I got diagnosed with Covid two weeks ago.

But it is SO last year! No, worse than that, it is so 2021!! Nobody gets it now. The world has moved on.

Hardly anyone wears masks these days. Or worries about the odd cough.

We all think it has gone away.

Until it happens to us.

Covid Diagnosis

Well, I went abroad for a few days and came back very, very tired. And had aches all over my body.

Just getting too old, I thought, always over-doing it. Can’t expect to lead my life exactly the same anymore.

And I must have also sat badly on the train. I should have walked around to avoid back ache. I usually do.

But no, the next day I had a temperature and that old horrid feeling that my daughter sums up as “feeling kak”. You know what it’s like. You realise that you have flu and there’s no getting around it.

My daughter urged me to take a Covid test and, as I had a few kits in a box in my cupboard, I took one. Of course, it wasn’t Covid. I never thought it was.

But I didn’t get better. I was sure it was just a bad case of flu. And two days later, muttering under my breath that I would try one more time “just to prove my daughter wrong,” I took another test.

And there they were – those two red lines.

I wanted to argue. I don’t get Covid. Other people do, but I don’t. I never have in all these three years.

But there was the evidence to the contrary.

Having Covid

It hits everyone differently, they say. Mine went mainly to the gut, but it didn’t last too long.

I tried to follow all the advice. Stay in bed, drink lots of water. Rest. Sleep a lot. Don’t do too much.

It’s very boring. I guess we all know that. You can’t do anything. You can’t go out. You can’t see friends.

And I was one of the lucky ones. I didn’t get nausea. I didn’t even get a cough.

Several people asked me why I took a test at all. No one does these days, they said. Just treat it like a flu and move on. No need to treat it differently.

But some people do have to be careful, and it’s best to know what you’re dealing with. At least I felt that way. My son and daughter-in-law are both vulnerable for different reasons.

And eventually those two little lines go away and you can go back to real life.

Only I didn’t.

The After Effects

What I didn’t count on is the post disease part.

Recovery seems to take forever. You sleep a lot. You can’t get anything done. Days go on and on, each one like the other.

Or you have a good day and think it is gone. Which is followed by a bad day, and you get very discouraged.

You’re allowed to go out, but you don’t feel like it. It is one big DRAG.

And it is then that everyone tells you how this latest form of Covid is the worst for the recovery period. I met someone who had had Covid four times and the most recent was the worst.

Someone even told me you should expect one week of recovery for every decade of your life. I didn’t like that prospect at all.

Much too long!

So, all I can say is don’t you know there are new issues these days? Ukraine, Artificial Intelligence, ultra-processed food…

No one wants to think about Covid now.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you had Covid recently? Were your symptoms bad? Did it take a long time to recover?

Also Seen on Bethenny Frankel, Lisa Rinna + Danielle Staub

Photo #1: @BethennyFrankel

Originally posted at: Kenya Moore’s Black Leather Jacket

Photo: @guerdydesign

Originally posted at: Kiki Barth’s Black Cutout Dress

Cross-stitching has captivated crafters for centuries with its intricate patterns and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful, stitch by stitch. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting, cross-stitching provides a delightful way to relax, express your creativity, and produce stunning handcrafted pieces.

You’re in luck if you’re a beginner eager to embark on this creative journey. Below, you’ll find four easy cross-stitch patterns designed for beginners. I selected these patterns specifically to provide a gentle introduction to cross-stitching, allowing you to develop skills and create beautiful works of art. So gather your materials, thread your needle, and let’s dive into the world of cross-stitch together.

Here are 4 cross-stitch patterns that are great for beginners:

1. Basic Sampler
2. Geometric Shapes
3. Small Flowers or Plants
4. Cute Animals

Cross-Stitch Supplies Every Beginner Needs

Every beginner needs a few basic supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stitching experience. Here are the essential cross-stitch supplies:

Aida Fabric

Aida fabric is the most common fabric used in cross-stitching. It has evenly spaced holes or squares, which make creating neat and uniform stitches easy. I recommend starting with 14-count Aida fabric, which has 14 holes per inch for beginners.

Embroidery Hoop

An embroidery hoop is a circular wooden or plastic frame that holds the fabric taut and prevents it from wrinkling while stitching. It helps maintain even tension and makes stitching easier. Choose a hoop that comfortably fits your fabric size.

Embroidery Floss

Embroidery floss is the thread used for cross-stitching. It comes in various colors and usually consists of six strands. DMC and Anchor are popular brands that offer high-quality embroidery floss.

Embroidery Needles

Cross-stitch needles have a large eye to accommodate multiple strands of floss and a sharp, pointed tip to easily pierce the fabric. Size 24 or 26 tapestry needles are common for cross-stitching.

Scissors

Sharp, small scissors are essential for cutting floss and trimming threads. Choose scissors with a fine tip to make precise cuts, and dedicate them to cross-stitching to avoid dulling the blades.

Pattern

Choose a pattern that suits your interests and skill level. You can find patterns in books, magazines, or online platforms. Start with simple designs to practice basic stitches before progressing to more complex patterns.

