Cross-Stitch Software

When I started branching out into more creative stitching projects, I knew I needed to get a good cross-stitch software program. I'm just not crazy enough to try and make the patterns from scratch, despite being crazy in general. One very large problem. I ONLY use Macs. Born and bred, I am a Apple lover. So although I knew there were a few programs out there, they were all for PCs. I googled around, and finally found one that would work with my computer. I downloaded the demo, and played around for a bit, and then took the risk and purchased it as an online download. At the time it was about $99.00. It is MacStitch from Ursa Software, and it has been the greatest purchase of my life. I would never have been able to do my work without it.

There are different settings of complexity, so you can set it at the hardest to achieve the most photorealistic effect (as I do), or the easiest to make a more color-blocked effect. You can choose your design size, stitch count, thread brand and all sorts of things. And then you can edit. This program is AMAZING. I bought it probably about 5 or 6 years ago now, so I am going to

upgrade to the 2012 version. They do have an upgrade offer that makes the program less expensive.

If there are other programs out there that you have used, let me know! I'd love to hear feedback on other options. However, MacStitch is

my go, and probably always will be. :)

Olivia. Stitched on 18-count aida cloth. ©2010.

New Emo Look, Same Bat Place

Hooray! I'm no longer boring! I spent my entire day searching for new templates that would suit my personality and subject matter, as I don't like the templates that blogspot offers. I finally found a cute one, a little emo, true. But then, so am I. And it's cute cuz the skull has wings. And my nickname for Passion Parties used to be Emo Angel. :) Oh, good times.

Anyway, this template came from Templates Block. Very cool, and with lots of options. And I'm totally up for giving credit to the site for giving templates away free, but I LOVE that their little "created by" note on the website itself isn't super in your face. Anywho. That's really all. I just was excited that now my blog looks nice. And now, for something completely different...

Litsy Leopard, on 16-count aida. ©2010

Cross-Stitch iPhone Case

Completed Project - QR Code

Unfinished Stitching of QR Code

So a cool new product I found is the cross-stitch iPhone case from www.leesedesign.com. I actually purchased mine through thinkgeek.com (LOVE that site!), but they are no longer available. They come in a variety of different colors, and come with a few pattern options, some threads and a needle. Very super cute!

I, of course, didn't want a regular iphone case. I was going to plan a new sexy girl pattern for the back of it, but got a little over enthusiastic and decided to do a Subversive QR Code design from Subversive Cross-Stitch. This is also one of my super favorite websites, and has been an inspiration in creating my artwork. (www.subversivecrossstitch.com) I purchased a PDF pattern from the site for the QR code, and stitched it within a few hours. It works great, but I had to stitch the white background as the QR codes do not work with inverted colors (ex. white on black), only dark on light. Since my phone case was black, I needed to add the stitching in for a light background. Anyway - very happy with it, except that I am so attached to my Otterbox iPhone case that I can't seem to use the stitched one. And now I want to purchase another one, to do a girly design, and I can't find anywhere with reasonable prices to buy one! Will keep an eye out, and let you know!