Crossstitchforum - A FREE forum for Cross Stitchers

So right now all of the stash I own consists of the one kit I found at a thrift store for 3 dollars--which is amazing considering it has the original price tag on it for $35! But that bit worries me, I use this for therapy--it truly helps keep the anxiety down--it has given me a reason to live--even if that reason is seeing how much I can accomplish on it that day. However I have no zero money, I can barely afford to pay my bills as it is so getting into an expensive hobby probably wasn't the smartest move ever--but oh well here I am!

Where have you all found the cheapest places to buy supplies for projects--especially cheaper kits because I'm kind of drawn to what I notice is very expensive kits and it's making me sad and a little anxious about finishing the one project I own in case I don't come up with money for more by then. I guess I could hope I get lucky and the thrift store will have more stuff by then, but it was the only one there and I had been to like 3 stores before the one I found it in.

So yeah just wondering if you all have cheap project ideas or anything like that

~Kaylin

I use the 40% off coupons at Joann's or Hobby Lobby for my needs. I also find free charts on the net, but they are usually for small projects.

There are a ton of free charts on the web of many different sizes, you just need to find the time to dig through and find what you would like.

I personally think that kits are way more expensive then buying supplies individually. You can buy thread and fabric for much less at most places then you can kits.

Do you have anything specific that you are looking for?

I really like butterflies, fairies, tigers, dolphins, teddy bears. I like more complicated designs, the few simple projects I did in the hospital just made me itch to do something more.. I'll have a look around online and see what free patterns I can find then see how cheaply I can buy all the materials for. Thanks so much for the idea.

I *so* empathize with having zero disposable income. Been there, done that plenty of times. I still have some charts left from my "I Hate My Stash" giveaway.

http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... 11&t=25864" target="_blank

There's a fairy in the Teresa Wentzler category and butterfies in Animals. Look through the links and let me know if you would like any of them.

Artecy.com offers two free patterns every two weeks. Click on "Free Patterns" on the blue bar across the top of their page. The freebies there now may not interest you, but keep checking back.

Kits are nice because they are all inclusive, but they can be pricey. Cross-stitch does not have to be expensive. Joann's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby and even Wal-Mart (some of them) are great places to purchase floss and fabric at very reasonable prices. With coupons and sales, you can really save a bundle, especially if you already have a pattern. Right now, Joann's has a 60% off a single item coupon. Great time to buy a piece of fabric. I have a couple of old cross-stitch magazines that I was taking to the flea market. If you PM me your address I'd be happy to send them your way. Tons of free designs.

Thank you sooo much I'll definitely PM you and let you know! I also wanted to say thank you to a couple members here who private messaged me about sending me some things for free--I cried a little bit because I have never really had people care--and it just feels amazing to know how generous some people are in this world. I'm so excited to see what stuff is gonna come in the mail soon oh my goodness!!

I have just received a wonderful haul of crafts that include this batch of threads



It is not a full set of DMC but it is very close. If you send me your address in a PM I will gather together 2 of all the colors I have and 1 of any that are single skeins and you are welcome to them. I already have a full set plus of the colors so to share with you would be a pleasure. Just paying it forward as some would say.

I posted a message in another thread about this, but I just wanted to say wow you people are so amazing here!

And also I sent you a PM

I'm assuming you are somewhere in the USA? It might be worth joining your local Freecycle group and asking on there - as well as watching the offers very, very closely! I have seen some quite nice stash offered over the years, and I live in quite a small town.

Ruthi wrote:I'm assuming you are somewhere in the USA? It might be worth joining your local Freecycle group and asking on there - as well as watching the offers very, very closely! I have seen some quite nice stash offered over the years, and I live in quite a small town.

Oh, good point! Ruthi is right. Freecycle .... and Craigslist. I see XS stuff show up on Craigslist once in a while -- sometimes cheap and sometimes "just get it out of my house."

oh! that's an excellent idea, i've never used freecycle but i'm going to check it out now, i live in a really big city so should be lots of offers of things i hope!!

Good luck....you never know what treasure is waiting around the corner for you to find!

One girl's surplus is another girls gain!