And Another Christmas Card

Project: Christmas Card
Started: 15.09.09
Finished: 17.09.09

Design: Noel Naturally by The Cat’s Whiskers Design Studio
Materials: Metallic card (free with WOXS); 14-count white perforated paper; DMC 30915 (rayon) floss

Continuing with the perforated paper, I thought I’d try rayon floss for the first time. I have to admit that although I love the lovely, shiny effect (very opulent and Christmassy!), I absolutely hated stitching with it! I used a loop start and stitched 2 over 1, but the stuff frays at the ends and catches on the slightest thing so the edges of the perforated paper made it seem a nightmare to use! However, I think I might give it a try on some fabric and see how I feel about it then before abandoning it outright!

I love the miniature sampler style of this design and although the original mock-up I saw was stitched in natural shades,  think it looks particularly striking in the rich, purple-red rayon, which is made even more sumptuous by the gold metallic card.

Another Christmas Card

Project:Christmas Card
Started: 12.09.09
Finished: 12.09.09

Design: Noel from 22 Luxury Christmas Cards (WOXS freebie) by Maria Diaz
Materials: Metallic card (free with WOXS); unknown floss (freebie on previous magazine); 14-count white perforated paper

This is the first time I’ve worked with perforated paper and it was far easier and more enjoyable than I thought it would be (I had visions of it being very fragile and difficult to work with, but this was not the case). It’s nice to be able to stitch something and know that the edges aren’t going to fray either whilst stitching or once attached to the card, so I’ll definitely be repeating this with more cards – for the festive season and other special occasions.

I really love this modern design in fresh, light shades, rather than the rich traditional colours and  think the silver card sets it all off very nicely. There are also other designs, both modern and traditional, in the booklet that I think I’ll try…

Stashmas Decoration

Project: Stashmas Decoration
Started: 30.08.09
Finished:31.08.09

Design: (Front) One of the Winter Escape designs by Rhona Norrie from Cross Stitch Crazy magazine issue 130. (Back) Snowflake design by Kell Smurthwaite© and lettering from 120 Cards for Every Occasion freebie booklet from WOXS magazine issue 153.
Materials: 32 count Dragon Hand Dyed Jobelan in Heavens Above; Anchor 1211 (variegated turquoise) floss (2 over 2); beads from an old necklace

I’m taking part in the Stashmas Exchange on the Cross Stitch Forum – instead of a Christmas gift, we send a Stashmas gift (worth a maximum of £10 or the monetary equivalent) of anything stitchy-related. I decided to include a small stitched gift with mine to commemorate this year’s Stashmas Exchange, so I made this little decoration.

The design for the front came from the latest Cross Stitch Crazy magazine and I added some beads from an old broken necklace that I had, just to add a little sparkle and glamour. For the reverse, I designed a little snowflake and added a commemorative message in lettering that was from a freebie booklet  that came with World of Cross Stitching magazine a while back (120 Cards for Every Occasion). I then made a tassel (to which I added another bead) and a ribbon loop for hanging. It’s all just whip-stitched together and stuffed with regular soft toy stuffing. I think it turned out quite nicely and will be a lovely addition to the Stashmas gift I send out.