Christmas Ornament Issue

I picked up my copy last weekend. It's interesting to see how ideas switch from year to year...sometimes it seems like designers' minds collectively move in one direction, just coincidentally.

This year there are only two overtly religious-themed ornaments - the one by Shepherd's Bush, "Sweet Baby" (and even that's pretty innocuous - angel and shepherd) and "Thy Works Are Good" by Gentle Pursuit, which has a manger. Several stockings, nine Santas (I really like the "Santa in the Moon" by Twisted Oaks Designs - all red, sort of Assisi stitch w/backstitch outlines effect, not "cutesy"), only a handful of snowmen/women and angels. LOTS of trees - including a cute one made of piled-up spools. Brittercup Designs did a poinsettia in her signature style that's quite appealing (and just as importantly, should stitch up quickly and only uses two colors of dyed floss, so won't break the bank!). A few sampler-types, two cats (I especially like the Kitty & Me "Christmas Blackwork Cat" - this might get me started in that direction!) and only a few other animals (a stylized reindeer, four birds, a dog).

The one that's shouting "Stich ME first!" in my direction is an Eiffel Tower with "Joyeux Noel" - go figure. I know my DD will love it. (And she's getting homemade pillowcases with a similarly-themed fabric I found at the quilt store, so that may be her theme this year!)

There aren't that many that "wow" me right off, but certainly enough to justify the price! All in all, it's a lovely assortment of styles.

Sue

Reply to
Susan Hartman
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Hi - lurker here (sinde 1997) I've already started the Quaker Darning Sock. Got one side done and will finish the back soon. I'm adding an outline of the "cuff" to the back so I can stitch the child's name across the top. Have to do one more of this design .... for a very young great niece and nephew.

Now I'm getting Stitchwork's Jingles the Penguin kitted to do next. Will have to improvise for the nose button and probably use fuzzy stuff for the scarf since I have it on hand.

I really liked this issue. Thought the mix of themes was good.

I look forward to this every year and have stitched a few from every issue.

Just felt the urge to jump in although I'm usually quietly reading the latest stitching news here.

Best regards, Barbara H

Reply to
Barbara H

Hi, Barbara -

The penguin is adorable! And improvisation is the name of the game with ornaments, I think. I rarely buy special threads and charms for ornaments. That said, I did make the trek to the LNS today to buy some special threads for the Nordic Needle ornament. When I sat down and went through the magazine for the third or fourth time, I fell in love with a few more. Does this happen to you? First time through, only a few jump out, then each time you see something else anew!

I also bought some green hand-dyed fabric to do the Eiffel tower. I was right - as soon as DD saw it, she said, "I HAVE to have that one!" I'll do it in the DMC colors since I spent a lot on the linen!

I'm glad you jumped in!

Sue

Barbara H wrote:

Reply to
Susan Hartman

Same here. I have a pad of the mini sticky notes in each place I sit, and invariably, the ornament issue ends up with some of each color because what catches my eye sitting on the couch when it first comes in is not the same as what catches my eye sitting in bed a couple nights later when I'm making my shopping list.

Reply to
Karen C in California

Thanks Sue - It's the most fun I have with my stitching all year! I also go through the magazine over and over. See things I missed and wonder how! It takes me at least three rounds through to find the first project. As I go through the picture pages I make a note of the chart page number next to the designer & ornament number. I flip back and forth between the picture and chart so much I need both pages noted. I practically wear my working copy out so I always buy an extra!

You know your daughter well. Now I have to go look up the Eiffel Tower. I've already got the Nordic Needle ornament pegged as a possibility.

Best regards - Barbara H

Reply to
Barbara H

Barbara - I do the same thing!!! I want to know instantly where to look at the finished ornament while stitching it. Every year I get this issue now, I go thru it with a fine-tooth comb and write the page of the chart by the picture of the finished ornament and vice-versa. I'm almost finished stitching the little stocking designed by Angel Stitchin ... it just took my eye right away.

Sharon (N.B.)

Reply to
Sharon

I'm improvising, too. I'm stitching the Brittercup poinsettia, and I'm using the DMC variations threads. THough I'm thinking of mounting the poinsettia in an acrylic trivet. It'll go well with my mum's Christmas linens. I also want to do the Santa with the Groucho glasses for my dad. THat was the one that caught my eye and sent me looking in my tread stash to see what I had.

Louisa

Reply to
Louisa.Duck

OK,OK, I haven't bought this for a couple of years, but a PENGUIN and Santa in GROUCHO glasses?! Off to the bookstore!

Linda

Reply to
lewmew

Hi,

I got mine in the mail and I've been leafing while waiting for various things (mostly appointments). I like the poinsettia also. Cheryl

Reply to
Cheryl Isaak

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