How it all began
We have been running Minions of Craft for 8-9 years now, and while I am not new to the world of sewing or crafting, I have never attempted cross-stitch before. As the saying goes; "Those who can, do - those who don't have the time, probably run a craft shop!" 

OK, that isn't really how the saying goes, but it rings true here. I have spent years looking at gorgeous ribbons, buttons and craft kits and thought, "if only I had more time." 

Well, the opportunity finally presented itself, when I heard about a little Craft group in our village, and I decided to go along. Obviously, I needed something to do while I was there, so found this adorable Cross-Stitch Kit by Mouseloft, called 'Fatal Error'. 

It seemed like a very fitting choice, as the picture showed great similarity to my day to day life, since Taffeta (the kitten) joined our family. 

She frequently walks over my keyboard, attacks the mouse and deletes everything that WAS on my screen! 
But today's blog is not about Taffeta, it is about my introduction to cross-stitch.

The inspiration
In 2022 we moved to a gorgeous village in West Devon, and since living here we have met some lovely people and made some fabulous friends. People quickly got to know us and our business, and they were very interested in what we did. We were keen to share our passion for crafting, and were happy to help our local community fulfil their crafting needs. 

Then we heard about a little crafting group, that meets once a week in the local hall, and we were invited to go along. I was very excited, because I love to see what people can make and do, but I realised I needed something to make too. 

Most of my sewing 'career' has been mending our sons trousers, or making little things like bags, cushions or blankets. However, all of this is done on my sewing machine, which I didn't fancy carrying all the way up the steep hill! 

As hard as it may be to believe, I have never tried cross-stitch before, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn. 
Surrounded by fellow crafters, I was sure someone may be able to help, if I got stuck, so I set myself the challenge.

My first session
I set myself up with my little kit and made sure I had everything I needed to get started. 
Luckily I was sat next to a very lovely lady, who saw the fear on my face and helped me get started. 

Image courtesy of Mouseloft 

I read the instructions but I didn't realise that I needed to separate the strands. I think fear and panic had gotten the better of me, and I wasn't thinking straight. Each thread comes in 6 strands, which need to be separated (as per the image above). You require 2 strands for a cross-stitch, and 1 strand for a back stitch. 

Once I got the needle threaded, I was on my way. I found the middle of the material, and made my first stitch. Phew!

The instructions that come with the kit, are very clear (when you're not panicking), and they even include a little guide on which order to sew your stitches. So you sew all the diagonals in one direction for a line, and then go back in the opposite direction, to make the cross. 

This technique ensures a uniform finish to your design, making you look like a professional. 

My next problem, was knowing which direction to sew the pattern. Technically, I had started on the 2nd row down on the cats back, so I wasn't sure how to go back up to the first row and then back down again to the third row. 

Following some very friendly guidance, I decided to do 3 stitches on the 2nd row, then went up to do the 1st row, and then came back down to the 2nd row to meet my first stitches. I'm not sure if this was the best/right way to do it, but that's how I started. As I wasn't tackling complete rows at a time, I decided to complete each individual stitch, so I ended where I needed to be. 

When I began the 3rd row, I was starting from the end and working in a straight line, so I followed the technique as shown in the instructions. I finally felt like I was getting it now, and I was stitching with more confidence. 

The first few stitches required a lot of concentration (which probably meant I was making a funny face, and my tongue was sticking out), but by the 3rd row, I was managing to have a conversation with other people in the group at the same time. 

I managed to miss a couple of stitches (which made me realise I should probably concentrate a little more), but it was easily fixed. I simply ran the needle back through the material, in reverse, and picked up where I left off. I did consider pulling the thread back through the material, but that meant re-threading the needle, which took long enough the first time! 

I'd be really interested in hearing how other people 'fix their mistakes', so please drop me an email with your pointers. 

The craft group was only a couple of hours, some of which I spent chatting with other people, but I was really pleased with my initial progress. I managed 6 complete rows of cat, and I have decided to save it until next weeks craft group before I carry on. 

The Mouseloft Cross-Stitch Kits are ideal for beginners, as they are quite small, and can be finished in a single evening. 
They contain everything you require to get started (friendly lady sitting next to you, not included), the quality is great and the designs are beautiful. 

Here you can see my progress, from our first Craft session. Each week I will take photos of my progress, and update on this blog. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @minionsofcraft for the latest updates on my progress. 

The Craft Group
It was such a friendly group, and so welcoming. Everyone is really passionate about their work, and they were kind enough to let me share some pictures. 

Firstly we have Pillow Lace Making. She was making a bookmark from her own pattern. 
Next, the lady who runs the group was doing Macrame, and was even teaching the person next to her at the same time!
There was a knitting corner, and they were making jumpers, among other things. 
Finally, there was a lady making Dog Tugs, out of polar fleece, using a four way knot technique. 

The kind lady who was helping me, was doing Needle Felting, but I completely forgot to take a photo of her work, so I will try to get a photo next week. 

It was inspiring to see how proud everyone was of their work, and the encouragement and support they offered others. 
All types of crafts were celebrated, and each came with a story about how they got there. 

What I learnt
I left the craft group with a lot more confidence than when I entered. 
I didn't have much faith in my own abilities at the start, and was convinced I was going to make loads of mistakes, and everyone would think I was an idiot. The opposite was in fact true. 
The group celebrated my mini victory with me, and I felt proud of the work I'd done. 

So here's what I learnt;
- If you can join a local craft group, I would highly recommend it
- Cross-stitch isn't nearly as scary (or complicated) as it looks 
- Take your time, it isn't a race. When the work is complete, no-one will know whether it took 40 mins or 4 hours. 
- Don't be afraid to ask questions, or ask for help. Someone is bound to have something to share that will help.
- Read the instructions, then read them again..... and just in case you weren't paying attention the first time, read the instructions again.

Most importantly, celebrate your achievements, big or small. 
There is something new to learn every day! 

Happy stitching x