Purple Penguin - Casey Buonaugurio

Design: Purple Penguin

Designer: Casey Buonaugurio, from the 2009 JCS Ornament Issue

Threads: DMC as charted

Fabric: 14 count aida, pink

Finished: Flat ornament, beaded edging and hanger

I've started a tradition where I always make my niece, The Tot, a Christmas ornament. And it's always cross stitched. This year, Tot is besotted by pink, with purple a close second. My sister even bought Tot a pink Christmas tree of her very own - as Sis is quite strict that her Christmas tree is red, gold and green :o)

So, when I saw this cute little purple penguin, it was a must stitch! I had some pink aida lurking in my stash (I'd been given it by my cousin, I hadn't bought it!) so I thought I'd go for the full girly effect!

I personalised the back of the ornament with my niece's name and a little charm, before outlining in backstitch as I was going to whipstitch and bead the ornament closed.

The lilac beads and ribbon were also in my stash - I love having stash, it makes me feel very blessed and it also means when I'm on a roll, I don't need to break off and go shopping!

The beaded edge is simple, but time consuming. However, I think it was worth it, it really adds something to the finished piece.

Update

Well, I seem to have my stitching mojo back, having been immersed in knitting for the past little while. I'm feeling a little blue about my knitting at the moment. Not only have Royal Mail lost a shawl I made for my best friend, my beret fell off on the way to work between getting off the bus and into the office (about 150 yards) and despite searching for it, hasn't appeared :o( I'm beginning to feel that my knitting is jinxed ...

I haven't got an awful lot of finished stitching to show you, as I've been mainly working on exchange pieces, although I will post my Valentine finish shortly.

This is a sneak peek at my first finish - for the Biscornu Exchange over on HoE. I used a design from a designer my partner lists as one of her favourites. Which design? Ha, you'll have to wait and see ... I stitched a variant of the same design for the back on a different colour fabric (a la Just Nan) and personalised it. It was really interesting to see just how much changing the fabric colour made to the design

This is my 'commute' project, although I confess it is slow going - I've decided knitting is definitely easier on the bus than stitching! I can reveal what this one will be - it's Holly Berry Sampler by Bent Creek - and I'm stitching it to finally finish the series. The other two are sitting complete - even with their buttons on - on the same piece of fabric. I'm not sure how I will finish these - possibly a tall and skinny set of pinkeeps.

This is going to be a little gift for a friend of mine who had a baby recently. The pregnancy was a bit of a surprise - my friend didn't realise until two months before the birth that she was expecting!

I think I will frog the yellow lettering - although it is nice and cheerful, I don't think it stands out very well. I think I might replace it with a lilac, as the baby is a little girl. I have a sweet rocking horse button to attach too.

The design is Bless the Baby by Lizzie*Kate

I finished this design for my partner on the Year Round Prairie Schooler Exchange. I wanted to stitch something special for a special blogging friend, and I think (blowing my own trumpet, I know!) I've succeeded. I used a part of a larger sampler, from an out of print chart. Which one? Well, that's for me to know and you to find out :o)

Right, I must get off and get some uni work done... Happy stitching!

Fredde's Bookmark

Design: from an alphabet in Alphabets and Borders
Designer: not given, book publisher is Better Homes and Gardens
Threads: DMC 310
Fabric: 14 count aida banding from Textile Heritage

This bookmark was stitched for a cute little boy who was one this month. No, he's not a precocious reader ... yet! His parents were putting together a 'time capsule' for Fredde to open on his tenth birthday, and I thought a personalised bookmark would be a nice timeless gift. The Spot book was for now though :o)

Christmas Ornament Exchange

Design: Joy Needleroll
Designer: Jeannette Douglas Designs
Threads: DMC (own choice)

Fabric: white evenweave

This is the needleroll I sent all the way to New Zealand to Margaret. Margaret does such beautiful work, I was rather nervous about my half of the exchange - I wanted something a little 'more' than just cross stitch and this mini needleroll seemed to fit the bill, as it has a number of other stitches in it.

The design is from a JCS ornament issue (2002?) but if you don't recognise it, it is because I radically changed the colour scheme!

Oh, and I don't think the pictures are playing nice today, so apologies if you have to crick your neck!

Triple Cable Mitts

Design: Based on Delovely Mitts, see text for alterations.
Yarn: James Brett Marble Chunky, 100% acrylic
Needles: 4mm DPN

I made these mitts for my Dad for Christmas. In total, I made three pairs of similar sized mitts out of one 200g ball of yarn, and I still have some leftover - excellent value!

