Hello! I'm Sarah, and this is the Woven Rose Guide to Cross-Stitch. This is a series for everyone, of course, but it has been specifically designed for those of you who are brand new to cross-stitch and are perhaps a little overwhelmed by all the strange terminology and unfamiliar materials, and are not quite sure how to get started on their cross-stitching journey.

In the first few instalments, we're going to be taking a look at the materials you'll need to get started. I'll be talking you through all the essentials- such as charts, fabric and threads- as well as a few special extras, such as speciality threads and beads. We'll also take a moment to look at any tools and accessories you might need to get started- don't worry, you won't need too much!

Once we have our materials and equipment sorted, we'll be starting our project. I'm going to be working on a Lavender and Lace piece called 'Angel of Christmas', but you feel free to work on whatever project you like. It's all cross-stitch after all!

Don't worry if you feel a little overwhelmed at first. There really isn't too much to cross-stitch; it's just about making those little x's on your piece of fabric and watching as something amazing appears before your eyes. You'll have the hang of it in no time at all.

When our pieces are fully stitched, we'll take a moment to look at some slightly more advanced techniques such as backstitch, beading and using speciality threads. You may not need to know much about these when you're working on your first piece but you can go back on those sections in the future, if you need to.

Finally, I'll be showing you how to prepare your piece for framing and indeed going over the framing process itself (unless, of course, you would prefer to rope in a professional for that part). We will also briefly discuss some other ways to finish your project if you don't want to frame it. 

If that all sounds like fun (and I certainly think it does!), then I would love if you would come along with me as I work through an entire cross-stitch project from start to finish and show you how easy- and how fun- it is. 

Ready? Alright then, let's go...