I want to start doing cross stitching, and I’ve just bought a few little mini kits to help get me started but some are so expensive. I’ve noticed just getting a pattern is a lot cheaper. What is the difference between getting a full kit or getting just the pattern? Does a pattern not come with any instructions?

A kit has everything you need to complete it – fabric, threads, needle and pattern/chart.

A pattern on its own is just that – the chart only. You then have to buy the fabric, threads and needle seperately yourself. It does work out cheaper once you’ve built up a stock of fabrics and silks, and gives more flexibility to change some colours, size etc. As well as shop-bought patterns, there’s a fantastic range of charts available in specialist magazines, books and on the internet too.

If you’re just starting out though, its cheaper and easier to stick to complete kits for a while.

can anyone help me find a website that sells christmas table napkins and menu kits please i can find tablecloths easy enough but not napkins or menu cards any ideas would be appreciated thank you

There are a few at Herrschners but to get a better variety and it would probably be cheaper than a kit you pick a design you like and use waste canvas on a plain fabric linen. There are several sites to get free charts that might suit you. Good luck with your project.

people who are against it tell me, "you cannot earn a living selling bracelets"?

you would be right if i were selling just bracelets…but i sell a whole range of almost 50 items, in jewelry, friendship bracelets, knitted items (scarves, hats, headbands, rugs, ect) crocheted items (scarves, rugs, hats, ect), kandi bracelets, woven squares, sewn dolls, upcycled and downcycled crafts, and i will also be selling mosaics, pottery, photography, cross stitch, and crafting supplies not sold at craft supply stores such as plastic bottle tops.

so why do people make it seem like it is impossible to make a living crafting? also, i will NOT be just crafting. i will have a job at a craft supply store, and also be donating clothing and appliances to charity to get tax deductions and i plan on having a few instructional and story books done in my free time.

so, i am confused, why do people talk to me like i am just going to sell one item?

it’s probably just people that are concerned for your ability to make it and prosper. As a mother of a young adult daughter I understand the concern. As a fellow craft-er struggling to make a living I say go for your dream! If it doesn’t work out at least you tried! What’s that saying about if you never try anything- you’ll never know what it’s like to succeed? Just remember that in crafting- you can get sucked in to the "gotta make a bunch of stuff to sell this weekend", and get away from your love of crafting. When the love of it goes away- usually so does the beauty of your talent.

…on one piece of fabric.
The Tea Party was in the Cross Stitch and Country Crafts Magazine January/February 1986 issue and The Little Aviator was in the same magazine January/February 1988 issue. A semifinalist by the name of Amy Sobczak combined the two pictures together in one cross stitch piece and I would like to find this pattern. Any clues where I could find it?

A web search found a listing for a teacher by that name at Hickory Center Elementary School

http://www.nacs.k12.in.us/ClassInfo/School/6/Hickory+Center+Elementary.html

Hickory Center Elementary
3606 Baird Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Phone: 260-637-3758
Fax: 637-2081

Her email is below-

Amy Sobczak
Amy.Sobczak@nacs.k12.in.us

She may have created the pattern herself and could likely help.

i love yarn and thread crafts including crochet, cross stitch, latch hook, sewing, punch needle, and quilting. but i don’t know how to knit. could you list a good detailed video or website that will show me how to knit? (video would be better) (optional) : list more thread or yarn crafts. (if you list one that’s not above i will give u one thumbs up! or i will try to at least. if i didn’t let me know and i will )

Knitting Help is the absolute best tutorial site for knitting. They have the best in depth video library illustrating different stitches and techniques. Ravelry is not a tutorial site, but they are the best social networking site for fiber arts and they do have an extensive search ability that includes tutorials. Also…weaving, rug hooking, felting, and embroidery.