In an imperfect world, cross stitch is perfect. It has to be. If you come up in one hole, go over the threads and down in the diagonally opposite hole, your stitch by necessity is perfectly even, neat and correctly sized. It is so much simpler than trying to follow a stamped-on cross stitch pattern. The eye adjusts rapidly to this work and the degree of concentration required becomes less after the first few sessions. Soon the effect of cross stitch is calming, tranquilizing, almost soporific. After a day of small successes and large failures, it is satisfying to pick up needle and cloth and create something without fault??a little epiphany of perfection. 
   There is a possibility that you may cross stitch while half asleep and forget to cross a stitch, misplace an x, or go over more threads than you intended, but even your error will be neat and even. A small, neat error proves that your work is hand done and adds human interest. So it need not be corrected if you so choose. (A perfect alibi for a perfect form of handwork.)
   Cross stitch is versatile. If you are a visually oriented person, delighting in the written word, you can cross stitch sayings that satisfy something in you. (Donít expect them to speak to anyone else with the same force.) It helps me to make that 3,000th beach picnic to have hanging in my kitchen the picnic menu, complete with cross stitch ants, from The Wind in the Willows. It goes: ìCold chicken coldhamcoldbeefpickledgherkinssaladfrenchcresssandwidgespottedmeatgingerbeerlemonadesodawater??î. As a listmaker, I cross stitched a checklist for my husband in the days when he was a missile crew commander. Hung by the kitchen door it read: Dosimeter, dog tags, keys, cigarettes, security badge, hard hat, safety shoes, etc. Easily scanned, it saved unnecessary return trips by car and helicopter for required items. We presently have a hurricane list that begins: Save: 1) Carving of St. Peter, 2) Children, 3) dog, 4) painting 5) silver, 6) cross stitch books, etc. Baby samplers, marriage samplers, prayer book covers, recipes, bookmarks??everything may be cross stitched. It need only please you.
   I personally deplore the comic post-card type of cross stitch. Cross stitch is heirloom quality work, after all. But cross stitch is personal in the extreme, so do your own thing.
   Cross stitch is inexpensive in the making, costly in the result. Most kits are inexpensive. Embroidery thread and small amounts of evenweave material are tiny investments. Scissors, and perhaps a magnifying glass for wearing around the neck, need be bought only once. But when your completed work is framed or made into a pillow or eyeglass case or bellpull, or whatever else you choose, be sure to add your name or initials and the year, for you have completed an heirloom. Its greatest value lies in its time and love. I have treasured for many years a sampler done for my grandmother by a member of her Sunday School class that incorporates an original poem, the names of class members and a charming picture design. No silver tray or fancy gift Bible could equal the affection and regard shown by that sampler. It gives off vibrations of love.
   Small danger: beware of casting pearls before swine. Some people still connote ìhandmadeî with ìno monetary valueî. Completed cross stitch is not a suitable bridge prize if it is over fifty stitches. And be sure to insure all cross stitch travelling by mail.
   Cross stitch shows caring. It can make a special gift for a special person with tiny, perfect stitches.