Lifelong cross-stitcher here. You did great work for a beginner! To take it next level, go with patterns with smaller crosses (higher hole count per square inch in the fabric). I did a ton of baby samplers for birth presents and am working on Christmas stockings for my boys. Audio and cross stitch is the best!!
This is bringing back very fond memories of when I first tried embroidery and immediately became obsessed, bought loads of floss and hoops, and started designing my own embroideries.
I am an avid cross stitcher, I refer to the metallic floss as Satan’s pubes.😂 it’s the woooorst but absolutely beautiful end product. Still horrid to work with it hahah so happy you enjoy it! It’s such a fun hobby!
You saying ‘I’m not a puzzle girl’ made me realize that I should probably consider ‘puzzle girl’ as part of my identity 😂 cause that is quintessentially me
The towel looks so good! This is inspiring! I think when people were telling you to embroider a pillow, they didn’t understand how long that would take.
This is how I listen to audiobooks if I’m not driving! Cross stitching is so soothing to my A type brain. So repetitive and meticulous and it makes listening to an audiobook so much easier when I need something to do with my hands
I have used Excel spreadsheets and graph paper (you can get 1/8inch or Xstitch-specific), even dotted bujo notebooks to make patterns. I’m not very good at Photoshop like Kayla is! Sometimes, you just need the outline, like I am making an Oregon state map but each line of color is a temperature for the first year my partner lived here with me. Sometimes, you can look up or purchase patterns for Xstitch fonts and then draw out your own words/text, to see where it will fit. Sometimes, you can take different elements from old kits and patterns to combine into a new picture. I hope that makes sense.
It does take time to get to know what are the best materials to work with. I both do cross stitch and embroidery and have for some years. I am so glad it' finally becoming a trend, because now my friends are also interested in my hobby 😊 I have this giant cross stitch project going on and it has been a year and I think I'm 33 % done. But I just love how relaxing it is to do it, where I just have to count and not think, and I love how the picture is slowly coming together (I also love making puzzles 😂) It is so satisfying. When I do embroidery my projects are always much smaller, and it feels more creative and free. I particularly like when it becomes 3D. This Christmas I bought some small hoops and made Christmas-themed embroidery that I hanged on the tree. My point is it all depends on my mood because they satisfy on different levels 😊
This was fun to see you try cross stitch. If you tend to get knots, your thread might be too long, it should be around the length of your hand to your elbow. You can also frame the cactus in just a regular rectangular frame and just pin or lace it if it bugs you in the hoop. I fell down the Flosstube rabbit hole in 2021, and would definitely recommend for people to check out some videos by a variety of people if you're interested in cross stitch. Some of my favorite designers are the witchy stitcher and modern folk embroidery.
I got into cross-stitch a few years ago when I realized it was a great way for me to make things from my favorite fandoms. Also a magnet is a great place to put your needle when you aren't using it. I also found an awesome stand to hold my project for me while I work on it, which is really nice for bigger projects
there's no one thing that you "should" be doing, hobbies are for enjoyment so just do what is fun for you! if big projects and slowly seeing something come together isn't fun for you then keep doing smaller projects that you can get through quicker!! ❤️
I’m fifty this year and I’ve never had the patience for needle craft. For you to just pick it up and do it as easy as you did shows just how talented you are. I loved all your pieces and I would gladly have your mountains in my phone cover. Good job Kayla! You should be very proud of yourself 😀🥰
You can buy embroidery stands that will hold your hoop! You can slide it under your leg or have it on a table. It will make it so much easier to embroider French knots or other free hand embroidery stitches where you need both your hands. If you are thinking of trying out free hand embroidery It’s a nice thing to get. Just be aware that they sometimes come with a hoop, that you can’t change the size of. Try to find one where you can clasp on your own ☺️ I LOVE HOW YOUR CACTI TURNED OUT
I use a thread wax if I do embroidery/cross stitch. It's a little block of wax that you run the thread over and it coats it and stops it tangling as easily. I love the cute little bee and your hand towel, but I think the cactus is my favourite!
It was actually fun to watch you cross stitch while working on some crocheting project myself :) For me the cactus and monstera leaf were the best results but the towel also turned out perfect for your bath! Apart from trying out this new hobbies and sharing your thoughts with us, I also love how you show that it actually is time consuming, even if it may look simple or easy, but how rewarding it is in the end.
I often forget not everyone has my grandma and great-grandma to teach and introduce them to these kinds of crafts so it is fascinating to me to watch people discover it on their own. You did great well done. Thank you for these very interesting videos
This was cool, I love how you inspired your kid and your husband to get creative with you. Reminds me how sometimes my mum would surprise my sister and me with a new paint set / pencil tin after school when we were kids. She was never the type to make her own art, but she totally encouraged my sister and I to express ourselves creatively - all the best mums do!
