Colossal Cave Adventure Nerd-lepoint

Need a nostalgic handmade gift for the aging nerd in your life, someone who may have logged a lot of hours on his/her Apple IIe way back in the early 80s? Here's an easy little project you can knock out quicker than you can say 'xyzzy.'

I got everything I needed for this project at Michaels:

• black cross stitch fabric
• embroidery floss - DMC Fluorescent Effects E990
• small frame

I already had:

• embroidery needle
• embroidery hoop
• scissors

To refresh your fading memory (or to study up on your history) go online and find an image of the original Adventure game in all its DOS-prompt glory, so you can accurately replicate the in-game experience. Sketch out your favorite game phrase and cursor as you generally want them to appear, to make sure it will fit in the frame's matte opening.

Next, cut out a square of embroidery fabric just large enough to fit in the embroidery hoop. Thread the needle with two strands of floss.

Each letter was formed on a grid of two rows across and four high. Letters within words are separated by one row and between words by three rows. The cursor is created by regular cross stitch.

Once done with the embroidery, trim down the fabric to fit in the frame, center and tape to the matte board, pop it into place and enjoy!