|
 |
The holly berries, border and branches remain to be finished. This is a quick project so it will be completed soon.
November 15
"Joy" Gets a Border
Experimenting With Holly Providing the Corners
As I began stitching this design, I thought that it might look better with the holly filling out the corners instead of the border I had planned. After seeing it (pictured above), I decided that the original design looks more complete.
 |
Here it is with the outside border finished, the inner border added and the ornament nearly completed. I'm beginning to backstitch the letters. Usually, I would not backstitch until all cross stitching is finished. But since the needles of the evergreen sprigs will be on top, I need to finish off the letters first.
One change I will make, though, is to leave the holly without the usual backstitch. The "spikey" nature of the leaves stands out better without the rounding that comes with backstitch.
It's beginning to shape up!
Keep stitching,
November 17
Adding Backstitches for Definition
 |
With some backstitching, this design begins to have a "finished" appearance. It's especially noticeable in the holly berries and letters. (Compare it with the picture in my last post, below.)
 |
Remember that I decided not to backstitch the holly leaves to let them remain "spiky," so all that's left to do is add detail to the ornament and add the evergreen branches. Little by little...
Keep stitching,
November 20
Details Taking Shape!
 |
I usually wait until the entire project is done before doing the backstitches, but in this case I needed to finish the items in the "background" before adding the pine needles over them. The needles themselves consist of straight stitches.
I also added golden highlights to the ornament.
 |
Here, the entire front of the project has been completed. I filled in the evergreen sprigs, and you can see the golden highlights on the body of the ornament.
 |
This picture shows the needles and gold highlights of the ornaments a little better. In person, of course, they sparkle as you turn the cross stitch.
What's left? The back. It will consist of some more holly, "Merry Christmas 2008" and the To: and From: information.
Happy Stitching!
November 21
The Back is (Oops! Almost) Done!
 |
This side went very quickly! Compared to the front, it has much less detail. It adds a touch of class and finish to the project.
I just realized I haven't done the French knots yet! They will form the colon after "From." You can use a dash, if you prefer, but, contrary to what some cross stitch experts believe, the French knot isn't that difficult. See my take on French knots including detailed illustrations and a video.
This might be a good place to recommend that you always sign the back of your work in some way. On a piece like this you should use your name, of course. But for other works consider using your initials. This will remind someone, perhaps far in the future, just who it was that made that nice cross stitch!
This design can be used for greeting cards, ornaments, or in the corner of table linens, napkins, towels, pot holders and many other things. In this case, the first in a series, I'm making an ornament as a gift.
From here, I'll put in some batting, connect the two sides and... well, you'll see.
Keep on Stitching!
November 21
Joining the Sides
 |
I added sewed the two sides together, batting tucked inside, and added a golden ribbon hanger. Starting to hang together. (Pardon the pun.)
 |
I left lots of fabric around the design to allow for fringe. Tune in for the next step.
Keep on Stitching!
November 22
"Joy" with Fringe
 |
Finished! The fringe sets off this design nicely.
When I put up the pattern page for this design, I will give full instructions for adding the batting and joining the front and back, as well as for making the fringe.
 |
I'm surprised how nice the back looks. I thought it might need something more, but the seam makes a sort of invisible border around the edge. I now like the back just as much as the front.
The chart and instructions should be up mid-week.
Keep on Stitching!
November 26
"Peace" Christmas Cross Stitch Design
 |
For the second in the Christmas series, I designed "Peace" to complement "Joy," below. Though distinctive, it has a similar appeal.
 |
At this stage, I always worry a little about a design. Is this going to work? I try not to leave it looking like this for long!
 |
I'm starting to feel relieved. Can't wait to do the dove!
As with the previous design, I completed the backstitches for the background elements before working on the dove and branches that will overlay them.
Within a couple of days, I hope to have the pattern posted for the "Joy" design, and an update of "The Word" bookmark.
Keep on Stitching!
Follow Your Favorite Design
Designs introduced here can be tracked as they develop. Click here for December, 2008.
Return to the top of this page
Return from Now Stitching... to Better Cross Stitch Patterns Home Page
