COLLECTING VINTAGE CROSS-STITCH AND EMBROIDERY
Drawn to vintage cross-stitch
I love to sew, but I have never had the gift for cross-stitch and embroidery. That detailed work just drives me crazy. Maybe that’s why I so appreciate the incredible needlework that (mostly) women have created over the centuries.
The weirder, the better
I’m particularly drawn to unusual designs. I found this “Devil made me do it” cross-stitch at an estate sale. I paid $20, which is more than I typically pay, but it was just so darn cute. It’s also larger than most at 11 x 18 inches.
This plant embroidery was only $1 at a garage sale. It was an early find, when I was just starting to collect these. I love the bright colors and detail on each individual plant.
Where to find cross-stitch and embroidery: The prices on these pieces have risen in the past few years with the popularity of cottagecore home design. But deals can still be found at estate sales, garage sales, church sales and antique stores. They’re available on eBay and Etsy, too, but by the time you pay the shipping, I often find they’re just too expensive. Still, sometimes you just have to have that one!
How much you can expect to pay: Occasionally, I can still find framed embroidery and cross-stitch pieces for $1-$5 at estate sales and garage sales. When I find them unframed, they’re often less — sometimes a bundle or a box of them for only a few dollars. Large pieces are often priced up to $50 or $60 at estate sales, but if you go on half-price day (and the pieces are still there), you can get even those extraordinary ones for $25 to $30.
At antique stores, they’re typically $15 to $75, depending on size, quality and collectability.
Vintage cross-stitch as gifts
I often receive vintage cross-stitch pieces as gifts because friends and family know how much I love them. Put some on your Christmas list!
A favorite vintage cross-stitch design
One of my favorites is this “Have you talked to your plants today?” I’ve found several of this particular design in my area for under $5 a piece.
And, of course, people still make cross-stitch and embroidery, many with very fun and modern sayings. My daughter, Rachel, made me this lovely moon and flower piece.
You can find out more information about vintage cross-stitch at these sources:
Reusing vintage cross-stitch
Although I love to collect vintage cross-stitch and embroidery, I also love to use it for supplies. You can get ideas for upcycling these vintage items at my post 4 ideas for repurposed vintage linens.