The yarn is 100% acrylic, but it is the nicest, softest acrylic I've ever used. It's very popular in my SnB group, as it's so nice to work with, easily available at the independent department store in town, and above all - it's cheap! £3.49 for a massive ball, which means that each of the pair of mitts I made cost less than a quid to make - you can't buy them for that!

I amended the pattern to make the mitts longer in the wrist(12 rows total) and in the hand (5 pattern rows) and also added some rib (2 rows) at the finger ends. The thumb had 5 knit rows and 2 of rib. Even so, they took less than two evenings to make, as they do knit quickly, especially once I got the hang of the cabling.

I knit three left mitts first, then went back and knit all the right mitts in order to save yarn and to make the colour variations as close as possible on each pair. I'm horribly pedantic at times...

Cable Gloves - Free Pattern Here :o)

Design: Chunky Cabled Fingerless Mitts:
Pattern: Available below, I adapted it from a number of sources
Yarn: Stylecraft Life Chunky, in cream
Needles: 4mm double pointed

These were a Christmas gift to my sister. I had originally planned to make her some plain mitts with a different yarn I'd picked up, to go with her new red coat, but on knitting, I decided they really weren't her style, and went with something a little more classic.

I had to work with a number of patterns, as none were exactly right - many 'handwarmer' patterns seem to me to be very short in the wrist and/or the palm, or some were too big - a family trait for the entire family, whether blood or married in, are small hands. So, I came up with this pattern and I've made myself a pair too, in a different yarn, as well as the plain version.

Edited to add: If you feel so inclined, a donation to the MS Trust for this pattern would be appreciated. Pennies will do - and you can make payment via the link in my sidebar or by clicking here.

Chunky Cabled Fingerless Mitts

You will need:

• about 60/70g of chunky yarn - I've used the James Brett Marble Chunky and Stylecraft Chunky with good results
• 4 double pointed needles - I use 4mm BUT I do knit loosely, and I have small hands. I would suggest 4.5mm or 5mm (the pattern I have adapted these from used US Size 8, which are equivalent to 5mm)
• a cable needle
  
• a small spare needle (a V shaped cable needle is ideal) or some waste yarn

Abbreviations:

K = knit
P = purl
M1 = make one by picking up the loop between stitches and twisting it as you knit
C6F = cable 6 forward (slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold in front of work, K3 then K3 from cable needle)

Left Hand:

Cast on 30 stitches and distribute evenly across 3 needles. I use a cable cast on, to give a little elasticity. Join without twisting.

Rows 1-10: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Rows 11-16: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 17: K10, P2, C6F, P2, K10
Rows 18-22: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 23: K4, M1, K2, M1, K4, P2, C6F, P2, K10 (this is the start of the thumb gusset)
Row 24: K12, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 25: K4, M1, K4, M1, K4, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 26: K14, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 27: K4, M1, K6, M1, K6, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 28: K16, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 29: K4, M1, K8, M1, K4, P2, C6F, P2, K10
Row 30: K18, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 31: K4, M1, K10, M1, K4, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 32: K5, move 10 stitches to waste yarn or spare needle, K5, P2, K6, P2, K10
Rows 33-34: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 35: K10, P2, C6F, P2, K10
Row 36-37: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Rows 38-43: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Cast off. I cast off knitwise, but you may want to cast off in rib.

Thumb: Join in yarn. K5 stitches onto one DPN, and K5 onto another. With third needle, pick up and K 4 stitches evenly across the gap (14 stitches). K2 rounds. Work 2 rounds in K1, P1 rib then cast off. Try the mitt on, because you can darn your ends in and tighten up the thumb gusset M1s at the same time if holes appear and you need to :o)

Right hand:

Cast on 30 stitches and distribute evenly across 3 needles.

Rows 1-10: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Rows 11-16: P2, K6, P2, K20
Row 17: P2, C6F, P2, K20
Rows 18-22: P2, K6, P2, K20
Row 23: P2, C6F, P2, K4, M1, K2, M1, K14 (this is the start of the thumb gusset)
Row 24: P2, K6, P2, K22
Row 25: P2, K6, P2, K4, M1, K4, M1, K14
Row 26: P2, K6, P2, K24
Row 27: P2, K6, P2, K4, M1, K6, M1, K14
Row 28: P2, K6, P2, K26
Row 29: P2, C6F, P2, K4, M1, K8, M1, K14
Row 30: P2, K6, P2, K28
Row 31: P2, K6, P2, K4, M1, K10, M1, K14
Row 32: P2, K6, P2, K5, move 10 stitches to waste yarn or spare needle, K15
Rows 33-34: P2, K6, P2, K20
Row 35: P2, C6F, P2, K20
Row 36-37: P2, K6, P2, K20
Rows 38-43: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Cast off.

