Hello there, stitching enthusiasts! As we bid farewell to the festive cheer of Christmas and usher in the fresh beginnings of 2024, it’s the perfect moment to ponder over our cross stitch resolutions. It’s a splendid time to reflect, plan, and set goals for our beloved hobby. In this blog, we’ll explore various resolutions that you can adopt to enhance your stitching journey this year. So, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and let’s delve into the world of threads and patterns with renewed vigour!

Tidying Up the Stitching Space

The saying goes, “a tidy space, a tidy mind,” and it couldn’t be truer for our crafting areas. The start of the year is ideal for decluttering and organising your stitching space. Dedicate time to sort through your threads, needles, patterns, and fabrics. This may mean investing in storage solutions that not only tidy your space but also make it a joy to stitch in. Remember, an organised space can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity.

Learning New Techniques

Each year brings a wonderful opportunity to expand our stitching repertoire. Whether it’s mastering the French knot, trying out blackwork, or delving into the realms of three-dimensional stitching, there’s always something new to learn in cross stitch. You could enrol in a local workshop, join an online class, or simply follow tutorials available on YouTube. Also, document your learning journey in a blog or social media – it’s not only rewarding but also a great way to connect with fellow stitchers, or if that’s not your thing, then simply write it down in a journal or diary for your own reference.

Finishing Uncompleted Projects

We all have those projects that have been sitting in the drawer for ages – WIPs that seem to multiply when left! Make 2024 the year you finally finish them! Set realistic goals and dedicate time each week to work on these projects. Don’t feel bad if you have completely lost the love of a piece, there is no point in forcing yourself to complete something that you no longer enjoy – this will cause you to fall out of love with your hobby : not good. So, instead consider offering it as a started WIP for someone else to sew, if not, use the cloth for something else, that way, it is no longer sat in the drawer, cupboard, craft bag etc “glaring” at you each time you get something else out! The satisfaction of completing them is immensely gratifying, and it clears the way for exciting new projects.

Stitching for Charity

Cross stitch can be a wonderful way to contribute to charitable causes. Consider dedicating a project for a charity auction, or join a group that stitches for those in need. It’s a heart-warming way to use your skills for a greater good. Social media is a great way to find out about these events and stitch-alongs in your area (I have put a couple of charity links in the references below for ideas and try #stitchalong in Facebook)

Joining a Stitching Group

Stitching can be a solitary activity, that is why many of us partake in this hobby – to get away from it all – but it doesn’t have to be. Joining a stitching group can be incredibly fulfilling and great for social wellbeing. It’s a chance to meet like-minded individuals, share tips and tricks, and get inspired. Look for local groups in your area or join online communities. Stitching along with others can be a fantastic way to stay motivated.

Setting a Stitching Challenge

Why not set yourself a stitching challenge? It could be as simple as completing a certain number of projects, trying a different pattern each month, or stitching for a set amount of time each day. Challenges can be a fun way to push your boundaries and achieve something remarkable by the year’s end, but never berate yourself if you miss a challenge – look forward to the next one.

Mindful Stitching

In the hustle and bustle of life, stitching can be a serene escape. Practise mindful stitching by being fully present in the moment, pay full attention to the rhythm of the needle and thread, the texture of the fabric, and the array of colours. It can be a meditative and stress-relieving experience, as it not only allows you time to ‘be’, you get something at the end. Also, sharing your knowledge can provide a sense of achievement, wellbeing and give a lift to others. You don’t have to be a master stitcher to offer to teach beginners in your community or start a group so that like minded sewers of all types can get together and chat. Sharing your passion can be incredibly rewarding and helps to keep the craft alive and thriving.

Experimenting with New Materials

Be adventurous with your choice of materials. Try stitching on different types of fabric, or experiment with varied threads – perhaps some metallic or variegated threads to add a new dimension to your work. The results can be surprisingly refreshing! Here are some new-to-me ideas that have made it to me 2024 shortlist :

1. Glow-in-the-Dark Thread: This thread absorbs light and then glows in the dark. It’s perfect for adding special effects to your cross-stitch projects, like stars in a night sky or ghostly figures in a Halloween-themed piece.
2. Hand-Dyed Fabrics: These fabrics are unique because they are dyed by hand, creating one-of-a-kind color variations and patterns. They can range from subtle watercolor effects to bold, variegated patterns, adding a special background to any cross-stitch project.
3. Metallic Threads: Metallic threads, made from actual metal or synthetic fibers that mimic metal, add a shiny, reflective quality to your stitching. They can be a bit tricky to work with but are perfect for adding sparkle and glamour to designs.
4. Silk Gauze: This is a very fine, delicate fabric often used for petit point and miniature work in cross-stitch. Stitching on silk gauze requires precision but results in incredibly detailed and elegant pieces.

Each of these materials or threads can add a unique touch to your cross-stitching, whether it’s a subtle glow, a splash of unexpected colour, a hint of sparkle, or a refined, detailed finish. They can be found in specialty craft stores or online needlework supply shops.

Documenting Your Stitching Journey

Keep a journal or a digital record of your projects. It’s wonderful to look back over the year and see all that you’ve achieved. Plus, it serves as a great source of inspiration for future projects.

Supporting Small Businesses

Consider sourcing your materials from local or small cross-stitch businesses. It’s a great way to discover unique patterns and threads while supporting the crafting community.

Attending a Cross Stitch Fair

If you’ve never been to a cross-stitch fair, make 2024 the year you do. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet designers, see new trends, and stock up on supplies. Plus, it’s a great day out for any stitching enthusiast!

Finally, don’t forget to stitch something for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in stitching for others, but creating something that brings you personal joy is equally important.

As we venture into 2024, let’s make it a year of relaxation, growth, community, and creativity in our stitching endeavours.

References

• Lord Libidan. How To Organize Your Cross Stitch Patterns. lordlibidan.com/how-to-organize-your-cross-stitch-patterns
• House of Mahalo. houseofmahalo.com/cross-stitch-organisation-ideas/
• Dragoneye Creative Ltd. dragoneyecreative.com/advice/stitches-of-serenity-embracing-mindfulness-through-cross-stitch/
• Patterns Patch. www.patternspatch.com/how-to/cross-stitch-storage/
• Charity Cross Stitch group – examples: heartresearch.org.uk/stitch/ www.worldofcharitystitching.org/