Still no pictures

I came across these questions through Lelia's blog, and they were intriguing to me, so I decided to answer them; besides, I forgot to take new pictures this morning. They are asking specifically about cross stitch, so I will specify if I start talking about a different type of stitching.

1)Why do you stitch?
a. I stitch because I'm a fidget. I listen much better if I am doing something with my hands. I can hardly stand to watch TV without doing something else (drives my DH nuts! but after 30 years he's getting used to it). If I'm not stitching, I'm playing a computer game, or a hand-held game.
b. I love the colors. I've done a couple of single color samplers, but the combination of colors is what excites me.

2) On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being least important and 10 being most important what is your cross stitch passion level?
Specifically cross stitch? probably a 6 or 7. I like the exactness. Stitching over-all? 10! Some of my earliest memories are stitching related: a cloth doll my mom made me for my 3rd birthday; the quilts my mom and grandma made for our bunk beds (before I was 5); the set of embroidered dish-towels that were a gift from my aunt's mother (when I was 9 or 10); my mom making our clothes; my grandmother with her "work" (usually crochet, but also tatting). Stitching is in my blood.

3) If you're only option for cross stitch supplies and patterns happened to be the major chain craft stores would you just walk away from the little X? Kiss it goodbye?
The main thread I use is DMC, and you can get (some) linen so supplies aren't a problem, but patterns? Not so much! I didn't get hooked on cross stitch until I had a LNS (Local Needlework Shop). If it weren't for them (Thank you Penelope Tree!), I might be a quilter or a knitter. Now, I have S.A.B.L.E. (stash acquired beyond life expectancy) so it's not a problem (at least, finding patterns is not a problem; some times the SABLE is).

4)Also are you so passionate about cross stitch that if indeed your only option was the major chain craft stores, would that inspire you to create your own cross stitch pieces because you have to stitch and you've stitched your way through the whole of Dimensions catalog--because you must stitch and the thought of life without a relationship with the little X leaves you feeling empty?
Probably not, see answer above. I tried designing something once, and it is a very different set of skills.

5) Finally what do the cross stitch magazines on the market offer you? Do they relate to you as a cross stitcher? Do you look at them and think to yourself, who do they think buys this magazine? I guess what I'm asking, when you see the current cross stitch magazines do they make you feel like they know their readers or do you find it's more of the same? What could they do to be ambassadors for the art of cross stitch other than putting a sampler on the cover with "F-U" on it? What are we missing on a PR level that could change the opinion of cross stitch itself?
I have an extensive collection of Just Cross Stitch and several other magazines; I can find almost anything I need in those. I very seldom buy new magazines anymore because I don't see things I haven't seen before. I miss "Treasures" magazine. I would subscribe to something like that in a minute.

6) And finally, finally, do you do other crafts and if so what are they and why do they pull you away from cross stitch?
If you can do it with a needle, I've probably tried it: quilting, crazy quilting, applique, beading, crewel, hardanger... Crochet and Knitting... smocking, needlepoint, sewing clothes, etc. Temari! Right now Temari and cross stitch are at the top of the list, because of color, the precision of the stitching, and intricacy.

Probably more than you wanted to know!