State Library Cross Stitch Woman Who Dared

Welcome to the world of cross stitch. State Library Collections in collaboration with the Library Shop and Cross and Stitch comes your very own take home creative cross stitch  project. This stunning Beach days artwork is from the The Queenslander Magazine by Thomas Blacket Stephens. (The Queenslander was the weekly summary and literary edition of the 'Brisbane Courier', now The Courier-Mail, since the 1850s the leading journal in the colony later federal state of Queensland. Launched by the Brisbane Newspaper Company in 1866 and it was discontinued in 1939.)

Here is what's Included:

• DMC Threads: in 13 different colours. On the last page of the pattern, you will find a table listing these threads and the number of stitches for each.
• Zweigart 16-Count Aida Cloth
• Cross Stitch Needle, Threader & 4 Bobbins
• The Pattern: Enlarged and printed across six pages for easy reference.
• Tote Bag to carry your work in progress

Getting Started:

Cross stitching is easy and extremely rewarding, not to mention, a beautiful way to revive treasured memories and honour old world traditions.

Cut the floss to 35cm lengths (the tip of your finger to your elbow) locate the centre of the Aida cloth to be stitched by folding it lengthwise and then crosswise.

Each length of DMC embroidery floss is made up of 6 separate strands loosely wound together.

Cross Stitch is done using 2 strands of floss, typically, when stitching on 14 count Aida or 28-count even-weave and one strand of cross stitch thread for the backstitch.

Starting Thread - Bring the needle up to the start of the first stitch leaving 4cm of thread as a tail on the back side. Hold the tail in the direction you will be stitching and cover it with the first few stitches to hold in place. Advanced stitchers can use this method or a waste knot.

New threads can be started by passing a needle through several stitches on the backside of your embroidery.

Ending Thread - slide the needle through several stitches on the back side of the work. Do not pull too tight or tug. Snip floss with scissors close to the fabric.