Thumb: Work as for left hand.

This pattern is offered for personal, non-commercial use only. Items made from this pattern may be sold on a small scale basis such as on Etsy or at craft sales. Sales for charity are positively encouraged! This pattern and the text and photos contained within, may not be copied or reproduced for any purpose other than personal use. Please direct people to this blog rather than forwarding the pattern, thank you! Copyright 2009 N M Wray

Scarf

Design: Garter Stitch Scarf
Yarn: Sirdar Vegas (two balls)
Needles: 5mm

This was the scarf I knitted for my mum for Christmas. I think she liked it best of her presents, which surprised me, it was only really a stocking filler.

I bought the yarn on a clearance sale. It cost me £0.49 a ball, so I made this scarf for less than a quid! (a euro, or US $1.50) I think it looks pretty good and doesn't betray its bargain bin origins :o)

The scarf was fairly mindless to knit, as I made it in garter stitch - cast on 20 stitches and knit until the yarn runs out was the general idea ... Ma doesn't like too big a scarf anyway, so this was about the right length (about 60 inches) when it was finished.

The fun bit was getting all the ends pulled through - I ended up attacking it with The Hermit's hairbrush and giving it a vigorous grooming!

Holly Berries Miniature Biscornu - Cherished Stitches

Design: Holly Berries Miniature Biscornu
Designer: Cherished Stitches from 2008 JCS ornament issue
Fabric: 28 count evenweave, cream
Threads: DMC 115, Caron Wildflowers Pine

It is also a tradition that I make an ornament for my parent's tree. As this year was the year I learned how to make a biscornu, I thought it appropriate that I stitch one of those for them, and this design was one of my favourites from this year's JCS ornament issue, as it was simple and tasteful. I simplified the reverse to save stitching time, and then used all the time I'd saved beading the seams LOL - this was a first for me, I've normally just whipstitched the edges, but I've long admired the beaded biscornu seen on other blogs. And I have to say, it wasn't as tricky as I'd feared it was going to be.

I think I will have to make myself one of these, it was a wrench to give it away!

PS don't forget to enter my drawing for the Archangel chart below!

Angel of Joy - Bent Creek

Design: Angel of Joy
Designer: Bent Creek (from the 2000 JCS ornament issue)
Threads: DMC conversions, DMC115 and Caron Wildflowers in Pine
Fabric: 28 count lugana (?) in a very pale blue

It is a tradition now that I stitch my niece (The Tot) an ornament for Christmas. This is the third one I have done. Last year's Santa was pretty much a semi circle, so I looked in my stash of magazines for something to complement it, and came up with this little angel. With her curly hair and generous size, perhaps this is what I will look like if I ever get to Heaven ;o)

The Tot already has very decided opinions, so next year, I think I will just show her the magazine and let her pick. She likes crafts and painting already, so perhaps next year too I can start her with some binca and soft cotton to make her own ornament ...

Toddler Socks

Design: Basic Recipe Socks from the Regia Leaflet
Yarn: Regia Sock Yarn (75% wool, 25% polyamide)
Colour: Ringels Clown 5048
Needles: 2.5mm

I decided to make my niece a pair of socks for her sweet little chubby legs for Christmas.

These were a lot of fun to make, because the colours are so jolly. I had to measure The Tot's feet - and she was smaller than the smallest size on the pattern, so I had to make some adaptions.


Her comment? "These are nice and warm" - not bad for a 2.5 year old!

Ontario Heart - Victoria Sampler

Design: Hearts of Canada: Ontario Heart
Designer: The Victoria Sampler (Thea Dueck)
Threads: DMC as charted, Kreinik braid
Fabric: 25 count evenweave, white

I made this design into a pinkeep for The Hermit's birthday as he was born and brought up in Ontario. I'm not completely happy with it, as I think it is a little large and not taut enough, but I've used glue and I don't know whether it will come apart without ruining the stitching. If I do dismantle it, I was thinking of remaking it in a heart shape - would that work, do you think?

