Solvang, CA
I am an avid cross-stitcher. When I can find time, that is. I love creating art with needle and thread. My best friend in high school is the one who got me hooked. She and I both worked in a little California tourist town called Solvang one summer, and we found part-time jobs in needlework stores. I might have been forced to wear a peasant blouse and a red Danish corset covered in flowers, but I found a hobby there that has given me years of enjoyment.
Needlework is an art form that has been around since ancient times. There are many different types of stitches, but cross-stitch is my personal favorite. It is simple in that the needleworker makes tiny Xs with her thread, usually on linen or some other fabric with an even weave. The tiny holes in the woven fabric serve as a grid for the stitcher to place her design, much like tiles in a mosaic. Others would work on silk, using only their artistic eye to keep the design straight and stitches even. My artistic eye is not nearly keen enough for that. I definitely need a grid.
Photo Credit: KBSamplers via Compfight cc
The earliest cross-stitch pattern books appeared in Germany and France in the 1500’s. But it would be many years before pattern books became readily available. Women would stitch samples of their favorite stitches or patterns on long strips of narrow cloth creating a “sampler” to refer to when they wished to create a design, usually as an embellishment for clothing, table linens, or pillow cases. These samplers were not intended for display. They were usually rolled up and stored in a drawer, and often handed down from mother to daughter. In the 1700’s, educating women became more accepted, and mothers often taught their daughters two skills at once by having them reproduce numbers and letters in cross-stitch upon their samplers.
Gradually, patterns became more detailed. A shift could be seen from the two-dimensional designs of the samplers, to three-dimensional landscapes with shading and depth just like in paintings. Not only were these works hung on walls, but they were used to upholster chairs, footstools, and coin purses. The advancing art of dying allowed more variation in thread color, and by the 19th century, cross-stitch had become a passion.
With the advent of embroidery machines, however, needlework fell into a decline. Since women could buy embroidered clothing and linens at much cheaper prices, cross-stitch once again became simply a leisure activity. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that counted cross-stitch regained it popularity. This time the emphasis was on decorative stitches with metallic or beaded embellishments.
I usually try to complete at least one large cross-stitch project a year. In 2010, I completed one that is not a sampler, but it harkens back to that time with it’s two-dimensional design and simple lines. The Noah’s Ark that you see below on the left. In 2012, I finished a pattern called Celtic Christmas. While it’s design features a woman from hundreds of years ago, the pattern itself utilizes the modern embellishments of metallic thread and extensive beading. The simple cameos in the header were given as gifts to my editors this past Christmas. I hope this art form continues to grow and flourish for centuries to come while always remembering its past.
- So are any of you cross-stitchers? Maybe you’re a quilter or some other form of needleworker. Or maybe you love to scrapbook or arrange flowers. What is your favorite hobby, and why do you love it?
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Loved this post, Karen – – and your needlework is BEAUTIFUL!! Wow, I’m really impressed you were able to complete those projects with all you have to do—whew!
I love, love, love needlepoint. 🙂 I began doing that as a teen (although my very first needlepoint project was a black cat, stitched when I was 9—I’ve always loved black cats!). Presently I’m working on a sunflower, and before that did several lighthouses.
Thanks for sharing this fun post with us, and also sharing another of your talents—you are amazing! 🙂
Needlepoint! Awesome, Patti Jo. We are sisters of the thread! LOL. Somehow I knew you would have stitched cats. I’ve never broken down and bought it, but there is a gorgeous cross-stitch pattern of a cat napping among a shelf of old, leather-bound books. I love that pattern! Books, cats, naps – some of my favorite things! Maybe one of these days I’ll get it. 🙂
I enjoyed your post, Karen. I like to see other peoples crafts.
When I was a little girl I learned to embroider, but sadly I didn’t keep up with it, maybe someday I’ll be able to relearn to embroider again. although, I do have other hobbies that I enjoy now…knitting, crocheting, reading, making jewelry, cooking/baking and photography.
