Challenge Yourself with a Cross-Stitch Kit

I have to be honest; I tend to stick with really easy cross-stitch patterns when I am stitching myself. I know that I can do bigger and more complex projects but I just don’t push myself to do them often.

When Rachel from Leila Patterns asked me if I wanted to review one of her kits I was super excited.

And that was months ago (sorry Rachel!) and I’ve barely started the gorgeous butterfly cross stitch kit that she sent me.

Mostly because I messed it up and haven’t had the strength to rip it out and start over.

I will definitely work on it and for-real review it soon, but in the meantime I wanted to suggest that if you need a push to do a bigger cross-stitch project, there are a lot of great kits out there where you can get all the supplies you need in one shot. That takes out some of the intimidation factor because you don’t have to go buy 20 skeins of thread just to get started.

I love her designs (see all her kits on her etsy page) and I’ll bet some more of these will end up in my house once I finish this one. As you can see from the picture her kits come with everything you need and a full-color pattern chart.

Do you have a favorite designer or kit maker? I’d love to know about them!

Looking for more Butterfly themed cross stitch patterns and charts? Check out these butterflies we found on Etsy.

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish yourself as a cross stitch designer. Most designers do holiday designs, they often do florals, have text designs that are a little snarky. But if you can find a niche you love and people can come to know you for it, that’s a great strategy.

I don’t know if the designer behind Living on the Rainbow originally set out to do really cool three dimensional cross stitch patterns, but that’s a lot of what’s available in their shop and I think it’s super fun.

There is, for example, a whole set of Christmas village patterns that are assembled in a circle and topped with fabric that makes them look sort of like carousels. There are three dimensional mushroom houses, tiny stitched books, and spring themed designs including 3D eggs, teapots and bird houses.

Some of my favorites are the tiny campers, like this Gothic caravan that looks like something Beetlejuice himself would ride around in. The cross stitch portion features Gothic windows on the sides and back, a striped top and vampire fangs on the front. It’s finished with button wheels, bats and bat wings in the photos, but you can add whatever accessories you like to bring your caravan to life.

It’s shown on 18 count fabric and comes out to about 1.8 by 2 inches, or 4.5 by 5.5 cm. It’s stitched in three pieces that are assembled and stuffed, and the pattern includes instructions for how to do that. It’s meant to be a pincushion but would be delightful as an ornament as well.

There are also designs that are assembled as cubes, some of which are seasonal while others have themes like different crafts. There’s also a stunning section of Alice in Wonderland patterns you’ll want to check out.

In addition to the dimensional designs, there are some more conventional Halloween patterns, a series of mini ghosts, Christmas themed patterns that look like envelopes, and a few Christmas patterns, too.

Do yourself a favor and go check out Living on the Rainbow. Even if you never stitch any of the projects (though I’d love to know if you do!) they’re sure to make you smile.

[Photo: Living on the Rainbow]

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