Christmas Cheer

These lovely Christmas stockings are cheerful and happy, perfect for enjoying during the stress of preparation for the perfect holiday.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=2ec99b2aec&e=73961ee0ea

Stephanie's little stockings are so cheerful!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-stockings-were-hung-by-chimney-with.html

The Colorado Stitcher has finished her Seminar project, a Southwestern boot design by Jeanette Rees that would make great stocking but she's having it framed to enjoy all year long.
http://acoloradostitcher.blogspot.com/2012/11/echo-canyon-completed.html

Nimble Needle shows off customers' finished pieces.  They are wonderful!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/11/customers-gallery.html

The Needlepointer also is showcasing finished stockings and cuffs.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=e2685cd6c4&e=73961ee0ea

Also wonderful is this purse canvas, finished in an unexpected way.  It is lovely.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/this-is-purse-design-that-eileen.html

Do you like rugs?  Even if you don't, you'll love this one!  Speaking of Ridgewood, the second link is to a darling Christmas Santa ornament in bright, happy colors.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-custom-painter-christine-designed.html

http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/blog-post_28.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Rittenhouse Loves Christmas Ornaments

Rittenhouse has done the nearly impossible--showed off a type of ornament I've not seen before--Santa Christmas slippers!
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/tis-season.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Alligator Has a Face

Jude Designs' Christmas Alligator

The last time you saw my Christmas alligator ornament, his face needed nostrils, his cap needed fur trim, and his face was disappearing into his body.  I fixed the first problem by giving him reddish bullions for each nostril.  After all, he already had bullion toes and repeating the same stitch helps unify a design.  I like French knots for somewhat tidy fur, so I tent stitched the fur trim with my Medici wool, then added French knots on top of the tent stitches which are a good foundation to keep French knots from pulling out.  To bring his face forward from his body, I outlined it with one ply of High Cotton in a dried blood color, which is prominent against the green without being too stark like white would be.  I liked the effect so much that I also outlined his front legs to make them a little more obvious.

You may not be able to tell but I outlined his blue ornament with gold Kreinik to round the bead edges a bit.  I still need to put another stitch through a few beads to straighten them.

I can see from the photo that his green belly needs \ and / stitches in green on top of the background to round off that area a bit.  I also need to add a row of background at the top above his head and tail.  I'll get those things done and then it will be time for the final touch, which you see below.

Scrapbooking Trim by Jolee's

I hope to show you a finished piece next time, plus a glimpse of the alligator's girlfriend.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Barbara's Find UPDATED

barbara Bergsten just found this wonderful ornament holder at Pier One. Shop soon before their holiday items disappear for another year.  Sorry, I don't know how large your ornament can be to fit inside.
http://www.pier1.com/Ornament-Holder/2639420,default,pd.html

UPDATE:  I purchased one of these at Pier One for $8 plus tax last week.  It's light wire with a rough gold finish that folds flat.  It will hold an ornament (including hanger) that is about six inches high and maybe 4-6 inches wide.  I think it's a bit overpriced but it looks good from a distance and displays a cute reindeer made of artificial wreath nicely here in CH.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Suzanne's Self Finishing

Suzanne talks about her experiences with the self-finshing leather goods from Lee/Colonial Needle, and how she replaced the first canvas with a second.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-on-your-wallet.html

Speaking of self finishing, I think this Sudberry House wooden mirror is lovely.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/11/sudberry-house-wooden-hand-mirror-with-mounting-area-for-needlework-.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com