Silhouette Cross Stitch on Stretched Canvas
Today, I’m sharing a silhouette cross stitch on stretched canvas art as we team up with some of our favorite bloggers as part of the Spring Nesting Blog Hop.
A special thank you to Cecilia of My Thrift Store Addiction for hosting this event!
If you’re coming over from Cecilia’s blog, welcome, we’re glad you’re here!
The minute she asked me to be part of this blog hop and to share how we’ve all been nesting or feathering our nest during the pandemic with spring home and garden decor, recipe, or DIY projects, I immediately thought of this silhouette cross stitch on stretched canvas art.
While our safer at home orders have not always been easy, I’m not going to lie, I’ve been so thankful for the extra time at home. Don’t get me wrong, we’re still working a lot.
But the slower pace couldn’t have come at a better time.
Creating During a Pandemic
Early on, my family and I all chose projects to work on to help pass the days and to mark the occasion in addition to service oriented projects.
I should insert here we’re creating a 2020 time capsule and these projects have no rhyme or reason, which seems natural given our ages range from 4-70.
In random order they were:
- Run a 5K
- Make a rubber band ball
- Paint the downstairs
- Create window art
- Learn a back handspring
- Bake bread
- Follow a Pat McGrath eye shadow video from start to finish
- Build a supercomputer
One thing I’ve always wanted to learn but have been putting off is embroidery and cross stitching. I don’t know why but all those delicate threads seem intimidating.
My Mom made lots of beautiful cross-stitch creations while we were growing up and my late grandmother made more needlepointed ornaments than I can count.
Even now, we’re constantly looking for vintage and antique textiles on the treasure trail. It’s been so much fun to see a rebirth of art forms that at one time seemed almost forgotten since people are staying at home more.
Silhouette Cross Stitch on Stretched Canvas Art Kit
My main goal is to learn how to cross stitch the letters A & M using Miss Mustard Seed’s cross stitch pattern on a lumbar pillow. And then I’d love to learn how to embroider some flowers on a pillowcase.
There are thousands of beginner cross stitch and embroidery kits online and even in big box stores too. Not to mention all the YouTube videos that are available as well. That’s the good news, there’s plenty to choose from.
I knew I wanted to start out with something SUPER basic. It took a bit of searching but as soon as I found this silhouette cross stitch on stretched canvas kit, I knew it would be a great place to start.
This kit was nice because the instructions were straightforward, everything I needed to complete this project was included in the kit, the pattern was already marked and the stretched canvas was sturdy enough to be able to hold and stitch at the same time – no hoop needed.
Even with the super easy instructions, it took me a while to get into the grove. I wanted to cross all the X’s immediately as opposed to working down one side and up the other.
I’m too embarrassed to even show you the back of this silhouette cross stitch on stretched canvas project but let’s just say you can see the difference in the stiches immediately ?
It took two weekends to complete this project because I was only able to work on it here and there as I had time.
Finding Time to Be Creative
One the thing I never expected was for the ritual of grabbing a cup of tea, threading the needle and getting to work on the canvas after a long day would feel so relaxing.
It’s been a week since I finished this canvas and I miss it already. I definitely need to find a proper frame for it too.
While this piece won’t be entered into the county fair or anything I’m excited to move onto phase 2 of my cross stitching journey, DIY Cross Stitch Embroidery using waste canvas.
I have all the materials save for the fabric which I’m hoping to pick up now that the stores are slowly opening up again. We’ve been working on the master bedroom refresh and a few living room projects, so it will be a fun distraction from all the painting.
Navigating a New Normal
When we first started our safer at home orders, I’ll confess, I couldn’t wait to get back to the way things were.
Navigating a new normal seemed scary and overwhelming. Afterall the life we had B.C (before COVID) for the most part was a good one. I realize now though this time has been an invitation for all of us to slow down and take stock of what’s really important.
It’s given us a chance to appreciate the big things and the little things too.
