What did you stitch in your Christmas break?

Dionne    Blackwork, Christmas, Cross Stitch     Black Work Show 20, Blue Ribbon Designs, courtney collection, Danish Flower threads, Red Letter Ornaments

Here is a picture of what I thought I would enjoy doing at Christmas.  I carted the threads fabric and pattern to my parents home in Tasmania, … and back without having opened it, other than to look at how yummy it is.

Fabulous contemporary Blackwork Sampler

Thanks Courtney Glau, Black Work Show really is a stand out Blackwork sampler.  I want it up on the walls in the shop, and despite the fact that I have too much to do and not enough time to do it.  I WANT IT!

This is what I actually did in my Christmas break, … when the munchkin was asleep.

The eagle eyed amongst you will notice that these are miniatures from the picture posted in our Christmas message on Facebook.  These lovely designs Red Letter Ornaments from Blue Ribbon Designs can be made in the larger design which we had stitched for the shop.  My fabulous stitcher, Margaret also stitched 5 of the 8 miniatures, but ran out of fabric.  For those of you who missed it, here is the picture.

I did the other three.  Then I fell in love with them and had to have a set for my own tree!  The munchkin is also very keen on the Kreinik corder I purchased to completed the twisted cord around the outside.  In the home stretch now and maybe I will be able to finish a few other stitching projects.  (We stitched ours in the DMC on 32 count.  My lovely Margaret may well have said rude things to me if I sent her 40 count linen to stitch on, I know I would have done if someone sent me 40 count linen.)

Also thanks to Mel from South Arm in Tasmania for reminding me to upload the palette for the Danish Flower Threads with their new colours.  Hope these are all legible, if not download the chart, remember colours may differ on your screens and printers from what I actually scanned in.  Here is their new palette.

Shepherds Bush Stockings

Dionne    Christmas, Cross Stitch     shepherds bush charms, shepherds bush stockings

There is just time to complete a Shepherds Bush Stocking before Christmas ’10, …

Make someone you love, something they will love.

 … and if you don’t you can always give it to them next year.

We have all the charts, fabric and  charms you need to complete your stocking.  Optional thread packs are available with each chart with the DMC, Angora, Weeks Dye Works and/or Crescent Colours you need to complete your stocking.

… better get your skates on!

Rudolph … the red nosed (needlepoint) Reindeer

Dionne    Christmas, Tapestry and Needlepoint     needlepoint, Rudolph, Santa's red nose helper, twill designs

Our favourite reindeer

School holidays are starting again soon.  Weather in September can be so variable.  Got a little someone with itchy feet and bored fingers?  Needlepoint can be a very soothing activity, why not teach them?  Santa’s Red Nose Helper is a simple design from Twill Designs and can be completed in time to add to Christmas decorations.  With only 7 bright and cheery colours, this engaging pattern is of someone we all know and love.  At $29.95, you have all the materials you need to complete the design and a handy pouch to put all the materials away when you are not stitching so everything stays together.

Christmas treats – Handmade is the new Black

Dionne    Christmas     Christmas, handmade, shepherds bush charms, shepherds bush stockings

At the risk of looking like supermarket chains across the planet, Victoria House Needlecraft has a permanent Christmas display.  Not sure about all of you, but I have far less time than I used to.  If you are racing to get something done for a particular event, the beauty of Christmas is that it comes every year and unless you have told the recipient about what they are getting, you can always buy something else and finish off your gift in time for the following year.  While Shepherd’s Bush Stockings have been available for years, their designs are classic and they regularly offer something new.  All of their lovely designs are available from us now, along with the charms to complete your favourite.

Make someone you love, something they will love.

Eating and drinking are not allowed at Victoria House Needlecraft, so our counter junk food selection consists of  the fabulous range of perforated paper tree ornaments from Mill Hill.  I love these so much, and they are so quick to complete.  Haven’t managed to give any away completed yet … they are my preciouses!  In fact, I just love Christmas full stop. All that beading and silver and gold and bright colours, … what’s not to love?  Talk about being in touch with your inner 5 year old.  Why not indulge yours today?

Just a small selection of available stock, phone the shop for more