dated as far back in history as the 6th century. It wasn’t limited to a geographical region, country, culture, or social class, either. In fact, it was often used to teach girls and young women about religion and morals through pattern designs. Today’s version of it originates from the 1960s, as the American industrial age made patterns more widely available.Materials range on the cheaper side of project supplies and include perforated plastic canvas of desired size, a needle one size smaller than the sheet’s holes, embroidery thread in your choice of colors, a permanent marker for drawing the design, and a reference picture. Or if you prefer, cross stitching can also be done on aida cloth with the help of an embroidery hoop. (Either type of finished project can be framed upon completion, provided you left extra material around the edges.) Shopping for these items is fairly easy as well because they can all be found at Walmart, Joann Fabrics, or even Hobby Lobby. Could this be your ultimate hobby?Check out this Beginner’s Tutorial to get started!