Cross-Stitch Patterns | Supplies | Instruction

Cross Stitching Freebies

For an artist, selling something he or she has made is really gratifying. As many of them admit, itÂ’s one thing to get feedback from people they know, but there is something about a complete stranger liking their art piece, design, song, painting, or idea, so much that they actually decide to pay money to acquire it. Well, before getting ready to sell your original designed t-shirts at your local flee market or through your own website, you better start by reading this simple paint-your-t-shirt guide.

Regardless if you are planning to make this a family tradition or a one-time event for you and your friends, designing the layout of your t-shirt and then painting it on your own can is a fun and easy project to work on. Begin by purchasing your stock of plain cotton-polyester t-shirts from your local garment store. Cheap used white underwear t-shirts should be your first choice, especially if this is your first attempt as a fashion designer slash artist. But because most inks and paints are somewhat translucent, unless you really have to use those blue t-shirts, itÂ’s better to use white ones as they are a much easier background to place your colorful palette on. An interesting idea, which might save you some money if you select to buy your t-shirts, is to ask your local t-shirt printing store if they would resell at cost price or even donate some of their white t-shirts to you; if you are a teacher and this is an idea of a school project you can argue that this actually improves their corporate social responsibility profile. Even if no freebies exist in your area, buying a pack of white underwear t-shirts costs less than you can imagine; avoid designer labels if you need those extra savings. You can also order the shirts direct from manufacturers, but then be prepared to wait a bit longer before your order goes through. Also, at this experimental stage, buy one size that will easily fit everyone.

Now that you have your white t-shirts it’s time to select your painting method. Visit your local craft or fabric store and ask them which brands they recommend for your type of project. Check the products’ life expectancy once applied on the t-shirt and compare prices, colors and application methods. With a huge variety of fabric sprays, roll-on paint bottles, air-brushes, acrylics, crayons, dye paints, batiking, or iron-on transfers, it is best if you take some time to select the best possible method for your time, money and expertise. Remember that experimenting is good at any stage, but if you want to have a ready-to-wear product after 24 hours, it is best to go with the method that you find the easiest to explore. Sponge painting, for example, is a great method to teach kids how to use colors on a white surface and how their patent might differ from the original design they had on mind. On the other hand, block painting creates a less versatile outcome as paint is transferred in a thicker layer onto the fabric as you place and press wood surfaces, or even sliced potatoes, after dipping them in paint. In case crayon iron transfers –which have to be designed and colored backgrounds– or acrylic paints and paintbrushes seem too difficult for you to handle, you can begin by using simpler painting methods like magic markers and writing paint bottles with roller ball tips. But whichever method you select be sure to place some old rugs or think pieces of cartons between the front and the back of the t-shirts in order to avoid coloring the other side by mistake. Do you feel more confident now? It’s time now to get your gear and paint away!

John Gibb is the owner of T-shirt resources For more information on T-Shirts check out http://www.t-shirt-info-and-guides.info

Stitching $14.95 Stitching

A por los Frebbies/ Get the Freebies $14.71 A por los Frebbies/ Get the Freebies

Not Your Mama’s Stitching $9.93 A one-of-a-kind contemporary guide to trendy stitching We take stitching where it’ s never been and offer up projects that are absolutely hip and will leave friends and coworkers green with envy. Designs range from the ridiculously simple to the sublimely complex for adorning homes, clothes, and accessories. This is the only resource where readers can learn a variety of stitching crafts that are enjoying a huge resurgence, including embroidery, crewel, punchneedle embroidery, and cross-stitch. Created for savvy crafters who want to skip tedious explanations and get right to cool projects, this book features a fun two-color design, easy-to-follow instructions, variations for customizing items, and a 16-page four-color section with photos of all the projects. Kate Shoup Welsh (Indianapolis, IN), a devoted beader and stitcher, has written or cowritten several books, including Not Your Mama’ s Beading (0-471-97380-7). She has also cowritten and starred in a movie and worked as a sports editor.