I create bookmarks, both kits, and my own designs. Using all types of craft, cross-stitch, gems, stickers, watercolor. I always need bookmarks and it means I have a practical use for my crafts!!
A fun project you might try with Liam: When I was a kid I would do my own screen printing with embroidery hoops. It's super easy--you take like cheap panty hose and stretch them across an embroidery hoop. Then you will sketch whatever you want screen printed on the tshirt or fabric you're using onto the panty hose from the back of the hoop (so like the flat side is facing down if that makes sense). Then you'll take modge podge and paint it onto all of the negative space on the panty hose (so basically any space you don't want ink going through). Let that dry completely Then you can place your hoop flat side down onto your shirt (put something in Between the shirt so it doesn't bleed through) and sponge ink onto your stencil!! I always used India ink and then I'd let it dry completely and wash on its own the first time. But it was such a fun and creative way to do my own screen printing with very little expense. So I think it would be fun for you to do with Liam since he also seems really creative 🤗
To help prevent knots, you can use a thread conditioner. Your thread also might be too long. While shorter thread might seem like a pain because you may have to switch more often, it can cut down on the amount of tangles you have to deal with.
I love the fact that you are doing short projects because so often people get too intimidated to start at all if it seems too difficult. You are probably inspiring so many people to try new hobbies
Half way through this video I had to get up and go get my knitting project. I loved the towel that you did; it looks really good, especially for a first attempt at that sort of thing. Also, Rob and Liam getting involved is the cutest thing.
The peaches in the bathroom looks SOOOOO good along with the cactus one! Ive always wanted to do embroidery and this makes me want to do it even more AND even try cross stitch as well. You're doing such a good job! Also youre making me want to read the books as well! Really enjoying the video so far! :)
I started cross stitching a year ago about. Started with large projects so I haven't finished anything yet. But like having it as a craft I can choose to do because for me its mindless way to have fun and not have to think about what I am doing on the project if I decide to do a larger section thats all the same color and not having to switch back and forth between multiple colors.
I loved the bee the most. My mom taught my sister, brother, and I to cross stitch at a young age, 7 maybe, and I’ve always loved it. This is motivating to get back into it.
This series is so perfect for me. I am someone who likes the idea of making crafts and being creative, but when I actually sit down to do the dang thing I get so frustrated and quit. I also love audiobooks and listen to them whenever I can. Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you! 😏
All of the backs of your cross-stitching looks so impressive. When I tried it as a kid I just couldn’t care less about how the back looked and I’m pretty sure I’m still that same person. The idea that there is a “proper project size” just sounds wrong. Do what makes you happy. A hobby doesn’t need constraints.
Cross stitch is my only visually creative hobby, and I pretty much stick to patterns. I'm impressed with how far you took it in such a short time - making projects with the finished products. French knots aren't easy, and you seem to have picked them up very quickly! If you enjoy it and decide to continue, there are lots of ways you can advance. You can get fabric with smaller squares that makes the projects look less pixel-y, you can blend colors in one needle, use back stitch and long stitch, etc. It's a nice hobby that yields impressive results. But since I don't make projects out of mine, I basically have a basket full of completed (or mostly completed) projects! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
i've found cross stitching so calming, but it is especially because i am not great at drawing or most art. which means i can just follow a pattern and make something nice. immediately picking up 'A New Age of Empire'
Love those thread nippers ...magnet to find the needles..I was working outside, and lost large needle in the grass..didnt want anyone to find it in their foot🤣🤔
You using Photoshop to make the cactus pattern blew my mind! Definitely something I'll have to try! I tried using online tools as a teen to make my own patterns but they just weren't up to scratch 12 years ago... I loved this video so much! ❤ I definitely need to get back into cross stitching again. My faves were definitely the cactus and the bee! Hearing you talk about the metallic thread brought back some memories for sure 😂
My grandmother taught me to cross stitch when I was about 7. Pixel art translates perfect to cross stitch and graph paper is great for making your own designs. There are also programs out there to convert a picture to a cross stitch. Some of them will even give you the DMC numbers.
@@whitneyhendrix8075 I’ve never paid attention to the names. I just know they’re out there. I used one that was a font generator for a phrase I wanted to stitch up, but it was online and free and you just input the words and printed out the pattern.
This was fantastic for me because I can't read along with your vlogs but I did get out my embroidery and worked on that while watching. And now I know what to do when I'm watching people read and talk about reading instead of reading myself. 😁
I just started doing cross-stitch! And love it! I recommend you try diamond painting next if you think you might like it! Very similar to cross-stitch in certain ways but also very different! There are diamond painting kits at craft stores!
Cross stitch is definitely my favorite craft! 1- don't worry everyone hates metallic floss 2- the tension on your hoop is totally fine. Whatever works for you. A lot of people don't even use hoops 3- The beauty of cross stitch is that it can be as difficult or easy as ypu need it to be! Some charts include special stitches (not just x), some have over 100 colors in them. The sky is the limit!
