It is widely believed (by the writer of the Wikipedia article on cross-stitch) that cross-stitch was traditionally used merely to embellish household cloths like tablecloths or dishcloths. Cloths cloths cloths. What a weird word. Anyway the structure of the aida cloth used in cross-stitching made it easy to form floral and geometric patterns, but eventually people began making all sorts of images using the style, and not just for adding a bit of life to ordinary linen but also to make decorations meant to be displayed and appreciated on its own. Fast-forward several hundred years, and marvel at how far (out) cross-stitch has come:
It’s the perfect finishing for my tomb.
[via Craftster via Geek Crafts]
