What do people think of cross stitch-would you like to try it but think its uncool?

Question

I'm developing a modern cross stitch site where users pick designs to make their own giant samplers with their own messages and themes. What sort of images do you think would be good to use as designs, for example instead of old fashioned sampler images I have used modern day issues such as nuclear power stations and guns. These designs can then be completed using the craft technique of cross stitching to make up and image, its nice to mix old craft style with modern images. Any idea and input from crafters, non crafters, creatives, thinkers etc would be so useful. Thanks in advance. I'm Hannah by the way, who makes things :)

Answer 1

A blend of different things is probably a good starting point and then add as things are requested. I don't know of anyone who would cross stitch a nuclear power station or a gun but thats just me. We (those I know) stitch to relax and that would not be relaxing. The problem with updating a sampler is origionally samplers were for teaching. Young girls usually stitched the alphabet to learn it as part of their schooling hence why many of the samplers still around from days gone have spelling errors and other mistakes which were taken in stride then. You may have luck with freshening up colors and techniques instead of the actual design. Instead of a thistle or pomegranite make the flowers vivid and bright daisys and other "hip" flowers. Design an alphabet (for initials or whatever) that using shading or shadows to make it sharp. Instead of a bunch of dull houses and people look at technique, design squares that incorporate a texture with a bit more advanced thread work like pulled thread. Its actually EXTREMELY easy to do pull thread work if you have a good diagram.

Answer 2

Selling the designs or being supported by advertisers?

I have a URL on my toolbar of a place I can input any JPG (<1 Meg) and convert it to a cross-stitch chart and print it straight out without a fee. So that does already exist.

It's not, however, associated with lively communication and sharing among users. Me, I think conversion of vacation pictures from a visit to a nuclear power plant would be at least as much fun as doing yet another Waterhouse adaptation a w-a-y ahead of stitching roses or puppies.

Note, many small cross-stitch designs are also fun in latch-hooked rugs or wall-hangings, especially if neighbors are noisy.

Answer 3

I love to cross stitch. I usually spend my lunch hour in the park cross stitching or smocking. It sounds like an okay idea but not many people cross stitch so you might have to really look hard to find a target audience.

As for designing your own cross stitch, anyone can do it with a piece of graph paper and some colored pencils.

I would also think if there were a big market for "modern" cross stitch designs that the big makers would have caught on already and gone that route.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

Answer 4

There are many new samplers on the market.Large and small. As for other cross stitchers. There are thousands out there. I'm on 13 message boards that involve the needlearts.
Needle arts is relaxing and many people (men and women) do it to relax. It takes you mind off any problems you are having.
I wish you luck in your new adventure and hope to see you published.
In the groups I'm in the average membership is 800 , of which only about 1/2 percent repeat.

Answer 5

Sounds fun to me, Hanna-who-makes-things. Like everything else, cross stitch goes into and out of fashion and renews itself. I still remember a cross-stitched gingham skirt and blouse my grandmother made for me (45 years ago?!?!?!). I loved it. I keep my mother's and my Girl Scout samplers framed in my guest room. The idea of updated samplers is terrific...how about a Harry Potter series? Or designs based on "The DaVinci Code?"

Answer 6

I think you have an interesting idea. As for the person who said Cross Stitched items serve no purpose, it just depends on what sort of thing you do. I use plastic canvas to make cross stitch bookmarks, bracelets and to add designs to tote bags and clothes. You can also applique small designs on fabric to a pair of jeans or a shirt. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.

How to make a cross stitch bracelet - http://crossstitch.about.com/od/finishedproducts/ht/braceletcrossst.htm

Answer 7

I think cross stitch is cool. Needleworkers have been selecting patterns, stitches, etc for years. Personally, I'd not stitch guns or nuclear images, that is just me. When I imagine a sampler for our home, I think house motifs, flowers, animals, etc for a 'giant' project.

Answer 8

It depends on who you are targeting. Focus on the group of people and think about their interests. A child's will be noticeably different than that of a adults. When you have done this, then pick the items that best represent them. That's all I can say. Good luck, by the way!

Answer 9

guns??? that sounds like oriental carpets from afghanistan, no one needs guns, samplers werent there to depict any sort of moral other than religious, go with sports designs or something, good lord dont incite a riot.

Answer 10

I did it a bit in college, but got bored with it. I think my biggest problem is that it serves no purpose. You do all that work and then what? You can't wear it, you can't sleep under it, you can just hang it on the wall. I know some people think that is okay, but I like the things I make to be useful as well as beautiful. That's why I like to crochet and am learning to knit.