I love cross stitching while I listen to audiobooks! There is software that will turn your art into cross stitch patterns. PC stitch is one of them. Also, you can buy fabric that has grids printed on it. You can wash it off when you are done. Definitely search youtube if you have questions. Flosstube is amazing!
I think embroidery is gorgeous, but it isn't my favorite for multi tasking. Cross stitch is so soothing to me. Its simple enough, that I can get lost in an audiobook. But at the same time, the further you go down the rabbit hole, the more complex and beautiful the pieces get. There are specialty stitches, beads, ribbons, and fancy floss. Flosstube had made me an xstitch addict
You can leave the finished pieces in the hoop, you can cut the aida cloth to fit a frame, and so much more. On making bigger pieces you just move the hoop based on the pages of the cross stitch pattern.if you keep loosing the needle magnetic needle minders help avoid that. Etsy is full of PDF patterns where you just have to buy the thread colors listed.
I love cross stitching, embroidery, crochet, jewel-art (like, you literally have a sheet that is sticky and you slowly stick fake jewels to it. Like a fancy color by numbers), all sorts of crafts. So I love seeing other people try it out, and the projects and ideas they come up with. I loved all of the designs but my favorites were definitely the phone case and the towel!! So cute!!!
How fun! My favorite crafty activity is crocheting. I’m going to be working on a baby blanket for my friend while I watch ☺️ I feel like kits for activities are great ways to learn new skills then you can branch out on your own
Love this!! Crochet is my usual audiobook activity. I have an embarrassing number of unfinished cross stitch projects and this video is giving me motivation to pick those up! 😊
I recommend you to try diamond painting. I don't know if diamond painting is enough creative for you but finished paintings are beautiful. Your cactus painting was one of my favorite paintings which you did in your previous video. I loved how you re-did the cactus painting in this video 🤩
I always knit (or crochet) when listening to audiobooks. Once you’re in the flow you can do it without thinking, and in the end you get a sweater, hat or scarf out of it ☺️
I've been waiting for this one ever since you uploaded the painting one!!! I do all kinds of fibre art crafts, and it's so fun to see someone go into so much detail about their learning process on a craft that you like 😊 It was honestly so cute when you said you didn't know if you're supposed to take the finished project off the hoop! You should definitely make the embroidery video it's own thing, and then knitting and chrochet ones later on, they are both great to work on while listening to audiobooks
After starting you now need to learn the mantra for when something does not look like it does on the picture it comes with. You have INDIVIDUALISED it. You did not do the racoon wrong, you simply individualised the project. Learnt this mantra when I was young and I thought I had messed up something really big.
My grandmother taught me to embroider and cross-stitch when I was a preteen. In my 40s, and I still do it plus Cross Stitch World (the game) is fun to do while listening to audiobooks because it can get expensive framing everything. I also like to diamond paint.
I worked on a large picture of a winter tree for cross-stitching. It was a beginner one where the colored squares are printed on to help make the design.
You did a fabulous job for a straight up beginner in cross stitch! There are much better threads to use for metallics if you stay with it. One you tube creator you might check out is Jan Hicks, who has a whole series for beginners to learn cross stitch. Her videos are under “Jan Hicks creates”. Jan is wonderful- funny, creative and a really good teacher. You will love her. She will cover some of those basics you are looking for. And I don’t like punch needle either- although Rob and Liam did a great job!
I havent read through your comments so i dont know if someone already told you. But with your cross stitch you would traditionelle find the center of the design and the center of your fabric and that way insuring you center the design so it fits on your fabric 😀 as with your bookmark! Loved the video. Best video ever
I love cross stitching. It is my favorite hobby. I cross stitch everyday. Usually I listen to books while doing it. The are several different materials to use. You can also get preprinted cross stitch which I am trying this year.
After watching this I've definitely considered picking up the new age empire. I had never heard of it but sounds like it has some great info. I'm very new to nonfiction reading and don't read it much at all so I'm trying to add some more to my life. I thought all of your art projects were fun in different ways.
I enjoying seeing this series, thankyou for sharing your journey to find a new hobby with us! I am now purchased a few Cross stitch kits too try out too x
I love this series! I think my favorite project out of this video was the peachy towel 🍑 I’ve tried embroidery in the past and never even completed my first project because I didn’t have the patience for it lol. Excited to see you explore that more later!
I was literally watching an old video of yours because and I quote myself „I needed Kayla content“ and this happened - blessings all around 💕 brb gotta watch!
I love this! I’ve picked up needlework recently too-I’ve been embroidering while I watch TV so that i stay off my phone and don’t doomscroll. It’s really helping a lot
love this!!! i recently picked up tunisian crochet and knitting! fav thing to do while listening to audiobooks and podcasts! i loved the towel and phone case!
