Recently I added the free Gather Ye Rosebuds (Kitties) pattern to the collection of free patterns at About.com Cross Stitch. Well, now the pattern has gone to the dogs, so to speak.

Stitch the free Gather Ye Rosebuds (Doggies) pattern for a friend who dotes on his or her canine companions. In addition, I adapted the pattern for one specific breed - Scotties.

More free Animal-themed patterns:

• Brown Dog Motif
• Black Cat Graph
• P is for Pig Chart
• Bunnies Squared
• R is for Rabbit

Mother's Day is almost here, so if you haven't chosen a project to make for Mom, you better get cracking. The latest addition to the free patterns at About.com Cross Stitch may be what you are looking for and it is simple enough to finish in an evening.

Stitch this free Monogrammed Wreath Cross Stitch pattern for a gift for Mother's Day or some other special occasion. This chart could be used in many ways. Add it to a gift box, make a small pillow or sachet, or framed design. Use your imagination to create something special for Mom!

More Ideas for Mother's Day:

• Free Mother's Day Cross Stitch Patterns
• Cross Stitch Projects
• Gifts for Stitchers

Today is my "little" sister's birthday - Happy Birthday Sis! I am not going to tell you how old she is because (1) she would kill me and (2) she would kill me! She has always been so supportive of my stitching endeavors and I would probably not be the About.com Cross Stitch Guide if it were not for her.

I wish I had seen this Birthday Banner pattern, designed by Tracy Lambert, About.com Guide to Needlepoint, in time to make it for my sis, but maybe I can get it done for her next birthday. The Needlepoint banner (easily adapted for Cross Stitch) is a great idea for starting a family tradition - hang it on a door or door knob for each family member's special day.

Who has the next birthday in your family? Get stitching so you can have the banner completed in time for the party.

More Birthday Related Projects from About.com Guides:

• Birthday Cake Cross Stitch Chart
• Create Cross Stitch Cards
• Birthday Party Games
• Birthday Cake Coloring Page
• Birthday Quotes

Hot off the needle, I photographed this stitching project right after I finished and before I removed my gridding lines. The free Gather Ye Rosebuds (Kitties) pattern was inspired by my two kitties, Bert and Ernie. Ernie passed away last year and Bert is living with my Mom because my fiance is allergic to cats. I visit Bert often - so much that Mom says she is glad he moved in with her, but I still miss my boys a lot and I will think of them every time I see this stitching project.

This project was stitched on DMC Marbled Fabric. It is 100% colorfast, but has the look of hand-dyed fabric. This color is Desert Sand (DMC 677). The fabric is washable, so if you have avoided working with marbled or hand-dyed fabric because it is not always washable, you may want to try this fabric instead.

You will notice my "lazy" gridding method. I go over 10 / under 10 horizontally. It takes half the time to grid, and I can still tell where the squares are as I stitch. I prefer this method because it is faster and I get impatient with it takes so long to grid fabric before I get to stitch!

Stitch Graffiti by Heather Holland-Daly is a good choice book for beginning stitchers. The designs are fresh and easy. Unique finishing instructions are provided for each design . At the risk of using an over-used phrase - this book is "cool!" I rarely find a Cross Stitch publication that I would like to sit and stitch through, but this is one of them.

Unique features of the book include Heather's anectdotes about each design, an extensive section on stitching and supplies, and suggested stitching songs for each project. More than just a pattern book, this publication gives an insight into the inspiration for each design.

Read my complete review.

See more:

• Reviews of Books and Leaflets
• Cross Stitch Cuff Bracelet
• Cross Stitch Projects

snickrsnme recently posted this question in the Forum:

Since my eyes aren't what they used to be, I try to make my favorite pastime easier. When I purchase a new pattern, I immediately take it to Kinkos to have it enlarged. This serves two purposes. One, I can see the symbols and two, I can use my many highlighters to help me keep track of where I am!

I do not know how to use these high tech copy machines so, I always ask for help. I have been doing this for many years now. Last time I went to ask for help to make a copy, the sales clerk refused. He said that I was breaking copyright laws. I told him that it was my understanding that I could make one copy,of a pattern I had purchased, if it was for my own use. I told him that I wasn't going to sell it. He refused to help me because I was breaking the law!

Please let me know if I've been doing something wrong. How does everyone else enlarge their patterns?

Do you make working copies of your patterns? What are your thoughts about them? Vote in the poll to let us know if you use copies of your patterns. Use the comments section below or add a comment in the Forum to let us know your opinion about making copies.

What do I think? Most designers don't mind if you make a working copy of a pattern, and neither do I, but it is not acceptable to make copies of patterns to share with others.

One of my personal favorite aspects of the About.com Cross Stitch site is the Cross Stitch Photo Album. I love seeing what other stitchers are up to and I really enjoy it when stitchers send in examples of how they used my free patterns. If you would like to submit a photo, read the submission guidelines for more information.

Photos of Cross Stitch are not the only submissions accepted. Stitchers are also welcome to send in favorite tips, hints, and tricks to share with fellow stitchery enthusiasts. To submit a tip, fill out the Cross Stitch Tip Submission Form.

And, don't forget, you can always join in the Cross Stitch Conversation in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. The Forum is filled with stitchers of all experience levels who love to chat about Cross Stitch. If you have a question or like to answer questions OR if you just need to vent about your latest project, then the About.com Cross Stitch Forum is the place to be. If you are not already a member, sign up is free and easy. Learn more...

I really like to use Cross Stitch to decorate functional items. I like making cards and pins or using unusual frames. If you are similarly inclined, get ideas and inspiration from Items to Decorate or Use in Finishing Cross Stitch Projects. Each item includes an idea for its use and a link to purchasing information. Many of the items also include information about how to complete a project using the item.

More on Cross Stitch Projects:

• Index of Cross Stitch Projects and Instructions
• Photos of Cross Stitch Projects
• Free Cross Stitch Patterns A-Z Index

Dangal posted this comment in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum:

"I've heard DMC is going bankrupt! Anyone knowing anything about this? Look under Latest News at http://www.dmc.com/>"

Before you panic and start hoarding DMC floss, read the posts in the forum for more information.

More on DMC Floss:

• DMC Six-Strand Embroidery Floss
• DMC Light Effects Floss
• Why Is DMC Floss Your Favorite?
• What is Your Favorite Floss?
• Floss Conversion Charts

The Long-Armed Smyrna Cross Stitch is a variation of the Smyrna Cross Stitch that incorporates a petite upright cross stitch laid over a cross stitch stitched over two squares of Aida fabric.

The stitch may be done with one or two colors of floss. This stitch is versatile and may be used to create borders or as a substitute for cross stitch in small motifs.

More Cross Stitch Variation Tutorials:

• Elongated Cross Stitch
• Laced Cross Stitch
• Simple Eyelet Stitch
• Zig-Zag Stitch