A chance to tell the people who work to make our lives easier and safer that we appreciate them, to get to know our neighbors better, to treasure the time we’ve spent with family and friends, to find creative ways to stay connected, to reach out in ways we haven’t had reach out before, to appreciate our food supply and how being able to buy enough eggs for a week and a cake was always a blessing even if we didn’t vocalize it.
It’s also given us an opportunity to ask ourselves, “What are we waiting for?” Especially, where taking a chance on a dream, learning a new skill, sharing a talent or being creative is concerned.
I hope you’ll give yourself a chance to start something you’ve been putting off for way too long. Afterall, you’ll never know how broad a brush stroke you can create until you’re willing to dip your brush into the paint and try.
Spring Nesting Blog Hop
Up next on the Spring Nesting Blog Hop is my sweet friend Linda of Itsy Bits and Pieces!
Once you’re finished there, be sure to check out the rest of these fabulous and creative ladies…
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Coco, this is such a creative and charming idea! My daughters and I have exchanged cross-stitched gifts for years, so this is right up my alley! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
That is so sweet Cecilia! This is far from being gift-worthy but just the thought of being able to make something special for someone gives me the motivation to keep trying 🙂 Thank you for putting this blog hop together! It’s so much fun to be a part of such a creative and talented group. Hugs, CoCo
This is wonderful, CoCo! I’ve never seen cross stitch on canvas…how fun! We WILL look back at things we have done while we stayed home. 38 years ago I worked on a dinosaur cross stitch when I was pregnant and on bed rest. My son was born 2 months early, and I was so happy to have that piece to hang in his room. It reminded me of the time spent waiting for him and all the prayers. It now hangs in his own sons’room.
Oh my gosh, Linda, that is so sweet! My Mom made a Christmas pillow with a drum on it years ago that I would LOVE to have back now. We’ve moved so many times as a military family it was lost so I know what I treasure it is to have your dinosaur art hanging in your son and grandsons room. Sending you hugs for a happy week, CoCo
How wonderful that you learned how to cross stitch! Your project came out beautiful and is such a pretty piece to display in your home. Your whole post inspired me as well. Sometimes I get so caught up worrying but should use this given time to slow down and appreciate what is important. We should all be learning something new and enjoying the slower pace. Thanks for inspiring me and it was great to hop with you again.
Stay well,
Shelley
Such sweet and thoughtful words, Shelley, thank you! In the beginning, I really struggled with motivation despite having a long list of things I wanted to accomplish. But the minute I gave myself the grace to slow down and enjoy the gift of a new normal everything changed. It hasn’t always been easy but it really has been a special time. Hope your family is all safe and well, hugs, CoCo
CoCo, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this slower lane of life and trying out some things you’ve been wanting to. I totally agree with your thoughts and am happy a lot of families have had time to slow down and reflect on what’s really important. I love embroidery; learned it from my Grandma when I was a kiddo and always love when I can add a little embellishment to something. My daughter’s been doing quite a bit of it in this slower time, too! Crossstitch is a great place to start, but definitely graduate to vines, leaves and flowers; they’re so fun!
This makes me so excited to hear, Lora, thank you! I was so nervous to even share this project because I thought it might be too simple but there are SO MANY different projects for beginner level needlepoint I knew I had to start the most basic thing possible. I’m excited to keep trying and graduate to flowers and vines too. Embroidering a pillowcase feels like trying to build a house from scratch at this point ha ha but I’m excited to keep going. THank you for the encouragement! Hope your week is a happy one, hugs, CoCo
Good Morning Coco,
So lovely to share in this sweet and inspiring blog hop with you.
I adore cross stitch and have worked on a few projects throughout the years. My Mother and Grandmother’s were avid stitch wizards.
This is a beautiful piece that you have chosen to do.
