Christmas ornaments

"Holly Tree Mini-Sampler" from "A Cross-Stitch Christmas - Gifts to Cherish" by Better Homes and Gardens.  2 strands DMC over one on 14 count Aida. I haven't decided yet whether I want to frame it or make it into a mini wall hanging.
I'm contemplating making another one in a different color-way.

I took "Snowman's Quaker Christmas" a freebie by Midnight Stitching and adapted it by omitting the snowman face, adding in 09 and the ribbon through the wreath. It was done with 3 strands over 18ct. but I think I will do the rest 2 strands.

"Peace, Joy. Love" A freebie design by Lizzie Kate.

Bloggers Quilt Festival 9-16 October 2009

I've spent a good chunk of my time looking at the entries and stories over at http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com Some of them had hand embroidery in them which was really nice to see.

Project wise I have not done much. I have started on a Christmas Sampler but y'all don't need to see a picture of a red outline and a little tree :)

My kids are now on Fall Break so I will not be blogging till they go back.

Happy Dance - siggie blocks

I've mentioned in past posts that I am participating in a siggie block exchange at the Lady of Steeles Hand Embroidery group. The number of participants seems to have settled down (some dropped out) and we have to make 24 blocks. I finished up stitching all the celtic knots this week and now just have to add in my signature.
Each knot is approx. 5"x31/2" and took about 2 hours each to stitch. I made the blocks larger than required so I would have something to hold while I sewed and I will leave it up to each of the recipients to trim to whatever new size they want.
Now I am getting ready to make Christmas presents/exchanges and have picked out a few patterns from my collection of Christmas cross-stitch books. Most of the items will be small tree ornaments but I also found a few small samplers that I want to try.
Cirque Des Carreaux, poor thing, is languishing, pining away in my projects drawer. I will start back to it this week. Maybe I should set myself a deadline?

PIF Winners

My son drew the names last night and the winners are Micki, Pojeda and Jade. Congratulations ladies. Please send me your mailing addresses and then PIF away at your blogs :)

Christmas ornament for fund raiser.

I've not been doing much hand stitching this week because I have a few quilting deadlines to meet but I did make this ornament for a fundraiser. We were sent a small version of the star pattern and had to enlarge it to 6". The only direction given was to do some hand stitching on it.
I used some of my white sparkly fabric, drew some squiggly lines, used white DMC floss to do back stitch and French Knots in the sequins. I was going to blanket stitch round the edges but I did not like how it was looking so left it "as is." I made the yo-yo and hand stitched it to the center. I like how it turned out but next time round I think I'll draw the star more rounded just because it will be easier to stuff it.
Speaking of fund-raisers go check out what is happening at Stitching For a Cure (click on angel in my sidebar). The big event is almost here and Donna has done an impressive job of getting everything organized.