Books & Stitches Home

Welcome

This site is a resource for beginner cross stitch enthusiasts and library lovers alike. Are you interested in learning how to cross stitch? Do you know how or struggle with different aspects of the craft? Regardless of where you are in your cross stitch journey, this site is created to help with the process.

Picture of me
My name is Christie, and I discovered cross stitch two years ago. Traditionally, I have always been a big tomboy and the outdoors type that loathes a tedious sit down crafting project. I love hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, and really anything that gets me outside for some sunshine! Alternatively, I also love cozying up inside with a good book on a rainy day.

For some reason I was intrigued and ready for a "granny" hobby. I started out cross stitching by purchasing a kit from Amazon that claimed it was for beginners. It was not! This is a picture of my first four stitches on this project. Take a guess at how long it took me to do those first four red stitches?!

1 hour!!! Why did it take me so long? Because the instructions with the Amazon kit were horrible and I had no helpful beginner resources in my arsenal to get me started. However, I was determined to learn this craft and not give up and at least see the project through. It took me two months to finish my first project.

Does every project take that long? Nope, not at all! That is all up to you! That is what is great about cross stitch! You can literally make whatever you want. You don't have to be an artist or have a lot of experience to create something awesome. All you need is floss, aida cloth, needles, and the willingness to learn and be creative. Let's get started!


Favorite Stitch Sites
Link: Site:
Libby App Libby App
Access free cross stitch magazines and books with a library card.
123 Stitch Online Shop 123 Stitch
Best online community cross stitch shop and resource. Loaded with helpful calculators for fabric, needles and project sizes and other useful tools!
Lord Libian - Cross Stitch Blog, Tips, Insights, Reviews and Inspiration Lord Libian
Legendary website for all things cross stitch. Full of "cross stitch blogs, tips, insights, reviews and inspiration!"

Connect With Me

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Email: Christie.Mancino@usm.edu

Site Updated: May 2026