Come visit with me as I stitch and craft my way from one Christmas to the next - I like to have Christmas projects close by me all year. I have a particular fondness for Santas and Angels. If you have the time, leave a comment so I know you've visited.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Smalls SAL - and almost a big happy dance

I have a few smalls to show this month - five finished Christmas ornaments, and one yet to be made up.  The big happy dance starts when I finish up the final ornament .  It is the last Christmas ornament on my stitching list (and gift list)for this year, and will be my 40th ornament stitched in 2016.

So, the finished ornaments. They all have the same Santa, but different initials. The Santa initials have appeared frequently in my stitching this year, and I really enjoy stitching them. The chart is in LA's Alphabets Galore booklet, and I did make a few changes - 'mending' the missing stitches near the arm, adjusting the face and beard a little, changing floss colours, and removing the tree in Santa's sack.  I also slightly changed some of the letters.

The first three are for three young sisters.




The other two are for a young brother and sister.





The unfinished ornament is for one of my nieces, who lives about as far from me as you can get without leaving Australia.   It is adapted from 'Give Love for Christmas' by Fran Colburn of Legacy Designs. The chart was printed in JCS Ornament Issue 2015. I made lots of changes, so I can just see the designer pulling out her hair and denying responsibility for the outcome! I changed the fabric, all the floss, and the entire message section. I also stitched the border in 2 colours rather than the one colour charted and did the birds in smyrna cross stitched to help them stand out. I plan to finish this one up in the next day or so.  I think this one may be my favourite of all the ornaments I have made this year.


I look forward to seeing what everyone has stitched this month.

6 comments:

Bea said...

Lovely finishes and they will make lovely gifts. How nice that you are almost finished with the "to be gifted" ones. I know I have that book - if I ever get my craft room fully unpacked!

Julie said...

That's a stunning amount you have stitched up as gifts, what a lovely thing to do for your family and they are so lovely too.

OhSewCrafty said...

Well done, you are almost finished with your sizable gift committment! The ornaments are very sweet, they will be treasured gifts.

Le trame della Galaverna said...

Very beautiful project

jocondine said...

So nice gifts to offer. Great that you just stick (stitch) to your plan. Already 40! Waouh, bravo. Amitiés xxx

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

I love the Santa ornies for the Irish branch of the family.
Congratulations on stitching so many ornies this year too.
The final one is even more lovely for being personalised.