Sounds like you are plenty crafty, Tammy. My grandmother tried to teach me to crochet, but I failed miserably. Kept dropping my stitches. I can remember using one of those little circular knitting machines as a kid to make Barbie dresses. I think I sewed some thin tubes together to make pot holders one year for Christmas gifts. Ha! That’s the extent of my knitting experience.
Beautiful work, Karen! I also do counted cross-stitched. Learned years ago from my momma, who used to do it in her spare time. She now teaches, so no spare time for her! I’ve done projects off and on through the years, and always for other people! But I ended up burning myself out on it…and picked up sewing 🙂 I decided to work on a baby blanket while pregnant with Connor. Took a picture of the first square and sent it to a friend who was also pregnant. She LOVED the elephant, so from that moment on, the blanket was for her. Let me tell you, it was a HUGE project. Each square took 1-2 weeks, depending on how much time I devoted to it. If it took 1 week, I literally would work on it for at least 5-6 hours a day! FINALLY finished it with about 3 weeks to spare before Connor came! Since then, I’ve not picked anything up…I wonder why! 🙂
I love the Celtic Christmas cross-stitch. If I remember correctly, I think our next door neighbor did that one as well. It is hanging up right at the front door and it is even more beautiful in person!
A fellow cross-stitcher! Hooray! 🙂 The large projects are very time consuming, and when I’m on deadline, they get shoved aside and forgotten for months at a time. I just recently picked my needle back up again. I hadn’t stitched anything since Christmas. If feels good to have it back in my hand, though. I’m teaching my daughter how to stitch as well. She’s done several small projects and enjoys making bookmarks for her friends.
That baby quilt was an incredible labor of love. You have such a generous spirit to give it to your friend. I’ve made smaller gifts for many of my family and friends, but I’m ashamed to say, I’ve kept all my larger projects for myself. They decorate my house, especially at Christmas time. When my kids grow up and start families of their own, I’m sure I’ll start stitching for them.
I started cross stitching as a teenager, and have done it off and on throughout the years. More off than on=) I really don’t find the time for it. I did finish two small Christmas samplers for my Mom over the last two Christmas seasons. Barely got that second one finished so she could get it framed in time to hang it on the wall before Christmas…
I’m glad you’re keeping up with is, Patty. Even an occasional “on” is better than “off” all the time. 🙂 I usually stitch the most while we’re watching TV in the evenings. Especially during baseball season. I’m not as big of a fan as my hubby, but I enjoy sitting next to him during a game and stitching while he cheers on the team. 🙂
What beautiful stitchery! I love cross stitch, though with advancing middle age it is getting harder to see to stitch. I have to use my reading glasses plus one of those magnifiers that hangs around the neck. I was first inspired to some degree by the Little House on the Prairie books, where the girls were supposed to make samplers. My first large piece was a sampler. Some of my favorite pieces now are Paula Vaughan designs. I like to work on stitching while watching TV with my husband in the evenings. Once I’ve started on a project, I’m pretty motivated to keep at it til it is finished, but if I have to take a break for a while, it is hard for me to pick it back up again sometimes.
I also like making cards out of scrapbooking supplies, though I haven’t done quite as much of that.
I love Paula Vaughan’s designs, Barbara! They are so classically old fashioned and homey. I think I have a couple of her patterns with quilts and porch swings. So pretty! I stitch while my hubby and I watch TV, too. It’s a great way to wind down. after a busy day. My sister-in-law is a stitcher, too, and we love to get together over holidays and compare projects. So fun!
I love your post your needle work is beautiful. When I was in 7th grade my 7th grade teacher taught me how to cross stitch and embroidered and I have been doing it every since. Sometimes I like to make my own patterns.I make some to put around my house and look at. I also make them and give them for gifts. Right now I am working on a cross stitch theme for a ladies day out day I am going to have and Invite ladies from my church. I also do water color painting and oil paintings and pen and ink. I make home made cards.
