It is time.

Welcome to the internet’s biggest cross-stitch-along event (I guess?).  The #Steotchalong is a simple concept: we will post a series of 8 cross stitch patterns – each one will reveal a little bit more of the final pattern.  You won’t know what you’re stitching until you’ve devoted too much time to stop.  We’ve set up a forum where you can share your guesses as to the final content, ask questions, show off your work, trash talk, disclose state secrets, or whatever.

Last year we had a healthy discussion going on our Facebook page, and that’s cool too.  A big reason we do this is to help build up the community of internet cross-stitchers, so we hope you’ll dive in and engage.

Things to know:

• Last year, some people mentioned that they had begun the stitchalong but wimped out once we got into the more difficult parts of the rather complicated face that was the center of that pattern.  Okay, they didn’t say they wimped out, but that’s what happened.  Other people just fell way behind.  This year’s pattern has been designed to be more fast and beginner-friendly.  For advanced stitchers, there’s enough design here to keep it interesting and fun – but noobz will still be able to (easily, we think) stitch along and keep pace.
• Like last year, there will be a “Choose Your Own Adventure” element to the final design.  You can personalize the final piece in a number of ways.
• The pattern contains cross stitches, backstitches, and optional french knots (depending on which design direction you choose to stitch).
• While each pattern release will present the new stitches in color, you’ll also be able to see the stitches you’ve already completed, lightly shaded in grey, to help you distinguish old from new.  Trust us, it will be super easy to follow.
• Patterns will be posted in PDF format, so you can print or work off screen.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY ALONG:

Embroidery thread (DMC Floss):

• 310 (black)
• 702 (green)
• 726 (yellow)
• 817 (red)
• 826 (blue)
• white

16-Count Aida Fabric (if you want the finished piece to fit in a 5×7 frame):

• Use any color of fabric for your piece, but we recommend something other than plain white, to make it easier to follow your white stitches. We stitched on “Antique White,” an off-white color; consult your thread list and feel free to select any fabric color that compliments the palette.

CALENDAR:

New patterns will be released every 5 days

• Pattern 1:  June 15
• Pattern 2:  June 20
• Pattern 3:  June 25
• Pattern 4:  June 30
• Pattern 5:  July 5
• Pattern 6:  July 10
• Pattern 7:  July 15
• Pattern 8:  July 20

COST:

Once again we will run on a “Pay What You Want” model.  We know you all want to pay us tons of money – but not everyone can.  We hope those who can contribute something to the cause will do so.  This is really more about building community and having fun.

We’ll see you back here on the 15th.