Stitcher of the Month - November 2023

Welcome to the Caterpillar Cross Stitch 'Stitcher of the Month' competition for November 2023 where the winner will win a £20 gift voucher! Our proudest achievement is the lovely, supportive community we have built together, and this is a fantastic way to showcase the personality and story of a special stitcher each month. 

We value every member of our community so highly, and this exciting, monthly giveaway is a way of recognising and celebrating your contributions. 

To enter, simply email us at support@caterpillarcrossstitch.com (with Stitcher of the Month in the subject line) with your full name, location and include:

1. 3 x high resolution photos of some recent stitching (any design or brand)

2. 1 x clear, well lit, high resolution photo of yourself or the nominee 

3. Let us hear about your personality, background and experience with stitching including a tip for beginners (300 words minimum please)

4. Your favourite piece, how you started stitching and why you love it!

The winner will receive a £20 Caterpillar Cross Stitch gift voucher and have their work shared on social media, our website and in the next email! At the end of each month, the Caterpillar Cross Stitch team will pick one winner based on the set criteria: creativity, interesting story, enjoyment and passion for cross stitch and overall impression. The winner will be contacted by email and will be interviewed for our blog and social media channels.

And now on to our fabulous WINNER for November 2023... Congratulations Sally!

Sally says:

I am a very new cross stitcher from Buckinghamshire. I’ve just started my 4th ever project, on linen!

I've crafted forever! My Nana was a very active member of the WI (Women's Institute) and made everything. She was the most influential woman in my life and I still think of her every time I sew. 

My Nana taught me how to hand sew at just 8 years old. Now, I am a quilter, sew some clothing (sweatshirts, PJ bottoms - the easy stuff!) and also make a lot of home decor items.

I love sewing bags and zipper pouches. Since taking up cross stitch (and embroidery), I’ve made several pouches for all the floss, hoops, etc. I also crochet and love that! I’ve made endless blankets.

I have had many great opportunities to make baby blankets as I am a foster carer who looks after “parent and child” - so I have mum and baby, or dad and baby, or sometimes mum, dad, and baby coming to live with us for up to 6 months (sometimes longer) and I help them to become the best parent they can.

It’s a tough job - but one I recommend (and if anyone wants more information I’d be happy to help). 

My tip for cross stitch beginners is “just go for it!" I am a firm believer in this for any craft!

Don’t read or listen to people saying “ooooh it’s too hard or ooooo don’t you’ll regret it” - if you don’t know something is meant to be tricky, it won’t be!

I didn’t know that stitching on linen was any different to stitching on aida, so my 4th ever cross stitch project was on linen because I liked the look of it. It took me a little longer, but it made me concentrate more - however it was so worthwhile.

So jump in with both feet, it’s only a bit of floss and fabric! What’s the worst that can happen? Rippit, rippit, and start again.

If you would like to join over 18,000 stitchers in the Facebook group, please click here. Well done Sally, we hope you enjoy your £20 Caterpillar Cross Stitch gift voucher! 

Nominations are now open for our next Stitcher of the Month competition, I can't wait to see your submissions and find out more about our lovely community.