The beginnings of a blog

Cross Stitching is something that I had only ever done as a small child.

 I would try a tiny pattern of a frog, bee or star and then after five or so stitches lose patience and go find a colouring book.

 It was only when I turned 13 and started taking saxophone classes that my love for cross stitch developed. My music teacher conducted lessons from her house. I loved that house. It was filled with hundreds of magnificent finished cross stitches. Fantastical designs of elegant ladies, cuddly teddy bears and African wildlife immediately captured my imagination. How could anyone finish such huge patterns?

Having never really been a huge fan of learning to play the saxophone I  purposely set out to distract my teacher into showing me different cross stitching tricks. Eventually I picked up another small pattern of a duck but my short attention span failed me once again. I liked looking at different cross stitch patterns and learning techniques but I didn't actually want to put in the time and effort to create my own.

It was only in my third year of University studying journalism and peace and conflict studies that I decided to take the plunge and buy a large cross stitch kit.

This was 'Dawn' designed by Lesley Teare for Bothy Threads. 

Having spent most of my teenage years admiring stunning cross stitch patterns, it was completely and utterly exciting to have my very first 'non-child beginner' kit. 

I loved the design and found myself being able to do long hours of stitching. However the pressure of exams, a part time job at a bakery, social events, a new boyfriend and a semester exchange in Ireland meant that once again cross stitching was put on the back burner.

After graduating with my two undergrad degrees I decided to take a couple of months to myself - I had been studying at university for five years full time as well as working part time and doing four high intensity internships. 

Cleaning out my room I discovered my cross stitch box and after taking out 'Dawn' again I immediately found my way back into cross stitching.

I now find myself reading cross stitching blogs and seeing all the fantastic stitchers and their WIPs and finished pieces has inspired me to write my own. 

I hope to post another entry talking about my experiences with 'Dawn' and my planned stitches for the upcoming year. 


xx Liv