Elephant Birthday Card

Design: Elephant Birthday Card
Designer: Not credited, came from a book given away with World of Cross Stitching
Thread: DMC as charted
Fabric: 14 count aida, antique white

I made the mistake of mentioning this design to my sister when I was half way through stitching something else as a card for my niece ... so guess who was putting the finishing touches to this on the morning of The Tot's big day? It was worth it, though, to see her smile when she recognised an "ellypant" :o)

Jungle Room Plaque

I finished this earlier in 2007, and finally made it up into a wallhanging as a Christmas gift for my niece. The pale yellow is to co-ordinate with her room, and I used some mini pegs so it could be hung on a ribbon. I also left a reasonable margin in the hems so that it can be framed at a later date, when Molly's mum is happy to allow a framed picture in the room - little fingers are a tad too curious at the moment!

Years ago, I gave my sister a bellpull for her birthday (I could afford to have it framed) and left about 1.5 inches all round the stitching in total - she had the piece framed last year, and the framer has done an excellent job, which is good for the future - I'd like Molly to enjoy stitched pieces now, but also in the future, and framing behind glass does preserve things - even though it empties the wallet ... LOL

Whew!

All my obligation stitching for Christmas is finished, so I can relax - my ornament for the Crazy Exchange board exchange is in the mail, and now I just have to wrap the items for my family :o)

I've been reading a little about "Selfish Stitching" on blogs such as Stitch Bitch

I sort of like the idea, and was thinking about making that my theme for the year, and then I remembered that I'm in a birthday exchange, and a couple of other exchange groups, then there's my family (there's a significant anniversary this year), plus the sampler I've been commissioned to make for a wedding gift ...so it's just not going to happen this year! I am not going to sign up for any round robins or major commitment with people I don't know, but I do enjoy giving (and receiving) stitchy stuff.



I'm going away for the weekend, but I'll be working - my best friend J has set up her own architectural practice, and needs a hand as she has so much work on! Hopefully, I will get a little stitching done in the evenings. It's a shame that the needlework shop there has closed down, but there is a yarn shop, I may get to drop in :o) The weather forecast for that part of the country isn't good though - snow is possible on the Pennines - and my friend has a real fire, so we may just stay in! When it's cold there - it's very cold!

The picture above (taken on a sunny day, and there aren't that many where I'm going) is pretty much the view from J's house - she's right on the river.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend, thank you for dropping by and commenting - I might be back on Monday with a finish, wouldn't that be good!

Thank you so much!

I'm not normally keen on the door bell going at 8.20am, but I was expecting a parcel from Amazon, so opened the door to the postie thinking that some books I'd ordered for my course had come. I looked at the box he held, and thought it was rather an odd shape for an Amazon package ... and that's because it wasn't from Amazon, it was from Michelle! I'd won the drawing on her Cozy Egg blog for an assortment of DMC floss, and this was it! I was rather taken aback, because it wasn't a small box... and it was stuffed with all this...


And all neatly numbered and put in floss away bags! I'm going to have such a great time kitting up projects for next year, confident that I'm unlikely to need to buy floss for a while :o)

Michelle, I'm .. well, overwhelmed isn't too strong a word to use about your generosity. I'd like to say a big thank you - you've really brightened my spirits up. I love the stitching community, everyone is so willing to share their expertise, their knowledge, their time - and their stash! :o)

Santa - Knotted Pine NeedleArt

This is the ornament I've stitched for my niece Molly from this year's JCS Ornament Issue. I made some changes to the colours, using just colours I had in my stash.

It was a fun stitch and I really enjoyed it - I think Molly will like it! I'm not terribly happy with the tassel, but 18 month olds aren't harsh critics LOL


When I gave Molly the Santa ornament that I'd originally made for my gran, I asked her who it was. She smiled and confidently announced "Grandad!" I can see her point - here is a picture taken when she was six weeks old with my dad :o)


Design Details

Fabric: 28 count linen, stone
Threads: Gentle Arts Sampler Threads, DMC (charted for Weekes Dye Works & GAST)
Designer: Jamie Beam - Knotted Tree NeedleArt
Chart Details: Santa (c) 2007 Knotted Tree NeedleArt
Stitch Count: 59V x 56H
Stitches Used: Cross Stitch, Back Stitch, Rhodes Stitch
Threads Used: GAST Cherry Bark, Tarnished Gold, Cranberry, Peacock. DMC blanc, 310, 3722, 950. Cross stitch in two strands of floss.
Embellishments: Mill Hill Beads, ceramic star.
Modifications Made: Substituted fabric and used own choice of threads and beads.

Star Santa - Lavender Wings

This is a little peek at the ornament I stitched for the exchange run by Simone. I haven't taken a picture of all the goodies I sent too as I don't want to completely spoil the surprise on the off chance that the recipient reads my blog :o)

The design is from Lavendar Wings, from an old edition of the JCS Ornament Issue, but I made some modifications - I omitted the stars in the background, and added beads for the berries. The background fabric is actually a pale blue, it looks a bit washed out in the picture!

