The 2010 About.com Cross Stitch calendar features twelve different free patterns from About.com Cross Stitch. It also has a box for you to tick off to indicate if you stitched each day or not. The calendar will make a great last minute gift for a stitcher!

More About the Calendar

As I developed my stitching skills, I used to be a little hesitant about trying new stitches. After all, I had mastered the basic stitches used in Cross Stitch. What else did I need to know? I was wary of trying out specialty stitches due to some bad experiences with hand embroidery. If you follow the blog here at About Cross Stitch, you know that I still fake French knots if possible, but I even managed to master that stitch after much practice.

When I tried my first Cross Stitch variation however, I was hooked. I am always on the look-out for new variations to try. Now, I enjoy adding stitches from other embroidery disciplines to my designs and projects.

The image at right shows the free Mini Heart C pattern stitched with laced cross stitch (top) and regular cross stitch (bottom). The laced cross stitch produces a stitch that is slightly raised, giving a little texture to your stitching projects and it is also rather fun to stitch.

Suggested Practice Patterns - Replace some or all of the cross stitches with laced cross stitch in these designs to create a unique design.

• Mini Heart A
• Mini Heart B
• Mini Heart C
• Acorns Away
• Rose Window

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I know it is a little early to think about them, but they have been on my mind today. This year, I am resolved to exercise more. I am also determined to lose weight. I have made both these resolutions before, but I am certain that it will work this year (I paid cash money to join a weightloss and exercise plan, so it better!).

While I am at it, of course I will make some stitching resolutions too. This year I have several projects I want to complete, including several ornament sets. I want to be able to decorate one tree in handmade ornaments! I'd also, for once and for all, like to get my stitching room organized. (This is on my list every year.)

Need some ideas for your own stitching resolutions? Read New Year's Resolutions for Cross Stitchers for ideas. Then, share your resolutions and suggestions.

Don't miss the free Happy New Year pattern.

More New Year's Resolution Ideas from About.com Guides:

• Resolutions for Painters
• Photographer's New Year's Resolutions
• Resolutions for Knitters
• New Year's Resolutions for Artists

Here's what some of my favorite crafty bloggers have been up to lately. I hope you are having a crafty holiday season!

• Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
  Where did December go? Linda's sharing her mantel decorations as she ponders her lack of handmade gifts this year. Yikes!
• Margot Potter - The Impatient Crafter
  Know someone bitten by the Twilight bug? Check out Madge's holiday themed Twilight silhouette ornament and pendant project for iLoveToCreate teen!
• Mixed Media Artist
  Make a stab-bound scrapbook or journal to hold all your Christmas cards and memories this year.
• About.com Family Crafts
  Find out how you can spread the holiday spirit throughout your entire neighborhood using this fun pass-it-on gift.
• Aileen's Musings
  As a gift to you Aileen's created 2 beauitful recipe cards for you to download and print.
• Stefanie Girard's Greeting Card Album Craftiness
  How to decorate your Greeting Card Album for Christmas and recycle a card from last year with a fabric die cut.
• The Artful Crafter
  Eileen's been elf-ed! Join in the fun and spread some holiday cheer. There's still time for a few more elf-ings.
• Cathie Filian
  Check out Cathie's quick video on how to make a Christmas tree from a tomato cage.
• Craftside
  The Holiday Goodness Giveaways are in full swing with lots of great answers to fun questions and a week more to enter to win free books along with a free knit placemat pattern with a plaid detail, ribbon and pom pom trimmed dish towel, apron and Christmas tree how-tos, and an inside peek into artist studio with some fun recycled storage ideas.
• The Crochet Dude
  Drew reveals his themed Christmas wrap and also announces a fantastic giveaway!
• Crafty Princess Diaries
  Tammy has received the first submissions for her book's gallery, and talk about impressive! Wow! Some amazing metal jewelry by Victoria Tillotson.