Newbie Looking to Find Her Cross Stitching Mojo Back

[Ladywolf]

I have been cross stitching for several decades. When I moved I stopped cross stitching. I'm joining this board in the hopes of gaining my excitement and love of cross stitch again.

I use to use 28 count fabric and had no problem. I pulled out an old project and would work on it outside. I decided to get an ott light (table top) and place it over my left shoulder. I look at the project and find that it's too hard to see. Outside stitching is out because it's so cold and I'd like to stitch at night.

I'm thinking of just getting an easy kit to begin again. I use to stitch TW designs and love to look through Golden Kite.

Has anyone else ever lost their mojo for stitching and found it again? I guess I'm looking for hope.

The only thing I haven't tried is the reading glasses you can get in the store. i also think just magnifying glasses would get in the way.

I lost most of my stash in the move due to a flood.

Does anyone really see a lot better with reading glasses and that it makes a big difference? I'm also considering starting with the 12 - 14 adia cloth again.

I'd really like to start this hobby again. I use to spend hours upon hours on my stitching and would get into this zone where I would loose track of time while creating something and find I've stayed up all night. I really miss that feeling and would like to get it back.

Any suggestions?

[karen4bells]

You may need to have an eye exam---sometimes as we age the eyes do need assistance, especially doing close work like stitching. A magnifying lens or reading glasses may help also.

Welcome to the forum

[calico]

Welcome to the forum
I think you'll find just about every stitcher loses their mojo from time to time and then something will spark it and before you know it, you will be pulling stitchy-all-nighters again
I think finding yourself a new project on larger count fabric is a great idea! As for the reading glasses, I haven't tried them but I know lots of people find them helpful.
To help inspire me when my mojo goes on hiatus, I like to browse through stitching magazines or online stores (123 Stitch is my fav), or watch stitching videos on YouTube.
I took a 10 year break from stitching and when I got back in it, I was more obsessed than ever. This forum does a good job keeping the interest alive with all the enabling going on....stick around and you'll see what I mean

[LilacDragon]

I am nearsighted, so I use extended wear contacts. This means that if I want to stitch, reading glasses are a must. I also need them to read, so I have several pair that I have picked up at the local store. My most comfortable pair stay next to my stitching spot.

I also use a magnifying light. It is a lovely floor model with an adjustable neck that I can twist around and adjust as needed. I was worried about it being in the way but honestly, now that I have used it for a while, I can't imagine stitching without it.

[Nimble stitch]

I use a clip on magnifier which really helps and yes like most stitchers I lost my mojo about 11 years ago and never touched anything then two years ago whilst recovering from an operation it came back as a full blown addiction. Be warned though we are really good enablers!!

[kiwirach]

hi and welcome Ladywolf
i came back to cross stitch after about a 20 yr break - sparked by helping an 8yr with a child's project. i ended up doing more of it than her!!. from that i brought a large LHN project - so jumping in at the deep end big time!!. i've done 2 small finishes as well, and am about a 1/3 of the way thru the big project. i have also been increasing my stash in a major way as there are so many lovely designs now from when i was last stitching!!.
with that being on 28ct i think, i had to get glasses as well!!. i was aware i needed them soon, but the stitch count prompted me to have an eye test and yes, i needed them. luckily at the moment, i was told not to wear them all the time, just for close work.
i do tend to stitch in the day light, but have tried under a good overhead light and that worked well.
so yes, there's hope - have a good look thru the SAL threads and see what projects catch your eye.

[Serinde]

Welcome to the forum from the West of Scotland! Everyone loses their stitching bug, but it generally wanders home again. Sometimes trying a different technique is the key. Being born in Castle Times, I couldn't stitch at all without a magnifier. Thank goodness for modern technology, or else I'd have to chose between being able to see at a distance with my contacts in or being able to see my embroidery.

[rcperryls]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina! and welcome back to stitching! I can't think of very many of us who haven't lost their stitchy bug for long periods of time at one time or another. I used to go for months at a time without picking up my stitching. I am sorry that you lost your stash but if you stick around here (and I hope you do) we will be busy encouraging you to get that resupply going! Looking forward to getting to know you.

Carole

[stitchingmae]

When my son was born dec 2011 he had health issues and well i just didnt have tjw energybto stitch once he was in bed I would try..i kept browsing the forum...then for my new years resolution for 2013 was to find me time and stitch I yave had three finishes this year and i bet this forum will help yiu find your mojo!

I had some reading glasses but md says I have a focal issue d/t astigmatism in both eyes. Rx tlasses helped much better. They also have some neat glasses that have lights atached made by foster grany i think got mine at cvs pharmacy

Welcome to the forum!!

[Nachstenliebe]

Welcome to the forum!!! I use to think I needed reading glasses... but really it was a lighting issue... I haven't felt the need to use reading glasses since I got my daylight lamp