I absolutely love doing cross stitch patterns. I find that it’s one of the only things that totally relaxes me. The only problem is, I don’t know what to do with the patterns once I have them completed. I don’t do tacky ones, mainly birds, children and baby patterns, herbs, Chirstmas, etc., very nice patterns and ones that I would want to hang in my own house. The only issue is, my house is very modern, so I have yet to come across a pattern that would actually go with my decor. I give them away as gifts, spending hours on Ebay looking for that right pattern for the special person and framing them to match that person’s decor. However, I don’t want to burden family and friends with numerous cross stitch pitures.
My problem is: what do I do with the patterns that I really like but don’t have anyone in mind to give away to? I have thought about framing them and putting a few of them in rural craft sales, but cross stitch is a dying art, so I’m assuming that they wouldn’t sell. Also, my brother-in-law is a teacher and at his high school he has silent auctions, so I have thought about putting a few in there.
I don’t know. What should I do with them?
Thanks in advance!!!!
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Selling them at a craft show is a good idea. Personally, I am always disappointed to see how low cross stitched items are priced. They take a lot of time and patience to stitch. Another place you may want to look into is craft stores that sell cross stitch supplies. I’ve seen hand made work for sale in some of those. Good luck!
I struggle with the same situations. I’m even trying to find ways to make cross stitch into jewelry because cross stitch and pattern design in my passion. What I’ve discovered is, while pictures themselves do not sell, people do not mind so much buying cross stitched items if they are also useful like pillows, potpourri sachets, ornaments and so forth. Hope that helps. Silent auctions, gifts, and craft fairs are always good ideas too.
I am working hopefully on selling them and many other handmade items. And they will not be at cheap prices! Tring to get it started online, but hope to have a regular store with lots of them on display for sale!
Maybe you could sell them on ebay.
If not, I would just get a large box or rubbermaid storage bin (quite large) and keep them all in there.
If you have way too many patterns, keep the ones you think are best and give the rest away to charity or a thrift store.
I’m not sure if this is possible, but you could make one large quilt out of cross stitched patterns. That would be kind of neat if it worked out.
Best of luck!
References :
Selling them at a craft show is a good idea. Personally, I am always disappointed to see how low cross stitched items are priced. They take a lot of time and patience to stitch. Another place you may want to look into is craft stores that sell cross stitch supplies. I’ve seen hand made work for sale in some of those. Good luck!
References :
Personal experience
If the piece is large enough you can make it into an accent pillow. Also cross stitch can be used to accent bed linens. White on white would make a lovely wedding gift or to accent a purchased or hand made baby gift.
If you are interested in trying to sell your work you might try Etsy.com
References :
One thing you could do is donate some of your work to charity. There are some great ones out there.
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/reachingout/tp/Cross-Stitch-Charities.htm
References :
http://crossstitch.about.com
You could donate them to hospitals, or even retirement homes. Older folks have a great appreciation for crafts, and if you can donate some time also, they’ll love that.
You could take them to a consignment shop.
If someone enjoys them, I don’t think that you would be burdening them. If they love you, and your work, then they will enjoy your crafty gifts!
References :
Crafty crafter.