Hi! I'm new here :)

[CreativeCanvas]

Hello! I've just taken up cross stitching and found this forum! I'm so excited to see what others have made, get help as I run into issues, and so much more such as learning new patterns and gaining new skills.
I live in the midwest of USA and am a 28 year old female. My friend actually made us a beautiful project and I decided I wanted to learn. I have finished some really simple projects and am ready to work on my first project that will require more time and patience. I'm hoping I run into some place that has them cheaper because I'm on a very limited budget and am unable to work at this time.
Thanks for letting me be here and I'm looking forward to meeting you all! -Jenny

[rcperryls]

Hi Jenny and welcome to the forum from South Carolna! And welcome to the world of cross stitching. this is a great place to learn. Never be afraid to ask a question as someone here will either know the answer or know where to go for the answer. What types of projects are you looking for? There are on line sites that have free charts as well as those for sale. I would link some but I'm on my iPad and linking is too hard for me to do this late at night . I'm sure some others will jump in with ideas and I will be back on my computer in the morning. I hope you will post pictures of your project. We love pictures! Looking forward to getting to know you.

Carole

[Squirrel]

Hi Jenny and Welcome from me too in very chilly Brisbane. Its great that you have found us. Ask any questions you have and there is sure to be someone on here with the answer. We love to help and were once at the start of this wonderful way of life.

[lavenderbee]

Hello Jenny & welcome to the forum .from North Wales Hope you enjoy it on here. I echo what others have said about someone always glad to help. Look forward to seeing your projects

[fccs]

Hello Jenny - greetings from Colorado and welcome to the forum. You've found a great place to hang out and learn more about cross stitching. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask - we were all beginners once.

If you're on a budget, you will find that there are lots of legitimate sites that offer free charts - DMC has several: http://www.dmc-usa.com/Inspiration/Proj ... oss+Stitch" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank - and several designers have facebook pages that offer free designs to members of the group.

What kind of designs are you interested in?

[CreativeCanvas]

Thanks everyone!
I love making baby projects, I love butterflies, and I love making gifts for others. My boyfriend is a Marine so It would be cool to stitch some of those projects. I hope to do a variety of projects.
Thanks for the suggestions! I've been to the craft stores and even just buying cloth and colors gets pricey! I was looking at second hand stores but have yet to find anything at all.
Nice to meet you!

[karen4bells]

Hello Jenny, and welcome to the forum!!

[MelindaH]

Nice to meet you, Jenny. Welcome from another Midwesterner.
Sometimes you can find used cross stitch books in yard sales and flea markets, but they're hard to find. I managed to get a couple on paperbackswap.com, but that requires a long wait (and credits). People cling to their craft books. As others have mentioned, there are lots of free patterns online.
As for materials, my trick for getting them for less is to subscribe to some of the craft sites and wait for them to email you about sales. When cross stitch materials are on sale, buy them! Also, save up money to buy more at once. You usually save money on shipping that way. Some places will also email you coupons to use in-store.

[Serinde]

Welcome from the wet West of Scotland!