I’ve just finished the second part of Faby Reilly’s Christmas stitch-a-long. She’s releasing a design every two weeks, they’re Christmas card size but I’m making them into decorations. The designs are gorgeous, this was the first one…
I changed the colour scheme with that one as I’m a bit of a traditionalist at Christmas, I do like red and green with a bit of sparkle!
The second one is a beautiful snowflake design, I decided to use the colours Faby suggested with this one, though I did manage to use silver thread instead of gold by mistake! The fabric is actually the same as the one above, it’s not as grey as the photo suggests – winter lighting! I love the rice stitch border, it’s so delicate with the little bit of twinkle. I’d only used rice stitch once before and that’s on the Tall Year Square etui and they’re individual stitches which never seemed to look that neat, in a row like here they look much better.
Having stitched the design I had to decide how to make it up. I felt early on that this design would look good on point, I found some lovely red and gold check in my stash, I cut it on the bias so I could get the squares on point as well. I sprayed it liberally with starch before I sewed it to stop the bias from distorting the square.
I made a cord from some red and some silver grey DMC thread and stitched it round. I added a red bead on the corners and a dangly line of beads from the bottom. I used a few extra beads at the top to neaten up the join of the cord, I stitched both ends to the back and made it look like a mini tassel.
I love this one, though I’m tempted to give it as a present, I’ll see how I feel when I’ve finished all four! I might not be able to part with it!!
I’ve already started stitching the next one, it’s a gorgeous Christmas tree design, so we’re back to the traditional colour scheme!
thecraftycreek 
The snowflake is just the prettiest thing with that plaid backing. I can see why you might not want to part with it. Although I love snow the Merry Christmas one is the best to me. It is so cheerful.
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GOrgeous, now I can hardly wait to see the Christmas tree!
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WOW! Lovely as always.
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Just beautiful! I like the silver thread mistake. I think the silver is perfect for the snowflake – gold not sure about that. These smalls are so darling…excited for the Christmas tress 🙂
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Both beautiful, but I think my favourite is your first decoration. I just love the traditional colours.
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The designs are so pretty! And i love the way you finished the one as an ornament!
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well done! lovely tree ornaments!
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Wow, so pretty, both of them. If you wanted a little bling, you got it! Two gorgeous designs. It almost makes me wish I did cross stitching!
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Wow very pretty and what a wonderful gift or to be hanging you your tree or doorknob!
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Oh how beautiful! I love your finishing touches!
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I like the traditional Christmas colors also. These two are gorgeous. I love how you finished the snowflake. Those beads are a nice addition.
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Fabulous! I love that you made your own cord!
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