Stitching for Charity

Several weeks ago, I was sitting around at home trying to decide what I should cross-stitch next.  I have several WIPs (work in progress) but didn't really feel like working on any of them.  Hence, why they are still WIPs.  ;-)  I get the distinct impression that my family is getting a little tired of receiving cross-stitch items from me every year for Christmas so I needed an outlet for my craft.  I did a little searching on the wide, wide web and found a Yahoo! group that makes quilts, tote bags, bookmarks, and cards out of small cross-stitch pieces.  These are usually made for seniors at a care facility or for sick or disabled kids.  I decided, after very little thought, that I would sign up!

World of Charity Stitching!  The group welcomed me with open arms.  Everyone has been so friendly and helpful in getting me started on my first project.  I signed up to stitch the "Brush Stroke Butterfly", a pattern designed by the ladies at StitchingtheNightAway.com.  The pattern was to be stitched on white aida cloth or evenweave and I could choose any color combination that I liked.  My favorite color is blue, of any tone or variety, so of course, my butterfly had to be blue.  I complimented the blues with orange and brown, adding a bit of green for the foliage.  I think it came out pretty cool.  The pattern is easy with only whole stitches and no backstitching at all.  It was a great pattern and I'm thinking of stitching another one in pinks and purples for a friend's 4-year old daughter.

Needless to say, I have finished the butterfly and have moved on to the next pattern.  I signed up yesterday for a wild animal theme that will be for a child's quilt.  I found a cute porcupine pattern that I started working on.  I'll post a photo of it later once I get a little more work completed.

If you decide that you too would like to join a charity cross-stitching group, I recommend that you check out the World of Charity Stitching Blog at http://www.worldofcharitystitching.blogspot.com/ or search for their page on Facebook.  I'd love to see you in the group!