Linen Stitches Author:Ginnie Thompson To be a cross stitcher is to have an ivory tower always accessible. Pick up the magic needle and step into a world where cat litter, scuff marks, auto repairs and profit and loss statements do not exist. Overweight and split ends are of no consequence, the needleworker becomes a royal personage sitting on a pillow, sewing a fine seam. (Royalty h... more »as always practiced needlework.) The image of magnificence is there in that tiny shaft of steel, in the best supplies you can afford, in the precision of the stitches.
The salient feature of counted cross stitch is its easy perfection. Because there is no Authoritative Traditional book on finishing techniques for counted cross stitch, Americans have improvised, sometimes very cleverly. Invariably, these newly invented techniques are more complicated and less satisfactory that traditional ways.
Correct finishing techniques are as simple as correct stitching techniques. Finishing a project should be as enjoyable as beginning one. What we need to know are the traditional methods. The word tradition comes from the Latin word "tradere" meaning to pass on. In the passing through many hands, many times, techniques are refined to the simplest, most satisfying ways. Evolving over the years, the easiest, best way, survives. Easy excellence.
Cross stitchers know that counted cross stitch is the answer to everything: what it does not cure, it alleviates. As easy and uncomplicated as lacing a shoe, as exalted as poetry, this one stitch produces loving, caring, personal gifts and heirlooms. If to the neat mosaic of cross stitch we add a few special pulled thread stitches, the contented cross stitcher becomes a joyous stitcher.
Here then is a book to remind us of correct cross stitch techniques, show good finishing techniques and teach pulled thread stitches to enhance cross stitch.« less