How artistic you are, Tara! Making your own patterns is impressive. I’ve altered designs slightly to add Bible verses to them or take a border from one to use for something else, but I’ve never done a full-on design from scratch. Once or twice I’ve been brave enough to switch colors out in order to match a room or a piece of clothing. I’m always so nervous that it won’t turn out right if I change something, but so far, everything has come out just fine. It is rather freeing to truly make a piece my own. I bet your painting experience comes in very handy with your designs.
Enjoyed your interesting post, Karen!!
Your needlework is absolutely beautiful – I can’t even imagine the time and detail involved in some of the larger pieces!! My sister-in-law is so gifted in needlework, can do all forms, and even made her four children’s wardrobes (including coats) when they were small. Needlework was never “my thing”, I ripped out so many stitches in Home Economics during my school days that what little desire and patience for needlework I had – evaporated (LOL)!!
I used to collect teddy bears, then dolls – loved the cuteness of the bears (also my security blanket as a child) and the facial expressions and beautiful costumes of the dolls. Have run out of space to put more of them, but still add to my over-running collections of Christian books, music, and DVD’s. I also used to love traveling and taking pictures of scenery along the way – mobility issues and seldom having anyone to travel with me have lessened my current opportunities to travel. I also have collections of angels and beautiful/unusual lights/candle holders etc. – have run out of space for them also, but occasionally find a beautiful light I can’t resist!!
Who can resist the cuteness of a teddy bear? I love that you still collect them, Bonnie. One of my favorite projects was when I cross-stitched my niece’s name and added elaborate teddy bears to the design who were playing dress up with big hats and pearls. It turned out so cute!
I collect angels, too. Not too many, but I have a lot that come out at Christmas. I’m glad you can fill your rooms with things that make you smile. 🙂
I used to do a lot of counted cross stitch, in recent years being busy got in the way and now my eyesight could cause it to be a challenge. I have been doing a little more knitting and crochet.
I still curl up in an afghan that my grandmother crocheted for me when I first got married. Kitting and crochet are such warm, fuzzy, crafts and they brings such a feeling of comfort to those who receive them. I’m glad you find time for that, MaryAnn.
I love your needlework. It is simply beautiful.
I am a quilter. I love to put the colors together and create something beautiful, even if I am the only one that thinks so. I see “quilting” stencils in may wall decorations, Christmas ornaments. I also picture quilt patterns and blocks and even finished quilts in tile floor designs. I have taken pictures of the floors of courthouses to recreate with fabric and of course, in more interesting colors. I have begun to knit and crochet. I like crocheting over knitting. I am a challenge to teach those crafts to, as I am backwards from most people. I am left-handed and I have difficulty turning certain things around in my mind so that it makes sense for me. A good example of this would be the crazy quilt class I took a few years ago with my nephew. We were learning the embroidery stitches to decorate our blocks. Some of those stitches were really hard to learn. Most teachers are right-handed and I just couldn’t turn the motions around. Also, I purchased books that showed the stitches with left-handed pictures. Those confused me more than the right-handed persons seated next to me. However, I will say that with perseverance I was able to turn those stitches around an finally get them right.
My friend, while I was recuperating from surgery, taught herself to knit left-handed so she could teach me. It was much easier that way. God has blessed me with friend. I am truly grateful to have met her. She is also a quilter, but she has taught so much more than quilting. I am truly blessed.
Hi, Dora. I love quilts! I’ve only ever done one and it was a simple log cabin pattern that I could piece with my sewing machine. I have an aunt by marriage who has won prize ribbons at the fair for her quilts. They are so beautiful! And they remind me so much of the historical stories I love to read and write.
I LOVE that you see pattern potential in everything around you. That is the mark of a true artist! My husband and daughter are both left handed, so I understand how some things are more complicated that way. Thankfully, with cross-stitching, it’s pretty much just stick the needle in the hole and pull the thread, so my daughter hasn’t had any trouble picking it up from her right-handed mama. 🙂
I am also an avid cross stitcher. And reader.
