freeware crossstitch design programs?

[crazypumpkin.livejournal.com]

Are there any good free programs that I can use to design my own cross stitch patterns? I've had some projects in my mind for months, and I've finally figured out what and how I want to do it. I just need to make myself patterns now.
Any freeware suggestions?

My projects will be something in the line of what you find on subversive, but different sayings and designs. By this I mean simple text and pictures. I'm not looking to convert photos, just simple stuff.

crossposted craftgrrl, cross_stitch, and snarky_xstitch