Cross Stitch Project: A Budget-Friendly Gift
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Cross Stitch Project: A Budget-Friendly Gift
Cross Stitch Project
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gift, then a cross stitch project might be just what you need.
I had been thinking for awhile that I needed a project. I wanted to do something creative, something crafty–something besides looking at my phone.
Many years ago, I had done some cross stitch and really enjoyed it. I have lots of embroidery floss in a rainbow of colors that have just been sitting in a basket. Cross stitch seemed the perfect endeavor to get started on.
There were still a couple things I needed, though.
A Pattern
First, I needed a pattern. I had no idea what kind of design I wanted, but what I did know is that there are lots of free patterns out there on the Internet. And I didn’t want to pay for a kit when I already had tons of floss.
Also, I really wanted to find a design that had a purpose, not something that would sit in my basket with all that floss. What’s the point in that, right?
So I did some searching. I came across the DMC website that has dozens of free patterns. For my project, I found a pretty moth pattern in oranges, browns, and black. Perfect!
I printed that puppy out lickety split (and I suggest you print patterns in color).
The best part is that it’s perfect for my daughter’s room. She already has a print of butterflies in the same colors and an orange-y, old, but very retro cool, hanging lamp saved from her grandma’s house. With her hip, mid-century modern aesthetic, it was ideal.
Some Floss
While the pattern was printing, I checked my email. I had just gotten a notification from my local Facebook group, Buy Nothing, (click the link to find out about this great project and to see if you have a group in your area). Buy Nothing is a way to share unwanted items with local neighbors, i.e., free. You can give a new life to things and keep them out of the landfill.
A colleague of mine told me about this group, and this was the first time something came up that I wanted/needed. Someone was giving away some embroidery floss and some related items. It was like divine intervention!
I replied right away, and the woman was keen to have it picked up immediately. I went down the road to meet her at the local grocery store (a public place, of course!), and she gave me a small box of embroidery floss, hoops, and crewel yarn (maybe my next project?).
I was able to use some of the floss that I had from before and some that I had gotten through Buy Nothing.
Although a couple of the colors weren’t “exactly” as called for in the pattern, they were close enough. I ended up only needing to buy two skeins of floss. Total price: $1.12.
Some Aida Cloth
Next, I needed some Aida cloth–you know, that stiff cotton cloth with all the squares on it. Recently while shopping at my favorite consignment/thrift store, Village Merchants, I found a 14-count sheet for $1.00. Done!
I was able to start cross stitching right away, which is so important when the craft bug has bitten.
A Frame
I needed a frame for the finished project, so I bought one at Goodwill for $1.99 that I just love. Thrifting is a great way to get frames. There are always a lot of choices, and they are generally in good shape for a fraction of the cost. Besides, it’s a great way to reuse.
The frame I bought is oval, it’s heavy, and it’s gold. When I bought it, I wasn’t sure about the size. Truth be told, I would’ve liked it to be just a little bigger, but it works, and my daughter liked it. She was with me when I bought it, but she didn’t know what it was for. Sneaky, huh?
Time
My project took maybe 10 days to finish, if that. Best of all, my daughter loves it, and it looks just lovely in her room. Mission accomplished!
Now I just need to figure out what my next project will be…
If you’re interested in another very useful and eco-friendly project, check out my post about how to make wool dryer balls.
Until next time…
Don’t forget to pin for later!
Congrats for getting back into cross stitching. The moth looks great, would never know that some of the colours weren’t the exact colours. But that’s what makes it your own
Thanks, Stephanie! I had a lot of fun doing it. 🙂