Esther pointed out an error on the Basketball chart and I corrected the DMC numbers. I have also added two new motifs since I originally posted the collection. A trio of golf balls and some hockey sticks will be suitable for fans of those sports. If you have other sports you'd like to see represented here, let me know.

More Free Pattern Collections from About.com Cross Stitch:

Pattern Tile Collection

Floral Diamond Collection

Small Saying Cross Stitch Charts

I have officially become middle-aged. I can still see to read just fine, but suddenly my arms just weren't the right length where my stitching was concerned. My prescription is very strong as it is - now my up-close vision is iffy. What's a serious stitcher to do?

In an effort to avoid going to using only 6-count Aida for my projects, I have tried all sorts of magnifiers. I am too fidgety for the ones that fit around the neck, but if I get in the zone, I can make them work. Free-standing magnifiers tend to give me motion-sickness, so while they offer a great view of my stitching, I can't use them long term. I managed to make clip-on lenses work pretty well, but was frustrated with the fact that I had to hold my work at a single fixed point to see it.

Since I had so many problems with traditional methods, I leapt at the chance to test some Craft Optics telescopes recently. These magnifiers are unique in that they are attached to glasses fitted with lenses in my current prescription. So far, I feel as if all my problems have been solved!

The glasses are super comfy and rather geeky chic. I can use the telescopes to view my work, and still watch TV and interact with my family at the same time - I swear I can't hear if I don't have my glasses on!

There's no problem with motion sickness, and when I flip up the telescopes, they stay put. And, there's quite a range where I can see my project, so I don't have to hold it in just one place. There are lots more features I am still discovering and I will offer a more formal review of this product as soon as I have a chance to test it out more.

Granted, the starting price of $399USD means that this option is not an inexpensive one. But for hard-core stitchers who have "bad eyes" like me, it is a very practical one. If stitching is a major part of your life, as it is mine, they might just be worth it!

As I said, I will be offering a more formal review soon, so stay tuned, but I wanted to let you know that such options were out there, in case you are having problems like mine. (I have no connection with the company other than the fact that they sent me a pair of their Craft Optics Telescopes to test.)

The glasses are available in red (show here) and black (like the one's I am testing). You may visit the Craft Optics website, fan them on Facebook, and/or follow @CraftOptics on Twitter to learn more.

What do you think? Would you, if need be, use a product like Craft Optics telescopes? Vote in the poll and express yourself. If you have an option that has worked perfectly for you, let us know in the comments section below before you vote.

Whether you are for the Saints or the Jets, or are just watching the game for the commercials, like me, today is a great time to complete a Super Stitching Project! This year, I challenge you to stitch one of my favorite designs, the free Rose Window Cross Stitch Pattern on the fabric of your choice with the floss colors of your choice. This is a small simple design that will take less than 24-hours to stitch just as the experience of the stitcher who completed the beauty featured here shows. In a post in the Cross Stitch Forum Member X_Woman explains why she choose this project, "I was having a hard time deciding which of my many, many choices to work on next. I had down loaded a few of Connie's designs but still wasn't sure. I was looking through my supply box and came across a package of black 14 CT Aida and some floss I bought at my LNS...."

Another member, prolific stitcher Marty interpreted this design in shades of lavendar and purple. View her completed Rose Window project.

X Woman was able to finish stitching the design in one day and I bet you can too.If you decide to stitch the design, please be sure to share a photo with us in the forum or submit an entry for the Cross Stitch Photo album.

More Information:

• Free Rose Window Cross Stitch Pattern
• Photo Submission Guidelines
• Join the About.com Cross Stitch Forum

Cross Stitch Forum members discussed a new source of great free patterns suitable for Cross Stitch recently. I soon realized that the site they referred to was About.com Needlepoint. I enjoy browsing through Cheryl's designs too, so I wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of them. Especially since most Needlepoint designs are easily adapted for Cross Stitch since they are based on a grid too.

One of her recent designs, the free Bird of Pardise design is an example of Cheryl's use of color. She has designs for a wide range of topics and styles. If you have questions about Needlepoint, be sure to visit Cheryl's Needlepoint Forum. To find out when she posts new patterns, sign up for her newsletter. If you have questions about converting Needlepoint patterns to Cross Stitch, feel free to email me at crossstitch.guide@about.com.

More Free Patterns:

• Needlepoint Patterns - Many Suitable for Cross Stitch
• Free Cross Stitch Patterns from About.com Cross Stitch
• Free Patterns and Projects