I have been enjoying Cross Stitch embroidery for many, many years now. Over the course of those years, I have suffered aches and pains from stitching too long - I imagine we all have. But, a few times, I have actually managed to injure myself - we are talking drawing blood. Once I got a piece of floss embedded in my finger and it got infected. It was disgusting and took a while to heal. Luckily I was able to switch hands for stitching until my finger healed up.

I can't count the times I have accidentally stabbed myself with the needle. It is a good thing I work with tapestry needles most of the time - imagine the bloodbath if I were working with sharp needles too much.

What about you? Have you suffered a Cross Stitch injury? Vote in the poll and let us know. And, before you vote, use the comments section below to let us know what put you on the disabled list.

More on Safety:

• What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk Factors
• Two-Minute Stretches Help Avoid Eyestrain
• Tips for Preventing Repetitive Stress Wrist Injuries
• Stitching with Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel (From the Forum)

One of my favorite features of About.com Cross Stitch is the collection of Cross Stitch Tips submitted by stitchers. I look forward to receiving the tip submissions. The most recent submissions deal with everything from storing needles to making more time to stitch. Read these tips, then submit your own!

• Jerry's Knot Tip
• Sandy's Keeping Your Place Tip
• Monica's Floss Organization Method

If you have a great tip about Cross Stitch send it in today using the Cross Stitch Tip Submission Form. Share your Cross Stitch experience with others. Whether you are a beginning stitcher or a seasoned veteran, if you have discovered a trick or have a hint that makes stitching easier, supplies easier to organize, fabric easier to handle, or enhances some other aspect of stitching, then be sure to share it with us. I look forward to receiving your tips!

Stay up-to-date with the latest tips, patterns, and articles at About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter and/or RSS feed today.

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