Wonderful! My two favorite past times!
I do some counted cross-stitch, but now that I’m older I do more crochet. Those little squares on the cross-stitch material seem to get small and smaller, LOL! I did a picture for my son of Isaiah 40:31. It was so elaborate that it took me several years to complete. I would work on it awhile and put it down for several months before going back to it. Finally gave it to him this past Christmas!
I bet he loved it, Gail! Did it have a soaring eagle in the design? I just love those majestic birds. And I know what you mean about the squares getting smaller as you get older. I am near-sighted and have gotten to the point where I actually have to take my glasses off to cross-stitch. I can see it better that way. Makes the TV fuzzy when I try to look up to watch, but I mostly just listen to it, anyway. I have a feeling bifocals aren’t far away.
Yes my cross-stitch had a soaring eagle with purple mountains in the background and lots of pine trees on the left side. Wish I could post a picture here. I’ve done lots of cross-stitch in my time but this was my proudest! I wore glasses all my life until a few years ago and I had crystal lens implants and now the ONLY time I wear glasses is when I cross-stitch! I can see to read up close and distance. 20/10 in my right eye and 20/40 in my left. Had to leave me slightly nearsighted in my left so I wouldn’t need reading glasses and I turn 60 in 2 days!
That’s awesome, Gail! I’ve thought about lasik, but I’ve never really followed through on it. I’ve never heard of crystal lens implants. Fascinating!
Crystal Lens implants are done mostly I think to those having cataract surgery. I had to pay out of pocket because I didn’t have cataracts, but it was worth every penny! Upside is I’ll never get cataracts! I did have a little LASIK done on my left eye after the implants because I was more nearsighted than I was comfortable being.
I loved your post. I also love your cross stitch!
I love seeing other people’s cross stitches.
I taught myself to cross stitch when I was a teen. I do counted cross stitch. I don’t do things by halves. My very first cross stitch was a heart of red roses, and inside the heart, I stitched 1 Corinthians 13 about love. As soon as I had finished it, (the person was sitting beside me at the time), I had somebody who wanted to buy it and make her another one in yellow. It’s the only one I have kept. All my other cross stitches have been given away as gifts. It’s just as well as we don’t have the wall space to have hung all of my stitcheries!
What a testimony to the quality of your work, Trish! I do counted cross-stitch exclusively, and I much prefer working on evenweave or linen to the stiffer aida cloth. Gives the project a more antique feel when you can’t really see the squares. I’ve even done a couple small projects with waste canvas so that I could stitch directly on regular fabric. I wish I had more time to devote to it. Guess I’ll just take what I can get. 🙂
I also am a writer and I love to cross stich as well! There is something just so relaxing about cross stitching and listening to books or music while doing so.
The history behind needlework is so fascinating! That’s amazing that is started all the way in the 1500s!
Hi, Rachel. We sound like two peas in a pod! I usually stitch while watching TV, but I’ve been known to stitch to an audio book. The problem is that I can lose all sense of time if I’m listening to a book. No tidy one-hour interruptions like you get with the TV. I can get so absorbed in both the book and the stitching that hours will go by without me even realizing it. If sleep wasn’t so important I wouldn’t so much. 🙂
I tend to obsess about a craft for a while and then move on to something else. Cross-stitching was one of my earlier hobbies – something I did a lot in my late teens but haven’t dabbled in much lately. I liked it a lot better than embroidery. I’ve also crocheted a lot and have always wanted to learn knitting but I need someone to teach me. My favorite crafty hobby is making little charms and sculpting unicorns out of polymer clay. I’ve been doing that for a few years now and really love it. I think this is the one craft that will stick with me (though I still dive back into previous crafts every now and then). The pictures of your beautiful cross-stitching are reminding me how much fun it can be. Maybe it’s time to break out my dmc floss and cross-stitch pattern books again! 😉
Maybe you can cross-stich a unicorn to serve as a background for all your little sculptures. They have some gorgeous fantasy patterns these days.