Not Your Mama`s Stitching $10.61 Forget the fair young maiden painstakingly embroidering pillowcases for her hope chest. Picture a liberated lass (that would be you) creating chic fashions and accessories while sipping a glass of whatever and saving the planet. Not Your Mama's Stitching lets you choose from more than twenty projects to make or embellish home d¿cor items, garments, accessories, gifts, and more. It covers: *The tools and materials that no stitcher should be without *Basic stitching skills such as starting a thread, tying off, and finishing your piece *A myriad of embroidery, cross stitch, and needlepoint stitches *Projects ranging from a tattooed tank top to cheeky stitched sayings and from a Gucci-inspired wallet to a drinks recipe box *Variations and ideas for customizing every project Make everyday items one-of-a-kind, or whip up your own creations from scratch. With a savvy, sassy attitude and fun, funky projects, Not Your Mama's Stitching will have you in stitches in no time.

Embroidery Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Embroidery Stitch, Darning, Chain Stitch, Couching, Backstitch $19.99 Embroidery Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Embroidery Stitch, Darning, Chain Stitch, Couching, Backstitch

Stitches: Embroidery Stitches, Knitting Stitches, Sewing Stitches, Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Slip-S $19.99 Stitches: Embroidery Stitches, Knitting Stitches, Sewing Stitches, Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Slip-S

Copperfield 91215 Rod Caddy, Black Canvas With Reinforced Cross Stitching, 64 Inchl x 8 Inchd $109.4 Copperfield Chimney Supply has been filling the supply and accessory needs of over 8,000 chimney sweeps, hearth retailers, masons, and contractors for over 25 years. Copperfield has the privilege of serving over 80% of the chimney professionals in America.Founded by Robert Daniels, Sooty Bob, in 1978, Copperfield has grown from a one-man operation to a national network of six warehouses and a manufacturing plant. From its headquarters in Fairfield, Iowa Copperfield plays a major role in providing for the Chimney Supply industry.Rod Caddy, Black Canvas With Reinforced Cross Stitching, 64 Inchl x 8 Inchd

Cross $10.99 Cross

By The Cross $7.99 By The Cross

The Cross $12.16 The Cross

The Cross’ $15.8 The Cross’

Curve Stitching $23.67 Curve stitching is a creative, practical activity with a strong mathematical background. This book explains the technique and there is a good selection of beautiful designs, together with stitch-by-stitch sewing plans,

Anna Griffin Elegant Stitching $16.54 Anna Griffin Elegant Stitching

A Cross Stitcher’s Countdown To Christmas $13.03 Eight popular cross stitch designers have come together to bring readers the Cross Stitchers Countdown to Christmas. A ready resource of festive cross stitch motifs, each of the 25 chapters provide an inspirational way to create charming cards, beautiful keepsakes and delightful items for the home. Designs range from the classic to the contemporary and many are ideal to stitch in an evening or a weekend – perfect for that busy time of year. With clear color charts, photographs and easy-to-follow stitching instructions, readers will be well on their way to stitching something special this Christmas.

Sublime Stitching $13.01 Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Fisher, Tracey Ullman, and Laura Dern all own her work. Now, in her much-anticipated first book, embroidery pioneer Jenny Hart brings her sublime designs to everyone. Expanding on the offerings of her Stitch-It Kit, Sublime Stitching offers all the instructions, tips, and hip patterns needed to create hundreds of stylish projects. Perfect for stitchers of all experience levels, this charmingly photographed book includes simple directions and inspiring project ideas for stitching up jeans, handbags, neckties, baby bibs, and more. Best of all are the entirely original, ready-to-use iron-on patterns bound in the back. Jenny has included all sorts of delightful designs from cheeky margaritas and maracas to classic teapots and cupcakes. These patterns are easy to remove after using, and a cinch to store in the handy pockets on the inside covers. Believe it or not, each pattern can be used up to nine times. Now that’s sublime.

Doodle-Stitching $10.58 Sharing the unique style of "doodle-stitching," this embroidery primer is packed with beginning projects made from both patterns and the crafter?s imagination. Projects include All-Seasons Ornaments, Songbird Wristlet, Bohemian Tunic, Flower Shop Skirt, and Sweet Dreams Baby Pillow. With easy-to-follow instructions and full-color photographs.