Who Else Wants To Make New Cross Stitch Friends?
by Geordie Johnny
Cross stitching is often thought of as being a solitary pastime, perhaps sitting alone while everyone else is out having a great time. But this is not so! This delightful craft can be the ticket to make many new cross stitch friends and have lots of fun -- and yes, complete those cross stitch projects too.
First, you can investigate whether there is a local stitching club. The best way to find this information is to ask at your local craft or needlework store. Many stores hold courses and club meetings on-site, and they are the best places to advertise clubs. If there is no local club, then consider starting one yourself!
If you decide to start a cross stitch club, take some time to work up a plan before you jump in. Some things you'll want to consider will be where will the club meet, will you have enough chairs and proper lighting, and will the members be able to park nearby? In addition, you may want to consider if you'll serve refreshments and, if so, who will supply them. Oh, and don't forget to pick a meeting time that will work for most of the members. You want to make it possible for everyone to come to the meetings.
As your plan starts to take shape, you'll have to decide if there'll be a membership fee, what the goals of the club are, and if you want to have rules. Sometimes it's easier to wait until you have a couple of members to decide on these issues. Then you can make decisions as a group about the direction in which you want the club to go. The main thing to keep in mind as you form your club is that it should be fun. You should enjoy stitching while you chat with the other members.
If the thought of organizing a club seems a bit ambitious, then why not ask some friends and acquaintances round for an evening and suggest some stitching together. You can even show a newbie how it's done. Before long, you may end up with a regular club -- so much more sociable than just meeting up to drink and eat.
So much for the locals... Let's move on to making new cross stitch friends elsewhere.
The most obvious way to cast the net of friendship is to seek out penpals. There are many stitching websites that have a penpal section, and many popular magazines contain find-a-penpal pages. This is wonderful way of making cross stitch friends from all over the world, and you may have the opportunity of exchanging small projects if you so wish. It's often helpful to discuss your stitching projects -- you can motivate each other to finish those tricky pieces you've been putting off.
Apart from cross stitch websites, you also can find sites that are strictly for finding penpals. You'll want to do some upfront research to make certain these sites are legitimate. Don't give the sites or potential penpals your phone number or your mailing address. This information isn't needed. All that is necessary to get started is your email address.
Many people prefer to chat with their penpal using email rather than snail mail. When you email, you tend to get a quicker response. This makes it simpler to keep in touch. Also, some people don't like writing letters, although they do enjoy writing emails. If, however, you and your penpal enjoy writing letters, then you'll be in for a treat sometimes when you visit your mailbox. In addition to letters, you and your penpal also can exchange little gifts for added fun.
As you explore the internet for other cross stitch enthusiasts, consider looking at e-groups that use both email conversations and traditional mail. Yahoo has a cross stitch group that calls itself XStitchpals. In this group, everyone really gets into the fun. They send each other cards that they've cross stitched each month. The cards have a theme. Also, with this group, you can visit the forum and talk about what's on your mind, both regarding stitching and also other events in your life. Many people have found real friends in this group.
Lots of options are available when it comes to finding cross stitch friends. You can meet people at a local cross stitch club, enjoy chatting with a penpal, or form a friendship with someone on an e-group. The first step is up to you. Why not start looking for fellow stitchers by joining the forums at Patterns Patch cross stitch private club?
John Wigham is a professional author and co-founder of Patterns Patch an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch and supporting his cross stitch friends. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.
|
