For many years, cross-stitch was my main craft, and I loved working on big and small projects which became framed pictures, bags, book covers – all sorts of things. But it faded into the background as my interest in patchwork, knitting and crochet grew. Every now and then, I get the desire to cross-stitch but it either doesn’t work out or I lose interest.
Earlier this year, in my local op-shop I discovered an issue of Australian Quick & Easy Cross-Stitch magazine (now discontinued) which is at least twenty-five years old and feeling nostalgic I picked one of the designs to stitch thinking it would be ‘quick and easy’, but to my disappointment it was neither!
It took me way longer than expected, partly because the colours on the chart were confusing. In hindsight, I should have photocopied it, enlarged it, and added my own colours to make it easier but I didn’t. I got there in the end, and the finished design was relegated to the back of the cupboard waiting for a suitable project.
That day has arrived.
Boxy Bag …
I found a great tutorial on Erica Arndt’s Youtube Channel to make a boxy Quilted Makeup Bag; a perfect place to display the cross-stitch design.
I had some colourful fabric in my stash and planned to use the blue floral for the outside, orange print for the lining, and finish it with a purple zipper.
After cutting out the fabrics, I stitched the cross-stitch to the front and then followed Erica’s great tutorial to make a medium sized bag. There is a PDF pattern available to purchase on her website which includes instructions for a small and large-size bag.
Erica’s instructions are clear and easy to follow and I’m happy with how the bag turned out.
The bag is generous inside and I’ve used the orange lining fabric for the side tabs.
Finished size is: 7” x 5” x 4 ½”
My bag will be a gift for a friend but I’m planning to make one for myself. I think it would be handy for all sorts of things including as a knitting or stitching project bag. Would be great for travelling.
Very pleased with it.
By the way, Erica has lots of tutorials on her channel. I’ve made others and recommend them.
Forget not all His benefits …
Life can sometimes be frustrating. The daily routine of household tasks, work commitments, etc, can become burdensome and we want to be anywhere, but where we are. Sound familiar?
That’s how I’ve been feeling lately but my eyes were opened yesterday at church when we sang a song with the lyrics: “Jesus be the centre of it all.” In that moment I realised that I’ve been focussing on my perceived ‘lack’ instead of the blessings that God showers on me every day. I’ve been discontent with what I have and the problems I’m facing, and they have blinded me to what God has done and is doing in my life.
Psalm 103:1-5 says:
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits –
who forgives all your sins and heals your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies all your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I needed to literally turn my eyes from myself to the Lord and the blessings He has given me through His Son Jesus:
I’m forgiven, healed, saved, crowned with love and mercy, wrapped in goodness, forever young.
Lord, help me shift my focus and never forget how far You have brought me and how far You have promised to take me. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Until next time,
Lyn
Lyn Briggs Designs 
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