Chart or Pattern Key

A chart or pattern key accompanies the pattern and guides you through the stitching process. It typically includes symbols representing different floss colors and indicates where to place each stitch on the fabric.

Fabric Markers or Highlighters (optional)

Fabric markers or highlighters help mark the center of your fabric or highlight specific stitches on the pattern. This aids in tracking progress and ensures accuracy while stitching.

Simple Projects for Beginners

Basic Sampler

A sampler is a traditional cross-stitch pattern featuring various simple stitches and motifs. It often includes alphabets, numbers, and small designs. Samplers are excellent for practicing basic stitches and getting familiar with the cross-stitch technique.

Materials

Aida fabric, embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, tapestry needle, embroidery scissors.

Instructions

1. Start by selecting a basic sampler pattern that includes alphabets, numbers, and small motifs. This free traditional cross-stitch sampler is perfect for beginners!
2. Cut a piece of Aida fabric slightly larger than your embroidery hoop and secure it tightly in the hoop.
3. Choose a starting point on the fabric, and thread your tapestry needle with the appropriate embroidery floss color.
4. Refer to the pattern and stitch the first letter or motif using a basic cross-stitch. Remember to count the fabric threads to ensure accurate placement.
5. Continue stitching each letter, number, or motif, following the pattern. Use different colors of floss as required.
6. Once you have completed the sampler, secure the loose ends of the floss at the back of the fabric and trim any excess.
7. Remove the fabric from the hoop and press it gently using a cool iron. Your basic sampler is now complete!

2. Geometric Shapes

Simple geometric shapes like squares, triangles, circles, or diamonds are another great place to start. You can stitch these shapes in solid colors or use different colors for each section. They provide a great opportunity to practice neat and even stitches while creating a visually pleasing pattern.

Materials

Aida fabric, embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, tapestry needle, embroidery scissors.

Instructions

1. Choose a geometric shape you’d like to stitch, such as a square, triangle, circle, or diamond. Check out this Pinterest board for inspiration.
2. Cut a piece of Aida fabric large enough to accommodate your chosen design and secure it in the embroidery hoop.
3. Decide what color floss you want to use and thread your needle.
4. Decide on the size and placement of your shape, counting fabric threads for accuracy.
5. Begin stitching by bringing the needle up from the back of the fabric at the starting point.
6. Follow a pattern or stitch a series of diagonal stitches across the fabric to form your chosen shape.
7. Secure the loose ends of the floss at the back of the fabric and trim any excess.
8. Remove the fabric from the hoop and press it gently.

3. Small Flowers or Plants

Choose a small flower or plant design with basic shapes, such as a tulip or a leafy branch. These patterns usually involve minimal color changes and simpler stitches, making them ideal for beginners. They allow you to practice stitching curves and adding details to your work.

Materials

Aida fabric, embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, tapestry needle, embroidery scissors.

Instructions

1. Choose a small flower or plant design with basic shapes, such as a tulip or leafy branch. This pattern is great for newbies!
2. Cut a piece of Aida fabric and secure it in the hoop.
3. Thread your needle with the first color of floss.
4. Start by stitching the outlines of the flower or plant using a backstitch or a running stitch (or follow the instructions included with your chosen pattern).
5. Once the outlines are complete, fill in the shapes with cross-stitches or other appropriate stitches.
6. If there are additional details like stems or leaves, stitch those using the appropriate stitches and colors.
7. Repeat the process with different colors until you’ve completed the entire design.
8. Secure the loose ends and trim any excess.
9. Remove your fabric from the hoop and press gently using low heat.

4. Cute Animals

If you want to try stitching a cute animal, look for a design with simple outlines and minimal color changes. These patterns often comprise blocks or sections, making them easier to stitch and gradually helping you develop your skills.

Materials

Aida fabric, embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, tapestry needle, embroidery scissors.

Instructions

1. Select a pattern featuring a cute animal with simple outlines, such as a cat, dog, or bunny. This simple fox pattern is adorable and great for beginners.
2. Cut your Aida fabric and secure it in the embroidery hoop.
3. Thread your needle with the first color of floss.
4. Start by stitching the outlines of the animal using a backstitch or a running stitch.
5. Fill in the main body of the animal with cross-stitches or other appropriate stitches.
6. If additional details like eyes, nose, or ears are needed, stitch those using the appropriate stitches and colors.
7. Repeat the process with different colors until you complete the animal design.
8. Secure the loose ends and trim any excess.
9. Remove the fabric from the hoop, press it gently, and your cute animal pattern is finished!

With these four easy cross-stitch patterns, you can embark on a delightful journey of creativity and self-expression. With patience, practice, and the right tools, you’ll soon be creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces that showcase your newfound skill. Happy stitching!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What made you decide to try cross-stitch? What tricks have you discovered that help you improve your skills? Do you have any favorite patterns? Please share in the comment section below!

Note: Melissa’s was originally from EnvybyMG

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock of Her Sweater / Click Here to Shop More Stock / Click Here for Additional Stock of Her Shorts

Photo: @melissagorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s American Flag Short Set