A Souvenir for the Holidays

My sister (who doesn't read my blog, so I can post this) and her daughter went to Paris last summer, so I thought I would stitch her a memento of her trip for Christmas. I was so happy to find this free chart by Blackbird Designs. This was only my second time putting cording around the edges - I always dread joining the ends, and I knew this design didn't lend itself to a bow to hide the inexpert join. Thanks to Carol from Stitching Dreams (finisher par excellence), who gave me some tips, it at least is presentable (it actually looks less pronounced for real than it does in the pictures). I hope it brings back some happy memories for my sister.

Souvenir de France

Blackbird Designs
28 count cashel linen
Belle Soie Ocean Tide



End of the Owl SAL (sob)

It's all over - the owl SAL is finished. This was my first stitch-a-long and it was such fun. I will really miss stitching these little owls. I'm looking forward to what Tonia has in store for next year.

December Owl

Completed Owl SAL
Oakhaven Designs

I had the misfortune to come down with pneumonia at Thanksgiving, so I've spent a fair amount of time lolling on the couch and stitching. My latest project is from a fairly recent Just CrossStitch magazine (I can't remember which one offhand). It's called Summer Song by Midsummer Night Design. Other than ornaments, it's the first thing from the magazine I've ever stitched, despite having been a subscriber since 2006. I enjoy getting it but don't often find the projects calling to me. So I was pleased to find this one. It's nice to be working on something summery as the winter winds start to roll in.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas/Chanukah/New Year!