Final of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

I like to think I saved the best for last!

Jinglebell Reindeer...My Way by Daffycat

Freebie found here

Fabric:  25 ct. Antique White Lugana

Fibre's:  DMC 801, 816, 3051, Blanc

Embellishments:  Mill Hill Seed Beads in red & white, MH Petite Seed Beads in black

My friend Sandra:) of Sandra Sews:) gave me a great suggestion on wrapping this ornament up for my stepdad:

I used a cute sheer red bag I had, put chocolate covered raisins in the bottom and attached the tag with the cute little reindeer and poem on it.  (The poem was turned into a tag thanks to my 12 year old son and his Microsoft Paint wizardry!!!)  Thanks Sandra for your suggestion!  You always have the best ideas and I always really appreciate all your help!

Here is a close up of the poem:

Have a very Happy New Year everyone!

Happy Stitching!

Third of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

Here is the ornament I made for my son for Christmas:

Santa's Buddies by Angel Stitchin'

2009 JCS Ornament Issue

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Belfast Linen

Fibre's:  DMC 349, 612, Blanc & GA Baby Spinach, Sarsparilla

Embellishments:  Mill Hill Metal Treasures 15001 & Seed Beads 03039

My son really liked it, his reaction when he opened it was really cute.  A "special ornament" was on his Christmas list and I guess this qualified.  He's especially interested in what I'm stitching and always is so thrilled when I finish something.  He particularily hates it when I make something for an exchange and have to send it away :D. 

I've been thinking about stitching goals lately and what I would like to acheive in 2010.  I'm going to see if writing them down stresses me out or focuses me...I've joined two SAL's and just ordered the LHN Sampler months so I have plenty to keep me busy!

What are your stitching goals for 2010?

Happy Stitching!

Second of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

This is the ornament I stitched for my (almost) 14 year old daughter.

Elf in the Box by Brooke's Books

Fabric:  28ct. Platinum Belfast Linen, 14 ct. perforated paper

Fibre's:  DMC as charted

Embellishments:  Mill Hill seed beads as charted

She loved it and said she really had to "study" it to take in all the detail.  She (like her mom :D) loves bling so I knew she would love this design.  She has it hanging up in her room and told me she isn't putting it away with the Christmas decorations. 

My kids see me stitching all the time and know the time that goes into these projects so they really appreciate them.  I was thrilled with her reaction!

Until tomorrow...

Happy Stitching!

P.S.  Is anyone else using the new post editor on Blogger?  It works great!  (It makes it super easy to place photos where you WANT them.) I can't seem to find a spellcheck button anywhere though...is it staring me in the face and I just can't see it???

First of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

Here is the finished ornament I made for my mom this Christmas.  I finished the four ornaments that I had stitched for gifts the weekend before Christmas and 2 days before we flew to my parents place for the holiday!  Nothing like leaving it to the last minute...good thing I do well under pressure!

Let it Snow by Country Cottage Needleworks

2008 JCS Ornament Issue

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Belfast Linen

Fibre's:  Recommend DMC

Embellishments:  Mill Hill Seed Beads for snowflakes

My darling hubby gave me the sweetest compliment when I showed him the finished ornaments...he said they were not just gifts but heirlooms.  Isn't that so sweet?  He is the best!

My mom really liked her ornament and appreciates the time and love that went into making it.  I just LOVE this hobby, what about you???

I'm going to post my other 3 ornaments over the next 3 days...it's nice having something to blog about!

Happy Stitching!

Final Exchanges of The Year

I received this sweet little ornament from Jayne in the mail from the Christmas Exchange on the HoE Too blog:

Here is an exchange I sent to Michelle from the Stitching Exchanging blog:

It's another LHN design. I just seem to love them :-)! I finished it as a pinkeep, my first ever and I was really happy with the way it turned out. It's hard to see but the pins are a pretty red that matches the birds.

Happy Stitching!

Finally! A Finish I Can Show

I stitched this piece for the Hooked on Exchanging group:

Winter Sampler by LHN
JCS Ornament Issue 2009
Fabric: Vintage Mocha Belfast Linen
Fibre's: DMC, Blanc, 433, 524, 3052, 3721
Backed with green felt

I received an email from my partner that she really like it! This is my first attempt at the "Prairie Schooler type" finishing and I'm really happy with the results.

Happy Stitching!

My Halls are Decked

Since I don't have any stitchy things that I can show (exchanges) or things that are worth showing (OIP's - ornaments in progress) I thought I'd show a bit - okay a LOT - of my Christmas decorating.

Living room tree (multi-coloured lights) with all our ornaments we've collected over the years, as well as the ones the kids have made in school. My husband came up with collecting a new ornament each year that meant something to our family. We have New House, Baby's 1st Christmas, Baby on the Way...

Family room tree with white lights, smokey blue, brown and lime-ish green ornaments.


Niche in my front hallway. The green in the photo is a good representation of the colour in the family room tree.


Table in front hallway. My mom bought me those gorgeous glass trees last year. The etchings of the canals behind the tree are souvenirs I picked up in Brugge, Belgium almost 2 years ago. I just love how the Christmas ornaments look in that funky silver bowl.

Family room mantle with the Countdown To Christmas clock I bought at Costco years ago. I think that is the only Christmas decoration I've ever bought there.

Family room mantle.


Living room mantle. The multi-coloured lights really look pretty with the green and blue ornaments I have in the garland.

Dining room table. The tree is a fake feather tree I bought years ago when Martha Stewart first came out with decorations at Sears here in Canada. I found the reindeer vases at Home Outfitters (think TJ Maxx for the home in the US) for a steal. I was smart enough to pack them up with paper in the vases so I didn't have to redo ornaments in them. *pats self on back*!!!

This picture is of one of my FAVOURITE ornaments that I have. They're little lumps of painted clay all dudded up with curly doll hair, tinsel and bows. My daughter made them in Kindergarten. Notice the window frame on the left of the photo. Mysteriously they were near the back of the tree when I went to look for them so I could take this photo. :D

Thanks for all your comments on Jinglebell Reindeer! It's my most comments ever at 16!!! Who would have thought I would get such response from an incontinent reindeer!

Happy Stitching!