Week Nine: Snowmen

It's hard to believe that the first two months of my "Ornament a Week" challenge are over! For this week's creation I made another (yes, another!) snowman from the October 2006 issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine. This one is appropriately titled "Snowmen" and was designed by Valerie Danish of Val's Stuff. I stitched it on a 25 count natural linen using both Weeks Dye Works and DMC threads. As I was stitching I kept wondering why the design was turning out larger than the finished size stated in the instructions. Well, upon reading a bit more closely, I discovered I was supposed to be stitching the snowman over one thread and I was doing my usual "over two." Moral of the story--thoroughly read the instructions beforehand! He turned out very cute, though, if a bit large...

Week Eight: Christmas Chick

I love Valerie Pfeiffer's birds and this "Christmas Chick" is particularly appealing! The designer's use of colors, special stitches, and back stitching make the little chickadee seem so lifelike. This chart alone uses over 25 different colors! It was stitched on 28 count white Monaco using DMC threads. This is the third Valerie Pfeiffer bird design that I've stitched--have yet to frame or finish any of them though!

Week Seven: Be Mine Valentine

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! It is hard to believe that February is already half over. To celebrate Valentine's Day (and my wonderful family) I stitched this piece called "Be Mine Valentine" (obviously!) on 16 count Natural Heatherfield for a bit of a rustic look. Both Weeks Dye Works and DMC fibers were used. The colors in this Lizzie Kate "Snippet" are so lovely... Decided to give this piece to my dear parents--who truly were my first loves...

Week Six: Button Up Skater

Another wintry cold week here, but things are looking up because today the temperature on the thermometer climbed all the way to 50! This Prairie Schooler ornament is from the "Button Up" chart and I stitched it on 32 count Lambswool Jobelan. Since we have a pond at the back of our property, this piece reminded me of the times when my sons were little and enjoyed ice skating when it stayed cold long enough for the pond to freeze. Nice memories...