Christmas stocking 2021

 So, yes, it was completed in time for Christmas (it was a bit of rush at the end, I will admit!), and I am very proud of it. To say that doing Cross stitch patterns with metallic thread is difficult is a bit of an understatement, but it's worth it for the results. Unfortunately, a still photograph does not show up all that wonderful sparkle sufficiently. Next time I will take a video to show it's full sparkly glory, before I send it off.

Peace on Earth - 2021's original Christmas stocking

There are a few things I will change when I do the final charting, mainly around the 'Christus est natus' section. I would use Gothic lettering for that section too, and I would change the scroll's colouring from mauve to red. The angel's hair needs a little modification too, and I would position him/her a little further down, so that I could make a little more of the star (some say it was Halley's comet - I don't know, but I like the effect).

My current view on what metallic thread works best in cross stitch has not really changed from my last post about cross stitching in metallic threads. Gutermann metallics and Madeira metallics worked best for me. You may have to group two, three or even four threads together to get satisfactory coverage on 25 count evenweave, and this can make handling quite exciting. Using shorter lengths helps, but there is still a high wastage due to the wear on the threads. Despite all the niggles, I would do it all again for the sumptuous effects you get (you can't beat a bit of bling in the dark days of the winter Solstice). As Madeira metallics have a much bigger colour range, I will probably use them more widely in future. Both types are widely available in the UK; Gutermann on Amazon and in stores, and Madeira at Barnyarns and in some stores.

There are lots of different types of metallic threads on the market - some are easier than others to use for cross stitching purposes

I hope to try Kreinik threads/ Braid in my next 'glittery' project. The problem I have with them, is getting hold of the full range of colours in each of the braid thicknesses. If anyone knows of a good source in the UK please let me know.The best I have found so far is Lakeside Needlecraft.

In the meantime, I have started designing 2022's Christmas stocking, and am looking forward to finding some new inspiration on my travels (Covid and travel regulations permitting........Umm!).

Happy stitching! B x 

Christmas stockings

 So, to pass the time this summer, I have been gardening and sewing Christmas stockings. I am on number three now. The first one, designed by the fabulous Mary Beale, I shall give to my husband. Unfortunately, I haven't made it up into the stocking yet, but I will add a picture of it to this post when I get round to finishing it off properly. You can see Mary's lovely patterns here. Whilst completing the stitching on the stocking, I felt the old itch to work a stocking of my own design, and so I started planning. 

This stocking would be for my my Grandson, James, who, unfortunately. I haven't seen this year (this being the non-year of Covid-19). Though I love Mary's designs, the design motifs are probably a little over the head of a two year old. And I wanted to design something that would scream Christmas in all its clichéd tradition. We all have rose-tinted memories of the Christmases of our childhoods, and I wanted this to be one of James's treasured memories, as a well as an heirloom that he can enjoy for the rest of his life. So here it is!

This is based on the band sampler tradition which has a long history, dating back to the 17th Century. There are traditional motifs, borders and modern themes intermingled in what I think is an acceptable format for the 21st Centruy. As well as being decorative (I hope), I have tried to make it educational too. So I am designing a little card to go along with the Stocking, which asks him such things as where is the reindeer with the red nose? When he is a bit older, he'll be able to count the wheels on the train, and learn all the names of Santa's reindeer. I've a few other quizzy type questions to add, but I don't want to give the game away too early.

I plan to chart this pattern, and maybe make it available next year online for PDF download. Do let me know if you are interested. (drbadams11(at)gmail.com, please remove the (at) and replace with the @ sign. I am trying to defeat the spammers!)

My third stocking - may or may not be finished for Christmas, because I have developed a bad back where I lean over to sew, and am having to give it a rest at the moment. I have adapted it from one of Prairie Schooler's Woodland Santas booklet, to see how it turns out. It looks promising - photo to be added to this blog, on completion.

I note, with interest, that many other embroiderers have been experimenting with the Christmas Stocking theme. It must be something in the air, or maybe Lock-down got so boring, we just had to get creative to stay sane!

Happy Stitching