Checking It Twice - Dragon Dreams

This is the ornament I have stitched for my parent's tree this year. Ma pointed it out in the current JCS ornament issue as one she liked when we were choosing an ornament for Molly, so I've made this as a surprise!.

There's quite a bit of stitching in this, but it was fairly straightforward. There is an error in the chart, but an email to Jennifer at Dragon Dreams sorted that out very quickly - thanks Jennifer!

I made a couple of changes to the design as charted - I used Wisper instead of Fuzzy Stuff for the "fur" simply because that was what I had to hand. Ditto the fabric choice - alarmingly, when tightening the fabric on my hoop, it tore. I've never had that happen before! And it's good aida - from Zweigart. Fortunately, I was using a hoop that could contain the whole design, so it did leave me with enough margin for making up the ornament - just! The other change I made was substituting beads for the red stitches in the border and holly wreath - I love beads for things like that!

The ornament is backed with felt, and I didn't add cord around the edges as I thought it would look a bit too fussy. I hope my parents like it!

Design Details

Fabric: 14 count aida, airforce blue
Threads: DMC stranded cotton and Rainbow Gallery Wisper
Designer: Jennifer Aikman Smith - Dragon Dreams
Chart Details: Checking It Twice - JCS Ornament Issue 2007
Stitch Count: 49V x 49H
Stitches Used: Cross Stitch, Backstitch
Threads Used: DMC blanc, 223, 224, 319, 368, 369, 415, 498, 712, 738, 739, 814, 815, 3371. Rainbow Gallery Wisper in White. Cross stitch in two strands of floss.
Embellishments: Mill Hill Beads.
Modifications Made: Substituted fabric and used Wisper thread not Fuzzy Stuff. Used beads for berries in border and on wreath.

Christmas Wishes Stocking - Thistle Threads

This is the ornament I've stitched for my sister - it's safe posting a picture, as she's not really into computers! She's very proud of the fact that for the first time ever this year, she's ordered something online...

Anyway, when looking through the ornament issue to pick an ornie for Molly (my niece) she mentioned in passing she liked this one, so ... it's quite appropriate, given our Scottish heritage, although I have to say I've never seen a tartan quite like this one! I omitted the pale yellow stitches in order to let the background fabric show through, and I must say I like the effect - it makes it look more textured and woven, I feel.

I'm going to back it with some bright pink felt and make it into a hanging ornament. I might pop something small inside too.

Design Details

Fabric: 16 count damask aida, antique white
Threads: DMC stranded cotton and Kreinik metallic threads
Designer: Tricia Wilson Nguyen - Thistle Threads
Chart Details: Christmas Wishes Stocking - JCS Ornament Issue 2007
Stitch Count: 59V x 48H
Stitches Used: Cross Stitch, Backstitch
Threads Used: DMC 150, 246, 166, 3852. Kreinik #4 Braid in 002HL. Cross stitch in two strands over two.
Embellishments: None.
Modifications Made: Substituted #4 Braid for DMC 712. Omitted DMC 727 and let background fabric show. Stitched on fabric, not a perforated paper stocking.

Jungle Room Plaque

This was a UFO (UnFinished Object) which I'd intended to stitch for Molly as a Christmas Gift for 2006. At least I will be ahead of myself for this Christmas!

This was a kit I purchased on eBay, and originally it came with 14 count aida, which I switched out, as I dislike stitching on aida, even with small (26) Petite needles. I thought that there would be fractional stitches, but the shaping is done solely with the backstitch.

I'm pleased with how quickly, relatively, it stitched up - and it's so jolly and cheerful! Molly loves animals, and her room is decorated with jungle creatures already, so this will add to the zoo!

I will either frame it or make it into a small padded wallhanging. Molly's room is quite small, so it may be the former, as this will fit a 5" x 7" mount.

Design Details

Fabric: 28 count evenweave, white
Threads: unknown stranded cotton
Designer: Gene Frehely
Kit Details: 16699 Room Sign, Sunset Jiffy by Dimensions (c) 1999
Stitch Count: 62H x 89V
Stitches Used: Cross Stitch, Back Stitch, French Knot
Threads Used: unbranded stranded cottons. Two strands used for cross stitch, French knots, some backstitch, one strand used for remaining back stitch.
Modifications Made: Substituted 28 count evenweave in white for 14 count aida supplied; did personalisation in all capital letters; omitted white French knots in eyes.