The cactus was my favorite! And don't worry too much about 'having to do' a bigger project, smaller projects are not just great for learning, but also good to get that quick burst of creativity out (they are also less likely to be abandoned midway through, but maybe that's just me;)
I love cross stitching 🧵 but I haven’t done it in a long while. Your video is making me try it again!! I think you did an amazing job with all of them especially the bee 🐝 cross stitching is so beautiful 😍
Yessss as a bookstagramer AND an embroidery artist this is my jam. Also if you do want to try punch needle again since you did think you’d enjoy it, I just want to recommend trying a plastic hoop, they close up differently and hold the fabric VERY tight in a way the wood ones don’t and very tight fabric is very needed for punch needle otherwise it is a NIGHTMARE 😂 I learned my lesson on that the hard way 😂 this goes for any fiber art really I’d you want a tighter fabric. I use the plastic hoops to stitch and then move them to wooden ones when I’m done 😂
If you are wanting to get more into cross stitch look up Flosstube on RUclips. There are so many different patterns and options. There are kits that are printed, but I love counted cross stitch. I really think you should explore it more. There are some projects that use both cross stitching and embroidery. Have fun.
I love this! My 2 worlds colliding haha cross stitching has made me so much more productive when it comes to reading! I love audiobooks but my ADD brain cannot just sit and listen to a book, I need to be doing something else at the same time and cross stitch is perfect! Definitely check out flosstube and the Cross stitch subreddit is also a fun place to get inspo! Waste Canvas is definitely the way to go when stitching on towels/clothes etc. not to mention how fun it is to pull all the threads out afterwards lol I also recommend Q snaps because they are way easier to use than hoops and they give you better tension If you really enjoy making your own patterns there’s a computer program called PCStitch that makes it easier!
This inspired me to go pick up my embroidery projects! Which was much needed, I have three sets of dish towels I would like to get done for gifts this year
I've been wanting to start Cross Stiching for ages so this was exactly the motivation I needed! And The New Age of Empire is going straight on my wishlist!
I have been cross stitching for about a year and a half and I love it so much, it has been such fun to see one of my favourite booktubers try it out as well!
I prefer cross stitch, but remember my mom teaching me embroidery as a kiddo. Me and my brother made my Gram a quilt, haven't done it in years though!!
I'm a newer subscriber and I've been watching a lot of your back catalog videos while I crochet! I love to crochet and it would be really cool if you picked up that for a crafty video. You can make simple things like pot holders/granny squares (make sure you use cotton yarn if you are going to put hot things on it!), but also more involved/larger things like bags, a net for your Squishmallows (I sell a pattern for this on Etsy), amigurumi stuffed animals, or even whole pieces of clothing! A lot of times things like cardigans are actually pretty simple stitch wise, just time consuming, perfect for listening to audiobooks!
"That metallic thread, I hate it!" says every cross stitcher ever hahaha. We still go back to it tho, it's pretty.
Rob and Liam getting involved in needle punching is the most wholesome thing I've seen in a longer while 🤍
Their cute littlefamily makes me want a cute little family 😭
Suggestion: You might cross stitch the logo of your book club on a hop and hang it on the wall. It would look so cool! :)
Lifelong cross-stitcher here. You did great work for a beginner! To take it next level, go with patterns with smaller crosses (higher hole count per square inch in the fabric). I did a ton of baby samplers for birth presents and am working on Christmas stockings for my boys. Audio and cross stitch is the best!!
This is bringing back very fond memories of when I first tried embroidery and immediately became obsessed, bought loads of floss and hoops, and started designing my own embroideries.
I am an avid cross stitcher, I refer to the metallic floss as Satan’s pubes.😂 it’s the woooorst but absolutely beautiful end product. Still horrid to work with it hahah so happy you enjoy it! It’s such a fun hobby!
Someone said If you get the metallic floss wet it's easy to work with them. You can entangled it with a normal floss, apparently.
HATE metallic floss and French knots with a passion
I think the cactus is the most impressive piece, but I love BOOKS! It just makes me happy.
You saying ‘I’m not a puzzle girl’ made me realize that I should probably consider ‘puzzle girl’ as part of my identity 😂 cause that is quintessentially me
Same.
Same
The towel looks so good! This is inspiring! I think when people were telling you to embroider a pillow, they didn’t understand how long that would take.
This is how I listen to audiobooks if I’m not driving! Cross stitching is so soothing to my A type brain. So repetitive and meticulous and it makes listening to an audiobook so much easier when I need something to do with my hands
I love cross-stitch. such a good way to keep your hands busy while watching/listening to something
I think the “creative” part of cross stitch comes when you design or make your own patterns. Pinterest and Etsy are great places to find ideas.
