Stitching and the Holidays

Greetings, all! We've got the holidays breathing down our necks, but don't panic! There's still enough time to start and finish something smallish, purchase gifts for stitching friends, or start something huge with a finish next year! We've got inspirations here, plus let's plant a little seed of thinking about Crazy January! Whether you intend to start a new project every day in January (fun!) or just a few new projects, we've got you covered, whether it's specialty fabrics and fibers or a bunch of new charts combined with some classics. Or comb through your stash and take a look at what you might be missing; we can help fill in the holes!

This is a wonderful Christmas project. If you start now, you can have it well underway or perhaps even completed by the time those Christmas bells ring.

I have started it because I absolutely adore stitching bricks. See what I mean about the fact that it's not too large? I got this much done in about half a day of stitching. I'm stitching it on 40 count Lakeside in pecan butter, using the recommended NPI and Belle Soie threads. This is one of these Christmas samplers I wouldn't hesitate to leave up all year, so if I finish it in January, it's perfectly ok!


Here's a quick stitch idea for you. Stitch up this adorable pillow and settle it in a little box surrounded by some candy bars or chocolate kisses. Perfect for the stitchochocoholic! (We know who you are!)

This is an amazing knitting magazine. There are some marvelous scarves, mittens, Christmas stockings, collars, cowls and hats--all for gifts. Here are a few of my favorite patterns: the snowflake cowl on the cover.

This wonderful "Dots Blanket," which can be knitted in any size.

Scandinavian Christmas stockings and aran pillow covers. Sigh--I want to spend my winter knitting projects from this magazine.

Here's a sweet sentiment in a small project from Silver Creek Samplers.

The December cottage from Country Cottage. Love the colors.

Tempting Tangles' "Peppermint Pig," which completely cracks me up. See the pink piggies? If I recall correctly, smashing a peppermint pig on the New Year is supposed to be good luck. Don't smash these guys--stitch them up in peppermint variegated fibers!

And a small Adam & Eve from Rosewood Manor:

Just for fun, a couple of needlepoint shop models--an ornament:

And a fabulously finished Santa:

Another fabulously finished needlepoint Santa, stitched by the talented and prolific Carol M., one of our dear customers:

Who is also making great strides stitching on "Jean Rattray."

Two stitched fall/harvest/Thanksgiving shop models. A little smiling native American:

I am not sure of the name or designer of this compelling fall stitch (but they'd know at that shop if you call--703-360-4600):

I love these two designs by Drawn Thread. This one is a stocking--don't you love the dog/cat/snowmen/bird quintet?

And look! I didn't want to stitch a stocking, but the charming design is offered in a modified sampler format. I snapped one up. Bet you can finish either one by Christmas!

For questions or to order, please call us at 703-360-4600. Our hours are 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:30-4:30 on the first Sunday of the month. Stitch nights are the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EXCEPT for this month. There will not be a Stitch Night the day before Thanksgiving.

Coming soon: gift ideas!

Happy stitching!