My fiance is in the process of starting a new hobby. He used to travel, but right now that is not an option. So, he has decided to visit the stars instead. Visually anyway. The living room is cluttered with his telescope and other equipment. Since I have been hearing a lot about stars and planets and such, it is no wonder that I was inspired to create the free Astronomy Saying and Samplers patterns. Use your favorite flosses and cross stitch or back stitch to create a project for your favorite astronomy buff.

Information on Astronomy from About.com Guide Nick Greene:

• The Inescapable Truth About Black Holes
• Pictures of Earth
• Closest Stars to Our Solar System

I love being able to use items decorated with Cross Stitch in my home. One of my latest projects involves an unusual stitching surface. I was shopping for shelf liner and I happened to notice that Duck Select Non Adhesive Shelf Liner had a perfect "evenweave" surface. It also comes in a variety of colors.

So, of course, I nabbed some and decided to try out stitching on it. I used yarn and large plastic needle and made some Cross Stitch Coasters. I plan to try out some placemats next.

What sort of unusual surfaces have you stitched on? Use the comments button below to let us know.

See More -

• Free Table Accessory Patterns
• Cross Stitch Fabrics and Stitching Surfaces
• Sew An Insulating Soda Can or Juice Box Wrap From About.com Sewing
• Felted Place Mat From About.com Knitting
• CD Coaster From About.com Family Crafts

I've added some new patterns to the Maple Leaf Quilt Pattern Collection including blackwork and punchneedle patterns and a new Cross Stitch design. These patterns are part of a growing collection of Quilt Inspired Cross Stitch patterns at About.com Cross Stitch.

Stitch the designs with the floss colors I suggest, or use variegated floss for a completely different look. This pattern presents a great opportunity to try out some of the new over-dyed flosses.

More Projects from About.com Guides -

• Crochet with Fabric
• Yo Yo-Yo Sewing Projects
• Beginner Quilt Patterns

I am a bit obsessed with floss - some people collect patterns, some collect fabrics - me, I love to try all sorts of flosses and fibers for stitching. I have written about this before. I started out with J & P Coats, graduated to DMC, and now I also stitch with Anchor, DFN, Kreinik and more. I am testing out some new flosses right now, and I especially like Presencia Finca Mouline Embroidery floss. This floss brand may not be as familiar to some of you because it has only been available in the USA for a few decades.

Finca floss is very strong and easy to stitch with. The color hues are definitely comparable to the highest quality flosses. I stitched the Seasons Change pattern with it and I am also working on another project I will be sharing with you soon.

Find out more about Finca Flosses Suitable for Cross Stitch

Have you stitched with Finca floss? Use the comments button below to share your experience with us.

One of my favorite brands associated with Cross Stitch has always been Charles Craft. They offer quality Cross Stitch fabric in a variety of colors. In addition to the fabric, Charles Craft also has a wide select of pre-finished items with Aida inserts or woven bands for you to personalize.

From bookmarks to brides pillows to baby bibs, these items make it easy to give a special Cross Stitch gift to someone, especially if, like me, you don't sew. Most of the items are quite reasonably priced and readily available at your local craft store or you can order them online directly from Charles Craft or other vendors. If you are looking for quick gift solutions or items to use in decorating your home, these items are a great option.

Learn more - Pre-Finished Charles Craft Products.

I spent some time sitting on the porch stitching this week. It was nice and cool, the cows were frisking in the pasture, the squirrel was raiding the bird feeder, and the birds were singing. The project I was working on wasn't too involved and I really enjoyed my experience. Usually when I stitch outside, I worry about the project getting dirty, but the fabric I was using was gray so I wasn't too concerned this time.

Do you stitch outdoors? Vote in the poll and let us know. Use the comments section below (before you vote) to let us know about your outdoor stitching experiences - good and bad.

Stain removal tips:

• Pipsqueek's Stain Removal Tip
• Bev's Blood Stain Removal Tip
• Eliminate a Stain from Cross Stitch Fabric

The Pinwheel Welcome is another in a series of Quilt-Inspired Cross Stitch Patterns I have been working on lately. I have always loved quilts, but I am not a quilter. So, I decided to create patterns with quilt themes.

Stitch the free Pinwheel Welcome pattern with the floss colors of your choice. Match your home decor or use holiday colors to create a Christmas welcome. Select seasonal colors and make a welcome for spring, summer, winter, and fall!

Patterns in this collection include:

• Pinwheel Welcome
• Pinwheel Block
• Pinwheel Saying

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