I will be the first to admit that I did not read during the stay-at-home order. Weird, right? I’m a librarian, an avid reader, and I even had a large stack of books to work through as well as a well-stocked home library. But there’s something about existential dread that, at least for me, put me off from reading. I didn’t craft, either. I usually have at least one cross-stitch project that I am invested in, along with tatting and the occasional sewing project. I did no cooking experiments (beyond learning how to make baguettes), no archery, no wildflower identification, no wine-making – none of my usual spring activities. To be honest, aside from working from home, I spent my days playing Animal Crossing on the Switch.
I’m finally getting to a point where my hobbies have become fun again, and the first thing I’m really interested in is Cross-Stitch. I’m working on a project I found on Etsy – I love anything nature-related, and my current favorite artists are 2x2StitchArt and CozyEveningStitch. If you’re looking for a free option, DMC has tons of free patterns available on their website. I am on the prowl for a modern cross-stitch book that has these kinds of patterns in it, but for now the best patterns I can find have to be purchased individually online.
There are still plenty of options for me at the library, though. We have a few fun modern cross-stitch pattern collections available through the library – The World of Cross-Stitching, a monthly magazine, is available on Overdrive. They provide a ton of patterns each issue, and have a great mixture of different styles of cross-stitch. If you enjoy stitching a few “bad” 
words and sassy phrases, Subversive Cross-Stitch is jam-packed with the kinds of patterns my grandmother would never have touched. Featuring phrases like “Don’t be such a baby,” “You can’t make me,” and “You lie like a cheap rug,” you’ll need a darker sense of humor to appreciate this book and its many profa
nities. Whimsical Cross-Stitch, available on Hoopla, features a ton of cute animals, block patterns, nature –– the list goes on, with most of the projects being simple, quick, and beginner-friendly. And last but not l
east, Feminist Cross-Stitch, which is packed full of feminist affirmations like “Don’t tell me to smile,” “Beauty is not a number,” and “Believe women.” It also has a section of subversive, sassy designs – similar to Subversive Cross-Stitch.
So, there we have it, a list of great library resources on modern cross-stitch! One more thing – if you see a book with astronomy, biology, or nature cross-stitch patterns: send them my way!
I have been an avid cross-stitcher for decades. In 1987, when my son was born, I vowed to cross-stitch a unique and special Christmas ornament for him every year. That promise lasted one year. Fast forward thirty years and I vowed to do the same for my grandson. So far, I have kept that promise.
as “beyond adorable.”