Christmas Creations

These past few weeks, I've been having fun creating.  The other day I finally put the last stitch in the Christmas pieces I've been making.  If you got a chance to read my previous posts....my plan was to list them for sale in my Etsy shop.   Well, a friend saw them and called to ask if she could  purchase them.  AND if you know me, I can't say no to a friend.  I still wanted to show you what I created in hopes that it will still be of some inspiration to all the creative stitchers and finishers out there.

I reworked my "Holly Sampler" pattern so that it would be square and fit on this hanging bag finish that I wanted to make.

I used the motif from my "Be Ye Merry" pattern for the fabric covered box and added some special touches inside. 

I think my most favorite of the three is the sawdust filled holly pinkeep.  It's just so simple and prim......my favorite kind of piece.  I love the black and khaki striped homespun ticking that I chose to use.  I just recently purchased this fabric and I'm sure I'll be using it again on something soon.

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As a little holiday surprise from me to you.....here is the holly border pattern

I stitched it with WDW Bullfrog and GA Country Redwood

using 30ct R&R Reproductions Old Mill Java linen.  I had some scraps leftover from a previous project and it just happened to be the perfect linen color.

The pinkeep measures 6 1/2" by 4" with the center ticking being 3" by 4"

I used the same ticking on the back.  I left a 1/2" seam allowance on all sides of the stitching before sewing it all together.  It's really quite an easy finish and hope you'll give it a try.

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There's still plenty to do around here to get ready for Christmas.  I'm off now to run some errands and do some last minute gift shopping.  Thank you for following along with me and I'm always so happy to hear from you and see your comments.  Enjoy these days leading up to Christmas and Happy Stitching.  

Smiles, ~Nan

A Stitcher's Finish

My sweet friend, Linda, whose blog is Keeper of the Crowes, sent me a finish this week and I just couldn't wait to share it with you.  She stitched "Be Ye Merry" and it's finished into a pinkeep, much like the original design, except she added ruching.

In one word.....G O R G E O U S......

 And I love how she placed it in her new lollipop handled carrier that she just found this past Autumn.  So pretty with the greenery.

I found it a real coincidence, since I just happen to be stitching this same design this very week.  I've found myself with a bit of down time between projects and I thought I'd try and make a few finished pieces to sell in my Etsy shop this month.
I use to love doing that when I belonged to the "To Dwell in Primitive Thymes" online group and I miss it sometimes.  Here's what I have so far.....

Usually, when I stitch a design again, I like to mix it up a bit.  It gives me a chance at a kind of "WHAT IF"........ I plan to finish this differently too. 
 I used overdyed floss this time around.  Forest Glade, Lancaster Red and Heirloom Gold.  My good friend, Pat stitched her version with these colors and I loved it so much I decided to use her choices for this.  I love how it looks on this dark WDW Cocoa linen too.
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Well, a big thank you Linda for stitching and sharing your beautiful piece with me.
I'll keep you posted with my stitching and finishing progress.
Have a wonderful week my friends!
~Nan

A Stitcher's Finish

Good Evening my friends.  I do hope you all

had a nice New Year's Day.

Mine was spent quietly stitching and 

enjoying the company of my dear 

hubby and our little doggie, Shannon.

It was the perfect day.

* * * 

A few photos have been sent in

for "A Stitcher's Finish" and I wanted 

to take this opportunity, while I had some

quite time, to share them with you.

First is Dora's finish of Kringle's Crow. 

She stained the linen, which I love and found

some vintage trim at a mill store at a real bargain.

I just love it.  Such a wonderful finish and

the trim adds just the right touch.

* * *

Next Debra sent in her needle roll finish of 

Be Ye Merry.

She stitched this for a holiday

exchange and her recipient loves

the color blue. 

Just adorable and I'm sure

the new owner loves her gift.

* * *

Well, time to sign off and get some

sleep.  Thank you Dora and Debra

for sharing your finishes. 

I always love seeing the abundance of 

creativity that is out there and I'm sure

all my blogging friends do too.

Smiles,

~Nan