Also, I love the one you did based on your painting, but please put it in a frame! You don’t have to leave it in a circular hoop!
How do you design your own? Like how would you turn your idea into pixelated?
I have used Excel spreadsheets and graph paper (you can get 1/8inch or Xstitch-specific), even dotted bujo notebooks to make patterns. I’m not very good at Photoshop like Kayla is! Sometimes, you just need the outline, like I am making an Oregon state map but each line of color is a temperature for the first year my partner lived here with me. Sometimes, you can look up or purchase patterns for Xstitch fonts and then draw out your own words/text, to see where it will fit. Sometimes, you can take different elements from old kits and patterns to combine into a new picture. I hope that makes sense.
It does take time to get to know what are the best materials to work with. I both do cross stitch and embroidery and have for some years. I am so glad it' finally becoming a trend, because now my friends are also interested in my hobby 😊
I have this giant cross stitch project going on and it has been a year and I think I'm 33 % done. But I just love how relaxing it is to do it, where I just have to count and not think, and I love how the picture is slowly coming together (I also love making puzzles 😂) It is so satisfying. When I do embroidery my projects are always much smaller, and it feels more creative and free. I particularly like when it becomes 3D. This Christmas I bought some small hoops and made Christmas-themed embroidery that I hanged on the tree. My point is it all depends on my mood because they satisfy on different levels 😊
This was fun to see you try cross stitch. If you tend to get knots, your thread might be too long, it should be around the length of your hand to your elbow. You can also frame the cactus in just a regular rectangular frame and just pin or lace it if it bugs you in the hoop. I fell down the Flosstube rabbit hole in 2021, and would definitely recommend for people to check out some videos by a variety of people if you're interested in cross stitch. Some of my favorite designers are the witchy stitcher and modern folk embroidery.
Me too 😁 I also do Teresa little sitcher
And Karla being crafty and where the black sheep meet
I got into cross-stitch a few years ago when I realized it was a great way for me to make things from my favorite fandoms. Also a magnet is a great place to put your needle when you aren't using it. I also found an awesome stand to hold my project for me while I work on it, which is really nice for bigger projects
there's no one thing that you "should" be doing, hobbies are for enjoyment so just do what is fun for you! if big projects and slowly seeing something come together isn't fun for you then keep doing smaller projects that you can get through quicker!! ❤️
I’m fifty this year and I’ve never had the patience for needle craft. For you to just pick it up and do it as easy as you did shows just how talented you are. I loved all your pieces and I would gladly have your mountains in my phone cover. Good job Kayla! You should be very proud of yourself 😀🥰
You can buy embroidery stands that will hold your hoop! You can slide it under your leg or have it on a table. It will make it so much easier to embroider French knots or other free hand embroidery stitches where you need both your hands. If you are thinking of trying out free hand embroidery It’s a nice thing to get. Just be aware that they sometimes come with a hoop, that you can’t change the size of. Try to find one where you can clasp on your own ☺️ I LOVE HOW YOUR CACTI TURNED OUT
I use a thread wax if I do embroidery/cross stitch. It's a little block of wax that you run the thread over and it coats it and stops it tangling as easily. I love the cute little bee and your hand towel, but I think the cactus is my favourite!
It was actually fun to watch you cross stitch while working on some crocheting project myself :) For me the cactus and monstera leaf were the best results but the towel also turned out perfect for your bath! Apart from trying out this new hobbies and sharing your thoughts with us, I also love how you show that it actually is time consuming, even if it may look simple or easy, but how rewarding it is in the end.
I often forget not everyone has my grandma and great-grandma to teach and introduce them to these kinds of crafts so it is fascinating to me to watch people discover it on their own. You did great well done. Thank you for these very interesting videos
Oh my goodness, I love the cell phone cover so much!!
That first try of an embroidery sampler is gorgeous!!!
Maybe it was only me but the way I was much more invested in the embroidery and cross stitch part of the video than in the books lol I loved it
This was cool, I love how you inspired your kid and your husband to get creative with you. Reminds me how sometimes my mum would surprise my sister and me with a new paint set / pencil tin after school when we were kids. She was never the type to make her own art, but she totally encouraged my sister and I to express ourselves creatively - all the best mums do!
This is my jam! I cross stitch and listen to audiobooks/podcasts all the time
I create bookmarks, both kits, and my own designs. Using all types of craft, cross-stitch, gems, stickers, watercolor. I always need bookmarks and it means I have a practical use for my crafts!!
That sounds like so much fun!
A fun project you might try with Liam:
When I was a kid I would do my own screen printing with embroidery hoops. It's super easy--you take like cheap panty hose and stretch them across an embroidery hoop. Then you will sketch whatever you want screen printed on the tshirt or fabric you're using onto the panty hose from the back of the hoop (so like the flat side is facing down if that makes sense).