I’ve cross stitched all sorts of things from teddy bears to lighthouses, baskets of flowers to animals, bible verses to angels and all manner of things. At the moment, I’m stitching more roses for a friend’s birthday, the next birthday gift is a bicycle, (very appropriate for the recipient), and the next is a wedding stitchery. All for the members of the same family. Oh well, they’ll know they are loved!
Sounds like your fingers are constantly busy, Trish. I’m sure your gifts are treasured as the gifts of love they are. Such time and effort shows great caring.
I visited Solvang many years ago, and had a hard time narrowing down my choices to one project. I don’t do much cross-stitch any more. Few walls have any more room to hang my “masterpieces.”
I splurged and bought a design imported from Denmark back when I worked there. I still haven’t had the courage to work on it yet. I better not wait too long, though, or I’ll be too old and feeble to even make the attempt. Ha!
When I lived in Pasadena, I enjoyed going to Solvang and have fond memories of that little town. My roommate in college did counted cross-stitch and I thought she was crazy to do something that took so much counting and concentration (at the time I did needlepoint), but she finally convinced me to try it and I love it!
I haven’t been back to Solvang in years, Pat. I wonder if it’s changed much in the last few decades. I’m glad you’re roommate convinced you to give cross stitch a try. 🙂
I loved to cross-stitch as a teenager and remember always wanting an antique cross-stitch fire screen.
I also visited Solvang as a child.
How fun to meet another person who’s been to Solvang! Wouldn’t an antique fire screen be glorious, Janella? Although after putting in years of work on it, I’d probably be constantly fussing at people not to touch it. Ha!
I loved your post. I’m a crafter and a writer as well. I’ve done needle tatting, cross-stitch, knitting, crocheting, and more. Crochet is my favorite, but I also love cross-stitch as well. For Christmas one year, I crocheted my own grid and cross-stitched our family name on it and made a pillow out of it for my Mom. To me crafting is as relaxing as curling up with a good book. Of course that is when I can find the time between the kids, the job, and writing:0)
Wow! Crocheted a grid and cross-stitch on top of that. I’m impressed, Karen. 🙂 Too bad we can’t squeeze more/any leisure time into our crazy days.
Your projects are impressive, Karen. I’ve done many smaller counted cross-stitch projects, including Christmas ornaments and magnets. Unfortunately, my stitching is limited now due to arthritis. One of my favorite hobbies now is paper crafting cards. The majority of my free time is spent reading though.
I’m glad you’ve found another hobby to enjoy, Pam. There’s just a special feeling of accomplishment that comes from finishing a craft project. It helps me understand the satisfaction God must have felt after creating each piece of this marvelous world. It is good, indeed.
Karen, I’m not a cross-stitcher (my sister is) but I know that little town of Solvang. That is where one of my grandmother’s chose to live out the last years of her life, so I visited her there. What a charming town. It will have a place in my heart because of this grandmother, Margaret (to whom my debut novel Burning Sky is dedicated). This is the grandmother who saved the first story I ever wrote, and sent it back to me as an adult in my thirties, when she moved to Solvang. How fun to think of you working there! Your cross-stitch work is beautiful.
What a fun connection to Solvang, Lori. It is such a touristy place, I never thought much about the people who chose to live there. I hope your grandmother found contentment and things to enjoy while she resided there. She sounds like a wonderful woman and a deep inspiration to your writing career. What a blessing!
Beautiful Karen!! I have cross stitched for about 20 years, a roommate in college got me hooked. I also dabble in card making (rubber stamping), digital scrapbooking, and I am beginning to learn how to quilt — as if I needed another hobby:-) I like being creative, as I can see you do too. Thanks for sharing!!