As I shared with my Santa, I'm a newcomer to the world of cross stitch. My grandma tried painstakingly to impart on me some measure of useful skill when I was a kid, but I was too impatient to listen to her wisdom. About six months ago, I moved for work. One of the first things I did when I got here was start to take advantage of the library's additional programming, and it was there I stumbled upon a course in "crass stitch."

I'm still honing my virtually-nonexistent skills, but with the help of my Santa I'm well on my way to making some fun stuff. They generously provided me with so many incredible goodies to supplement what I already have and send me into this craft in a way that I absolutely love.

Santa sent me:

a set of washable markers to mark my aida and stay on track

a grid book in order to start making my own patterns, which sounds cool as heck

"Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side" by Julie Jackson

"Feminist Cross-Stitch: 40 Bold & Fierce Patterns" by Stephanie Rohr

Santa, thanks a ton. I can't wait to dive into this journey, and I'm wishing you all the best for yours as well.