Then you'll take modge podge and paint it onto all of the negative space on the panty hose (so basically any space you don't want ink going through). Let that dry completely
Then you can place your hoop flat side down onto your shirt (put something in Between the shirt so it doesn't bleed through) and sponge ink onto your stencil!! I always used India ink and then I'd let it dry completely and wash on its own the first time. But it was such a fun and creative way to do my own screen printing with very little expense. So I think it would be fun for you to do with Liam since he also seems really creative 🤗
this sounds really cool
To help prevent knots, you can use a thread conditioner. Your thread also might be too long. While shorter thread might seem like a pain because you may have to switch more often, it can cut down on the amount of tangles you have to deal with.
I love the fact that you are doing short projects because so often people get too intimidated to start at all if it seems too difficult. You are probably inspiring so many people to try new hobbies
you should try making friendship bracelets next! it's a great way to use up any extra floss you have and you can create your own bracelet patterns
Half way through this video I had to get up and go get my knitting project. I loved the towel that you did; it looks really good, especially for a first attempt at that sort of thing. Also, Rob and Liam getting involved is the cutest thing.
The peaches in the bathroom looks SOOOOO good along with the cactus one! Ive always wanted to do embroidery and this makes me want to do it even more AND even try cross stitch as well. You're doing such a good job! Also youre making me want to read the books as well! Really enjoying the video so far! :)
I started cross stitching a year ago about. Started with large projects so I haven't finished anything yet. But like having it as a craft I can choose to do because for me its mindless way to have fun and not have to think about what I am doing on the project if I decide to do a larger section thats all the same color and not having to switch back and forth between multiple colors.
I loved the bee the most. My mom taught my sister, brother, and I to cross stitch at a young age, 7 maybe, and I’ve always loved it. This is motivating to get back into it.
This series is so perfect for me. I am someone who likes the idea of making crafts and being creative, but when I actually sit down to do the dang thing I get so frustrated and quit. I also love audiobooks and listen to them whenever I can. Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you! 😏
The way I just ordered a cross stitch kit that’s coming tomorrow night bc this reminded me how much I loved doing it as a kid!
All of the backs of your cross-stitching looks so impressive. When I tried it as a kid I just couldn’t care less about how the back looked and I’m pretty sure I’m still that same person. The idea that there is a “proper project size” just sounds wrong. Do what makes you happy. A hobby doesn’t need constraints.
Cross stitch is my only visually creative hobby, and I pretty much stick to patterns. I'm impressed with how far you took it in such a short time - making projects with the finished products. French knots aren't easy, and you seem to have picked them up very quickly! If you enjoy it and decide to continue, there are lots of ways you can advance. You can get fabric with smaller squares that makes the projects look less pixel-y, you can blend colors in one needle, use back stitch and long stitch, etc. It's a nice hobby that yields impressive results. But since I don't make projects out of mine, I basically have a basket full of completed (or mostly completed) projects! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
i've found cross stitching so calming, but it is especially because i am not great at drawing or most art. which means i can just follow a pattern and make something nice. immediately picking up 'A New Age of Empire'
Love those thread nippers ...magnet to find the needles..I was working outside, and lost large needle in the grass..didnt want anyone to find it in their foot🤣🤔
You using Photoshop to make the cactus pattern blew my mind! Definitely something I'll have to try! I tried using online tools as a teen to make my own patterns but they just weren't up to scratch 12 years ago... I loved this video so much! ❤ I definitely need to get back into cross stitching again. My faves were definitely the cactus and the bee! Hearing you talk about the metallic thread brought back some memories for sure 😂
My grandmother taught me to cross stitch when I was about 7. Pixel art translates perfect to cross stitch and graph paper is great for making your own designs. There are also programs out there to convert a picture to a cross stitch. Some of them will even give you the DMC numbers.
What program!?
@@whitneyhendrix8075 I’ve never paid attention to the names. I just know they’re out there. I used one that was a font generator for a phrase I wanted to stitch up, but it was online and free and you just input the words and printed out the pattern.
This was fantastic for me because I can't read along with your vlogs but I did get out my embroidery and worked on that while watching. And now I know what to do when I'm watching people read and talk about reading instead of reading myself. 😁
Kayla is honestly so talented and creative it’s incredible
I just started doing cross-stitch! And love it! I recommend you try diamond painting next if you think you might like it! Very similar to cross-stitch in certain ways but also very different! There are diamond painting kits at craft stores!
Cross stitch is definitely my favorite craft!
1- don't worry everyone hates metallic floss
2- the tension on your hoop is totally fine. Whatever works for you. A lot of people don't even use hoops
3- The beauty of cross stitch is that it can be as difficult or easy as ypu need it to be! Some charts include special stitches (not just x), some have over 100 colors in them. The sky is the limit!
