I am back to working somewhat steadily on the Woodland Animals Christmas stocking. I have finished the holly leaves, backstitching included, and have stitched the squirrels. I am working on the bunnies now.
I doubt that I will finish this by Christmas, but I may put it aside for a while if it is isn't close to being finished. I just added two more time sensitive projects to my already long list of WIPs.
Do you remember this cross-stitch pattern that my son found for me as a souvenir when on his honeymoon?
Well, I need to start it asap. My son and his wife just announced that they are expecting a baby boy next June.
That means I also want to make a baby blanket. I have a crochet pattern chosen and the yarn on order. I can't share it here as I want it to be a surprise and I know my son reads my blog. I will show you bits and pieces as I am working on it.
Now for the Christmas gifts. In between quilting Country Rose, formerly know as the Maroon Baby quilt (whose finish you can see here) as well as cross-stitching, I decided to make a set of four Christmas placemats for each of my kids.
I used a pattern from "The Thimbleberries Guide for Weekend Quilters" and fabrics from a Moda jelly roll that my son had gifted me last Christmas. I supplemented with a few fabrics from my stash. I even had enough of one fabric to back all 8 placemats.
When I visited a few weeks ago I gave my daughter and her husband the other set all wrapped up with instructions to open on December 1st. I have always used my Christmas placemats and dishes for the entire month of December rather than just saving them for special gatherings. I thought that my kids might want to do the same.
Included in my daughter's box, was an ornament for Natalie.
I have had the magazine clipping with this pattern for many, many years. Since I had all the felt that was needed, I finished it to commemorate her first Christmas.
I am joining Kathy for some Slow Sunday Stitching. Pop on over to her site to see what other bloggers are stitching. I certainly have a lot to work on, but I think I will sit with a cup of tea and enjoy looking at all the different projects.
Thanks for stopping by!
I always like to use the dishes and things for the whole month not just at special dinners. Congratulations to your son - you will be enjoying making baby items this year!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the upcoming new grandbaby! You'll be busy visiting the grands next year! I really like the placemats you made, and how perfect that you found matching napkins, too. Those make a great gift!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute ornament for Natalie! She will enjoy getting an ornament made by you each year. Your son and daughter and their families will love using their new placemats every December. So pretty. The stocking is gorgeous! And, a new grand-baby on the way!! Your life is full to bursting! Gail at the Cozy Quilter.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the wonderful news! Great idea to make an ornament each year. That one is so cute. Love the placemats. I, too, like to use my Christmas things all month.
ReplyDeleteAnother grandchild, how lovely and you have just the pattern to stitch. I think it's a wonderful idea to make a Christmas ornament for the grand children every year, and the little mouse is so cute. Very nice Christmas placemats too.
ReplyDeleteOh Cathie! Your header photo is lovely! Such beautiful stitching! Your Animals Christmas stocking is coming along very nicely! What a lovely sampler! I just came home from a Christmas dinner. The hostess had a wall of birth announcements for her children stitched by her mother. Absolute treasures!
ReplyDeleteThe placemats are so cheery and fun! What a cute mouse in the wreath ornament! Yes, that is a great idea – an annual ornament for each grandchild!
Well, Cathie you are a busy bee, lots of lovely crafts ready for your family. Congratulations to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week hugs June.
I love your header what a beautiful cross stitch, congratulations a new grandchild how lovely. The placemats are gorgeous such a lovely gift.
ReplyDeleteWow! You are sew busy! I love the progress on the stocking! Over the moon about a boy grand coming! I love that your son knows your love language by gifting you meaningful fabrics and kits to keep you busy and inspired!
ReplyDeleteI’m sure your daughter and dil will love the placemats as well as napkins and this precious ornament for Natalie is perfect! Have a wonderful week stitching when you can!!!
Kathi
Hi, before I forget, what a beautiful header, Cathie. Anyway, lots of other lovely Christmas stitching in this post. Love the cross stitch, of course, and also the placemats, pretty and practical. and sweet little ornaments. I too think it a great idea to make one every year for the grandkids. I also use my Christmas dishes throughout the month.
ReplyDeleteWay back when I could see better and did a lot of cross stitch I loved to work on samplers. That's a cute one. I like your idea of placemat and napkin sets for gifts. I used to gift the kids and grandkids ornaments each year until they were old enough to make some for themselves. Then every year together we would make different kinds of ornaments. We have quite a collection after all these years and lots of memories of ornament making.
ReplyDeleteSo many projects and so little time. Your Christmas placemats are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly how I feel right now.
DeleteBeautiful work. I love your granddaughters Christmas ornament! And how exciting a grandson to look forward to next year. Sarah quilting by the sea
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteI hope to make an ornament each year for grand(s) but it won't be cross stitch every single year! Congrats on another baby :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Cathie: Woodlands Animals is such a sweet design.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing your progress on the Baby Sampler.
The placemats are beautiful, you are lucky to have found the napkins to match.
Your mouse ornament is so cute.
I use my Christmas Plates and glasses starting after Thanksgiving.
Catherine💓