Suzanne's May Ornaments

Hello Everyone!

I haven't been stitching much and I'm getting behind on my Christmas Ornaments but I did manage to fully finish this month's ornaments for Theme 2 - Jingle Bell Rock. 

The first ornament is from JCS 2011, Fresh Threads Studio, Christmas Tree Sock Hop. I changed the colors a little bit because the white didn't show up too well on the pale blue Aida. 

The second is the same designer from JCS 2012, Christmas Gift Sock Hop. 

I made these for a brother and sister. I hindsight, I would use a smaller count Aida but they're very cute. I thought they fit the theme of Jingle Bell Rock too!

Can't wait to see everyone's stitching. Take care!

MIA DJ Who finally came up for air...

I've been thinking about you guys (sorry I haven't posted comments in a while) but it's been a crazy year!  While I've been stitching on theme three consistently since the beginning of the year I though if I made myself completely finish the ornament before I posted, it would motivate me to finish them before there is a mad dash at the end of the year.  Best laid plans and all that....LOL  As you can see, it didn't happen the way I planned but oh well...life goes on.  I did make myself sit and get some finishing done this month because I'm participating in an exchange...so...I made myself finish off these ornaments too!  It took me three days to finish up a stack I had set aside...so here goes...  

January I stitched Christmas Night by Sheila Kelly from the 2018 JCS Ornament Issue.  This was stitched on 32 count white over two (don't faint Jo!  LOL)  

February I stitched Poinsettia by Punochka (again...I think this is the third time) from the 2020 JCS Ornament Issue.  This was stitched on 32 count natural over two (no this isn't becoming a theme, Jo...LOL)  

March I stitched Christmas at the Farm by Pickle Barrel Designs from the 2022 JCS Ornament Issue.  It's stitched on 32 count petite over two (ok maybe this is becoming a trend, Jo...LOL)  

And this month...April, I stitched Come & Behold Him by Fancy Work.  It's stitched on 32 count antique white over two  (what happened to me??  OH!  I know...there was some over one stitching in part of the pattern...whew...was thinking I lost my touch!).  

All together I fully finished 16 pieces in 3 days, most of which are gifts.  If you want to see them all, you can check my blog.  The last finish was a biscornu, which was tiny and taxed my patience to the max, so I'm going to hold off on any more finishing until next month.  Don't give up hope on me, I was having trouble deciding on which 12 Days of Christmas ornaments I wanted to do this year...I REALLY wanted to do the Prairie Schooler Santas but in looking for the patterns, the ones I found were outrageously priced...BUT...I found a sale the other day and sent for them.  When they arrive I'll get started.  I'm only 4 behind, right?   I even think I know how I'll stitch and finish them...so watch this space!  I'm going to leave you with a little ornament I stitched for my husband.  I really love how it turned out...and this cracked me up!  I found this years ago on the Living on the Rainbow blog and it was free when I printed it.  Not sure if it's still there or not.   Happy Stitching everybody!

Suzanne's April Ornament

 

Since this month was a free choice in the song theme, I chose this super cute Country Cottage Needleworks Merry Christmas from the 2011 JCS Ornament issue. I think it fits lots of Christmas songs. 

Stitched on 18 count Aida in the called for DMC threads. 

Can wait to see everyone's progress!

Gwen: March

 Well February wizzed right past me but I was able to get my second ornament of the year done. I am working my way through Annie Beez's Forkart 12 days of Christmas Stockings. I have a start on #3. Can I get 2 done in April? Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

Suzanne's March Ornament

 

Hello Everyone! 

I stitched this Forest Tree Ornament by Graphs by Barbara & Cheryl, Inc. found in the 2000 JCS Ornament issue. I'm continuing with the song theme - White Christmas. This reminds me of both the song and big Christmas tree from the end of the movie. I was all ready to create my blog post when I noticed that I didn't stitch all the white. I took the ornament apart and finished stitching. Why couldn't I have noticed that when I was ironing, putting it together or taking its picture? 

I can't wait to see everyone's stitching this month. Take Care!

Kaye: February 2023 post

  Hello Lovely Christmas Elves, 

Well, I am happy to report that I had great success with all four themes this month - Woo Hoo! 🎉

So, without anymore ado, here we go....

THEME ONE: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: TWO TURTLE DOVES

This is my ongoing piece designed by Keen Stitch: (sorry about the lack of ironing)

THEME TWO: CHRISTMAS CAROLS/SONGS: SLEIGH RIDE

This design is by Lila's Studio and is from one of her Spirit of Christmas Ornament series. I bought it online from her Etsy shop.

THEME THREE: JUST CROSS STITCH CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT MAGAZINES: 2020

This is Frosty Christmas Tree by Luhu's Stitches, you can find it on page 78 of the JCS 2020 Christmas Ornie Mag. I personalised it by adding more pink colour variation and beading. I am quite pleased with how I FFOed it (not really my forte, but I try!).

I am rather in love with this backing fabric, too.

THEME FOUR: A CHRISTMAS CAROL: CHRISTMAS CAROLERS

Now, this is a finish that I am really proud of as I amalgamated a couple of designs and changed other things around (the singer, the wording, the beading on the lamp post and I played with colour with the blue dress). 

So, I amalgamated these two designs:

They are both from the 2015 JCS Christmas Ornie Mag, #1 is Dear Santa by The Little Stitcher and #7 is Christmas Carols by Mani di Donna.

I stitched the lamp post and little dog from #7, adding a sprinkling of snow and a vine made of beads and added more musical notes all in black.  From #1 I used the top border, changed the wording to Deck the Halls and using the girl mailing a letter as the basis for the carol singer. I felt quite inventive! Thanks to the two designers for the inspiration.

I then framed it in a find from my local TK MAXX (only AUD$10) - a bargain.

Best of luck with all of your Christmas stitching this year.

hugs, 

Cathy's February Ornament

My ornaments this year will be coming from the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Issues.  My February Ornament is from the 2020 issue.

This is Deer in the Forest by Saving Grace Fine Needle Arts (Elizabeth Spurlock).