I really respect how you are making this time count, I too am trying to the same,
xoxoxo
Jemma
Thanks so much, Jemma! I’ve been excited to learn “all things stitch” lately. Thankful there are a lot of videos and extra information out there for the times I get stuck 🙂 I know being able to learn from your Mother and Grandmother must have been such a treasure. Hope you and your family are well and you have a fabulous week! Hugs, CoCo
Looks awesome!! Great job
I really appreciate it, Lili, thank you! Christmas is coming – get ready 🙂 Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
How great for you, Coco, that you’ve tackled this project! Glad you found it soothing, I always have. I’ve done more than a few cross-stitch projects over the years and actually enjoy designing them as well (nothing too complicated, of course!). I actually designed and stitched monogram hand towels years ago after I got married. Love your musings on this stay at home time for all of us. We really do need to recognize that this can actually be a time for change, for the good:) Keep stitchin, the sky’s the limit! xo Kathleen
That is so exciting to hear, Kathleen! I bet your monogrammed towels are gorgeous. I would monogram everything if I could ha ha. It’s been a while since I’ve tried to stitch anything so it’s been fun to get back on the horse so to speak. I have TONS to learn but I’m having a great time and I appreciate your encouragement too! Hope your week is fabulous, hugs, CoCo
CoCo once again you have inspired me with your creative and beautiful idea. Yours turned out simple yet pretty! My mother cross stitched when I was young. I still have a few of her pieces and so does she. I love the idea of trying something new and you made it sound relaxing and fun. Thanks for the inspiration.
You’re so sweet, Kelly, thank you! I was SO CLOSE to not even sharing this post but I figured there was probably someone else out there that wanted to get started but wasn’t exactly sure how to even thread a needle much less stitch 🙂 It’s exciting to hear you and your Mom have her cross stitch pieces, I know they are such a treasure! Hope you guys are all safe and well, big hugs, CoCo
CoCo – We are so surprised that you have never cross-stitched or embroidered. It seems as if you are a pro at these. We too have loved doing both of these crafts for years…and also have a couple of near-and-dear vintage pieces. Our stay-in-place has been such a special time for each of us in our own ways. No driving in traffic for 3 hours a day, taking online cooking classes, doing a paint-by-number kit, cooking new-to-us international recipes and more. Enjoy your time – and can’t wait to see your embroidery project!
Much Love, Vicki and Jenn
CoCo,
I learned to embroider in a college class called Contemporary Art which fulfilled my required art course for my degree plan. Over the years, I’ve cross stitched several things, including a collection of small Christmas ornaments. For years we handmade Christmas ornaments for all of our brothers, sisters, and parents. Memories of great times!
Your family plans for creating memories during this unique time in our lives sounds wonderful. The time capsule will be such a fun project both now and when you all open it in the future.
Stay well,
Judith
I loved your cross stitch. It turned out so beautiful! I can’t wait to see Phase 2!!
Thank you, Heidi! As a recovering perfectionist, I’m a little nervous but still excited to try! Hugs, CoCo
Wow, I absolutely love that silhouette canvas – it’s so beautiful! Thanks for sharing this!
Thank so much! It’s super easy too, especially if you’re a beginner 🙂 Hope your week is a happy one, CoCo
Hi Coco,
I love that you took a step and tried your hand at cross stitch. My mom was a huge embroidery fan and was quite talented. You did a great job!
Love tge time capsule idea. I think it’s great that many are realizing this time of slowing down and enjoying your family is a gift. My hope is when we get normalcy back it won’t be forgotten.
I believe we need these moments and connections in life.
Cindy
Speak to my heart, Cindy, I feel the same way. There are definitely parts of how things used to be that I hope we never go back to. Being able to slow down has been such a gift. I’m excited to hear your Mom loved embroidery. I’m a little nervous about “messing up” but I’m hoping most anything can be fixed 🙂 Hopefully, it will be a lifelong love like it was for your Mom. Hope you’re having a happy week, CoCo
This is beautiful! I love the simplicity of it. I used to cross-stitch years ago and after reading this I realized how much I miss it. I need to get another kit sometime soon.
Thank you, Michelle! It has been years since I’ve picked it up either. Truthfully, I felt like I was starting all over again but I’m excited to keep practicing now. Can’t wait to see what you make when you try it again too. Hugs, CoCo