The Column Pattern Collection is a great pattern for practicing whole cross stitches, tension, and also for trying out a floss new-to-you. Like the rest, Column Three is a single color, so it would also look lovely on a piece of hand-dyed fabric or stitched up using a variegated floss.

Of course, you could also subdivide the pattern into sections and use several different shades of the same color family or a coordinating colors.

The Column Three pattern was inspired by Sue Chastain's Free Graphics Software Downloads.

More Whole Cross Stitch Charts:

• Home Sweet Home Chart
• Acorn's Away Design
• Cross Stitch Alphabet

I was shopping today in my local mercantile (actually Wal-mart, but mercantile reminds me of Little House on the Prairie and I am being nostalgic today.) They had a huge aisle of Halloween candy already set up. The one that caught my eye was this huge brain-shaped bubble gum blob - gross! I passed two girls as I exited the aisle on my way to the snack aisle - I was on a quest for almonds. I am particularly fond of the habenero flavored ones right now.
,br>I heard one of the girls say to the other, quite incredulously, "Halloween candy already? Really?"

I realized it isn't that long until Halloween, actually. Especially if you are planning projects. One of my favorite designs on the site is the the free Pumpkin Candlewicking pattern. It is quick-to-stitch. You could also use beads, fabric markers, or dots of paint to add the design to a treat bag or t-shirt. If you need to make a batch of bags or shirts, you can get the kids involved and have a lot of fun being creative together.

More Free Halloween Designs:

• Free Halloween Cross Stitch Patterns
• Featured Free Halloween Patterns
• Miniature Pumpkin Designs

Embark with me on another crafty round-up, if you dare! The theme this time is BIRTHDAYS! We all have them and we all have friends and family who have them - and why not turn our crafty skills to making gifts and purchasing gifts based on our giftees hobbies? Ready? Steady - GO! Get crafting (or shopping) people!

• Photography: How to Make a Photo Thank You Note
• Painting: Paint a "Pear Diamonds" Card
• Miniatures:Small Printable Boxes for Special Gifts Make a Miniature Birthday Cake Fridge Magnet
• Model Trains: Gift Ideas for Model Railroaders Gift Ideas for Model Railroaders by Price
• Knitting: Knit a Birthday Cake
• Rubber Stamping: Birthday Rubber Stamping Ideas
• Cross Stitch: Birthday-Themed Cross Stitch Patterns

About.com Needlepoint Guide Cheryl Fall has some wonderful, cute designs that I love to ooh and ahh over. And, even better than that, Cheryl Fall has designs for Needlepoint that are also easily adapted for Cross Stitch! Recently Cheryl had not one but two weddings to help with! It's no wonder that her design skills were tuned to that topic.

The Cut the Cake ornament would make a great small remembrance for a new couple or even be great to make for favors for a small wedding party. Add initials to personalize it for a bride and groom.

Cheryl has so many wonderful designs to choose from, but here are some of her latest and greatest that you simply must check out!:

• August Daisies
• Island Blossoms
• Golden Desert Scarab
• Fresh Catch