I love cross stitching while I listen to audiobooks! There is software that will turn your art into cross stitch patterns. PC stitch is one of them. Also, you can buy fabric that has grids printed on it. You can wash it off when you are done. Definitely search youtube if you have questions. Flosstube is amazing!
Now I know nothing about cross stitching but the cactus looks genuinely impressive. Makes me want to try this myself.
So amazing! I love handicraft and you discovering and enjoying and creating...so good. Extra enjoyed this video.
not me answering all the questions at the beginning of the video in my head like that's helpful at all
I think embroidery is gorgeous, but it isn't my favorite for multi tasking.
Cross stitch is so soothing to me. Its simple enough, that I can get lost in an audiobook. But at the same time, the further you go down the rabbit hole, the more complex and beautiful the pieces get. There are specialty stitches, beads, ribbons, and fancy floss. Flosstube had made me an xstitch addict
Omg "flosstube" ?! That could get dangerous for me to explore 😏
@@BooksandLala 😂 have fun!
Hey girl! I just wanted to let you know that I love your channel and that it makes me happy.
I've just put all my embroidery supplies away in places that are difficult to get to and now you're here making me want to do some embroidery!
You can leave the finished pieces in the hoop, you can cut the aida cloth to fit a frame, and so much more. On making bigger pieces you just move the hoop based on the pages of the cross stitch pattern.if you keep loosing the needle magnetic needle minders help avoid that. Etsy is full of PDF patterns where you just have to buy the thread colors listed.
I love cross stitching, embroidery, crochet, jewel-art (like, you literally have a sheet that is sticky and you slowly stick fake jewels to it. Like a fancy color by numbers), all sorts of crafts. So I love seeing other people try it out, and the projects and ideas they come up with. I loved all of the designs but my favorites were definitely the phone case and the towel!! So cute!!!
How fun! My favorite crafty activity is crocheting. I’m going to be working on a baby blanket for my friend while I watch ☺️ I feel like kits for activities are great ways to learn new skills then you can branch out on your own
Love this!! Crochet is my usual audiobook activity. I have an embarrassing number of unfinished cross stitch projects and this video is giving me motivation to pick those up! 😊
I recommend you to try diamond painting. I don't know if diamond painting is enough creative for you but finished paintings are beautiful.
Your cactus painting was one of my favorite paintings which you did in your previous video. I loved how you re-did the cactus painting in this video 🤩
I always knit (or crochet) when listening to audiobooks. Once you’re in the flow you can do it without thinking, and in the end you get a sweater, hat or scarf out of it ☺️
brb immediately running to get a cross stitch pattern and some hand towels - i love it SO MUCH!!!!
Tip for the knots- drop your threaded needle every few stitches and it will unwind itself.
I've been waiting for this one ever since you uploaded the painting one!!! I do all kinds of fibre art crafts, and it's so fun to see someone go into so much detail about their learning process on a craft that you like 😊 It was honestly so cute when you said you didn't know if you're supposed to take the finished project off the hoop! You should definitely make the embroidery video it's own thing, and then knitting and chrochet ones later on, they are both great to work on while listening to audiobooks
After starting you now need to learn the mantra for when something does not look like it does on the picture it comes with. You have INDIVIDUALISED it. You did not do the racoon wrong, you simply individualised the project. Learnt this mantra when I was young and I thought I had messed up something really big.
Wow thanks for that! It’s just a simple reframing of the mind but I’m sure it helps a ton. Thank you!!
My grandmother taught me to embroider and cross-stitch when I was a preteen. In my 40s, and I still do it plus Cross Stitch World (the game) is fun to do while listening to audiobooks because it can get expensive framing everything. I also like to diamond paint.
I worked on a large picture of a winter tree for cross-stitching. It was a beginner one where the colored squares are printed on to help make the design.
Ahhh us stitchers often call metallic thread the devils pubic hair. So pretty but we all hate it.
I use q-snaps instead of the hoops, a lot easier and fabric stays tighter
You did a fabulous job for a straight up beginner in cross stitch! There are much better threads to use for metallics if you stay with it. One you tube creator you might check out is Jan Hicks, who has a whole series for beginners to learn cross stitch. Her videos are under “Jan Hicks creates”. Jan is wonderful- funny, creative and a really good teacher. You will love her. She will cover some of those basics you are looking for. And I don’t like punch needle either- although Rob and Liam did a great job!
I havent read through your comments so i dont know if someone already told you. But with your cross stitch you would traditionelle find the center of the design and the center of your fabric and that way insuring you center the design so it fits on your fabric 😀 as with your bookmark! Loved the video. Best video ever
I've been cross stitching for years and I always listen to an audiobook or watch videos on youtube while I do it, it's such a relaxing hobby.
I love cross stitching. It is my favorite hobby. I cross stitch everyday. Usually I listen to books while doing it. The are several different materials to use. You can also get preprinted cross stitch which I am trying this year.
