I hadn't done stamped Cross Stitch in decades, but recently I did two small projects. They will be gifts for my niece and nephew who will be visiting soon (so I don't want to go into much detail since my niece might read this). At first, I was frustrated. I kept forgetting the needle was sharp. I had to focus to keep my stitches somewhat the same size. I couldn't change the pattern much because it was pre-printed on the fabric.

By the time I was going well on the second one, though, I was getting into the rhythm of doing a stamped project and I even ordered a larger kit to work on!

I started out on stamped projects - I still have the first one I ever did hanging in my craft room. But Counted Cross Stitch will always be my first love. What about you? Which do you prefer? Vote in the poll and let us know. Use the comments section below to expand on your opinion.

I posted about this earlier this year, but I thought I'd get into the spirit of summer TV and "re-run" it for all my new readers and for those of you who might have missed it.

Janet McCaffrey has some excellent photo-based stitch tutorials on the Primrose Design blog for the stitches used in Chicken Scratch. I know some of you enjoy this variation of Cross Stitch embroidery that is done on gingham fabric. If you haven't tried it yet, you should definitely check out Janet's photos at Primrose Designs.

More on Chicken Scratch Embroidery:

• Free Chicken Scratch Patterns
• Running Stitch Diagram
• How to Stitch a Smyrna Cross Stitch
• Woven Circle Stitch Tutorial

Of course, the fun thing about the stitches used in Chicken Scratch is that they can also be used in Cross Stitch designs and borders as well.

Stay up-to-date with when new free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.

Here's what some of my favorite crafty bloggers are up to this week -

Mixed Media Artist
Do not fear...making altered books will not cause lightning to strike you!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Have you thought of starting your own craft weblog? Here is why crafting rocks when it comes to niche blogging.

Craftside
This week at Craftside there is the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring the fabulous cloth doll artist, Patti Medaris Culea, a fun vegan recipe for Frushi (fruit sushi), a how-to on making a tennis ball training tool, and an Illustrator tutorial to make a digital word ATC and as always a bunch of questions that if you answer you are entered to win a free book!

Cathie Filian
When you need a crafty break - whip up this quick and easy snack of homemade hummus and baked bagel chips.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen gives you a sneek peek at some felt banners she's making for a swap, and tells you how to make easy rolled felt flowers to use as embellishments.

About.com Family Crafts
As a parent, one of the biggest crafting dilemmas you may face is what to do with all the wonderful masterpieces your child creates. How do you display each piece so it gets the attention it deserves?

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Vickie shares her 10 Craft Tips for Busy Parents!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the 411 on how she made a gorgeous crystal, rubber and exposed wire collar inspired by African jewelry.

The Crochet Dude
See a sneak peek video of Drew's new pattern line that launches August 1st.

The Artful Crafter
If you’re a polymer clay beginner or just want a quick professional looking project, use molds.

Stephanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Dada Mosaic, or is it surreal? You be the judge. Share your favorite crafty blog with up using the comments section below.

I have some odds and ends skeins of floss with no label, left-over floss from kits, and other projects collected in a craft box. I sorted them by color - good old MR. Roy G. Biv. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet for those of you who don't know. Neutrals are in their own little section.

I use these odds and ends of floss for various things. I stitched one of my favorite projects with them, in fact. I wondered - what do you do with your extra floss, if you don't plan to stitch with it? I collected a few ideas from various sources for Alternate Uses for Embroidery Floss, Thread, and Other Fibers, but I want to know what you do too.

Read the ideas and then share your own.