After watching this I've definitely considered picking up the new age empire. I had never heard of it but sounds like it has some great info. I'm very new to nonfiction reading and don't read it much at all so I'm trying to add some more to my life. I thought all of your art projects were fun in different ways.
I enjoying seeing this series, thankyou for sharing your journey to find a new hobby with us! I am now purchased a few Cross stitch kits too try out too x
such a wholesome series, i love it 🥺
the cactus!!! it looks so good
I love this series! I think my favorite project out of this video was the peachy towel 🍑 I’ve tried embroidery in the past and never even completed my first project because I didn’t have the patience for it lol. Excited to see you explore that more later!
I was literally watching an old video of yours because and I quote myself „I needed Kayla content“ and this happened - blessings all around 💕 brb gotta watch!
🤗🤗🤗
I love this! I’ve picked up needlework recently too-I’ve been embroidering while I watch TV so that i stay off my phone and don’t doomscroll. It’s really helping a lot
love this!!! i recently picked up tunisian crochet and knitting! fav thing to do while listening to audiobooks and podcasts! i loved the towel and phone case!
I love crocheting whilst I listen to audiobooks. I think it’s so nice to have a finished product after listening to a couple of audiobooks.
I love cross stitch and audiobooks. It's a great hobby. Currently working on a big project.
The cactus was my favorite! And don't worry too much about 'having to do' a bigger project, smaller projects are not just great for learning, but also good to get that quick burst of creativity out (they are also less likely to be abandoned midway through, but maybe that's just me;)
I love this series so much! Can’t wait to see what you try next
I love cross stitching 🧵 but I haven’t done it in a long while. Your video is making me try it again!! I think you did an amazing job with all of them especially the bee 🐝 cross stitching is so beautiful 😍
Yessss as a bookstagramer AND an embroidery artist this is my jam. Also if you do want to try punch needle again since you did think you’d enjoy it, I just want to recommend trying a plastic hoop, they close up differently and hold the fabric VERY tight in a way the wood ones don’t and very tight fabric is very needed for punch needle otherwise it is a NIGHTMARE 😂 I learned my lesson on that the hard way 😂 this goes for any fiber art really I’d you want a tighter fabric. I use the plastic hoops to stitch and then move them to wooden ones when I’m done 😂
If you are wanting to get more into cross stitch look up Flosstube on RUclips. There are so many different patterns and options. There are kits that are printed, but I love counted cross stitch. I really think you should explore it more. There are some projects that use both cross stitching and embroidery. Have fun.
Everything turned out so beautifully, I'm now thinking of starting it myself!
I love this! My 2 worlds colliding haha cross stitching has made me so much more productive when it comes to reading! I love audiobooks but my ADD brain cannot just sit and listen to a book, I need to be doing something else at the same time and cross stitch is perfect!
Definitely check out flosstube and the Cross stitch subreddit is also a fun place to get inspo!
Waste Canvas is definitely the way to go when stitching on towels/clothes etc. not to mention how fun it is to pull all the threads out afterwards lol
I also recommend Q snaps because they are way easier to use than hoops and they give you better tension
If you really enjoy making your own patterns there’s a computer program called PCStitch that makes it easier!
see for embroidery i usually use a kit that has the design already on it so you just have to follow the pattern
This inspired me to go pick up my embroidery projects! Which was much needed, I have three sets of dish towels I would like to get done for gifts this year
I've been wanting to start Cross Stiching for ages so this was exactly the motivation I needed! And The New Age of Empire is going straight on my wishlist!
I love cross stitching! I haven’t done it a few years though. I get into periods where I obsess over it.
The cactus turned out so cute! And a bookmark is such a good idea. 💜
I have been cross stitching for about a year and a half and I love it so much, it has been such fun to see one of my favourite booktubers try it out as well!
Can I just say these vlogs are the highlights of my day
I prefer cross stitch, but remember my mom teaching me embroidery as a kiddo. Me and my brother made my Gram a quilt, haven't done it in years though!!
Love this series. 😂😂😂😂 I love that Rob and Liam helped.
Everything you do turns out incredible! Teach me your waysss
I always wanted to get into these!! I knit and can crochet some but haven’t gotten around to expanding quite yet🤣 you did great!! 💕
I'm a newer subscriber and I've been watching a lot of your back catalog videos while I crochet! I love to crochet and it would be really cool if you picked up that for a crafty video. You can make simple things like pot holders/granny squares (make sure you use cotton yarn if you are going to put hot things on it!), but also more involved/larger things like bags, a net for your Squishmallows (I sell a pattern for this on Etsy), amigurumi stuffed animals, or even whole pieces of clothing! A lot of times things like cardigans are actually pretty simple stitch wise, just time consuming, perfect for listening to audiobooks!