Greetings! And a warm welcome to the Stitching Dreams annual parade of ornaments! Can you believe this is the 14th year of the parade? Every year when I share my twelve newest little creations with you, I am so proud to have accomplished this. To be honest, as I get older my stitching has slowed down--I noticed that this year in the little notebook where I record my finishes. But, for some reason, I still get a little thrill with each ornament finish... Amazing at how something that small can be so rewarding. It's helped that I have so many wonderful stitchers who are now stitching an ornament a month with me over on Instagram (#12in23ornamentstitchalong). Is anyone in for 2024? I'm not going anywhere and still plan on stitching a little treasure each month.
So, who's ready for the parade? It's a cloudy December day here for parade watching, but I'm hoping the dozen entries into the 2023 parade will brighten all of our days. So relax, sit back, and enjoy. And as you watch, keep track of your favorite ornament--I'd love to know which one you like best in the comments!
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| 2023 "Parade of Ornaments" |
And yes... I still have that red dining room! How many years have I been talking about painting it? Although I love the color this time of year, it makes the room very dark and the older I get the more I crave light and bright. So perhaps, next year, there will be a new backdrop for the parade? I've actually purchased the paint so that's a step in the right direction. Now to get to work and get it painted after Christmas is over! That cute red and white snowflake rug was purchased on sale at Target this year for less than $10! I love it--it's just so cheery!
I'll zoom in on the parade for you as I know the above photo is a bit small.
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| January ~ March 2023 |
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| April ~ June 2023 |
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| July ~ September 2023 |
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| October ~ December 2023 |
It's funny, I didn't think I had stitched many Prairie Schooler designs this year, but it turns out that five out of the twelve are PS: February, March, April, November, and December. As always, I'd love to hear what your favorite is. For me, it's a tie between my December ornament and my May ornament. What's that you say--you'd like a closer look at each so you can really decide? Well, here you go... (You can click on the name of the ornament under each month to be taken to the post containing more information on each one).
JANUARY
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| With Thy Needle and Thread: "Rudolph & Friends" |
FEBRUARY
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| Prairie Schooler: "A Merry Mini Surprise" Skating Santa |
MARCH
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| Prairie Schooler: "Angels" Angel of Plenty |
APRIL
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| Prairie Schooler: "Old World Santas" |
MAY
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| TraLaLa: "Christmas Day" |
JUNE
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| Jeannette Douglas: "Noel Stamp" |
JULY
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| Heart In Hand: "A Very Merry Christmas" |
AUGUST
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| Lila's Studio: "Spirit of Christmas, Set 2" |
SEPTEMBER
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| The Victoria Sampler: "Merry Christmas 2012" |
OCTOBER
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| The Trilogy: "Secret Snowdrift" |
NOVEMBER
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| Prairie Schooler: 2012 Annual Santa |
DECEMBER
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| Prairie Schooler: "O Christmas Tree" |
So, which one do you like the most? As you can see, my taste is quite eclectic. I love the little pillow finishes the most, but round and oval finishes are also among my favorites. I'm honored that so many of you have told me that my ornaments have inspired you--both here on my blog and on Instagram. I hope that you'll take the time to browse through my past parades and, perhaps, find even more inspiration! You can simply click on each year and be taken directly to the post that has information on that year. If you count them all up, including this years, that is 168 different ornaments. Of course I've stitched more over the years, but these are the ones featured in my parades since 2011. Enjoy! 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010. I also stitched an ornament-sized piece a week (not all Christmas themed, though) in 2009 when I began blogging. If you'd like to browse through that year, you can click right here: 2009
My little red and white Santa keeps guard over my parade again this year. I'm curious to see how this little display holds up when my 3-year-old grandson visits over Christmas ;-)
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| This little Santa watches over the parade each year. |
Here is one last look at the 2023 ornament collection...
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| A final look at my 2023 dozen |
I'll be transferring these new ornaments to my Christmas tree very soon and replacing them on my stair garland with ornaments received from friends over the years. Friends from all over the world will be represented and I love seeing their special gifts each year. It always reminds me of our special friendship and of the wonderful online stitching community we are blessed with. A special thank you to all who have sent me ornaments over the years--I treasure each one.
I hope everyone is enjoying the countdown to Christmas--just a bit more than two weeks until the big day! I still need to get my cards sent out and some presents purchased. I'm also excited to start my baking next week although I won't be baking as much as normal because everyone seems to be on some sort of diet or other these days. Not me--my motto is everything in moderation year-round! Enjoy your weekend everyone! Bye for now...
59 comments:
Your ornament parade is always a delight to see in December, Carol. I love each one you created in 2023, but my favorite this year is the Noel one by Lila's Studio. I stitched it for a friend of mine this year and hoping to stitch it for me in 2024. Wishing you an enjoyable weekend!
Just love these special ornaments Carol. I do believe O Christmas Tree is my very favorite. Well done my friend.
I love your yearly parade, Carol. I have a tie for my favorite - October and December. They are all beautiful!
It is always too hard to choose favorites. A PS Santa is always fun. I think I will choose August and September this year. I am going to stitch the Advent calendar this year for the other grandson and get back to ornaments after that. I suppose I will collect some patterns now. Always love seeing your work for the year.
These decorations are very beautiful. Congratulations.
Always such a fun parade, Carol! My favorite would be May...love the Santa on black! I can only imagine how gorgeous your tree is in person!
Loved seeing all your ornaments! My favorite would be August - Noel with the red bird; but I do like all the Prairie School Santa’s too. Thank you for sharing!🤗
Oh, Carol, each and every one of your ornaments are always perfection, but since you are forcing me to choose, I will say the August ornament...or maybe the January one...or maybe...? I LOVE seeing your monthly posts and your annual round-up.
P.S. My bathroom is faux-painted in two soft shades of red, for a very subtle mottled look. Even thought faux painting is so yesterday, I still really like the way it's painted. Since it's going on 20 years, it really does need re-painted and if I can find a faux painter around, it's very possible I'll do it exactly the same.
Well, that took quite a while to review and choose. Narrowed it down to October thru December with a nod to January! My goodness. Fourteen years!!!
Always look forward to seeing your ornament parades every year! You are such a talented stitcher and finisher! So hard to pick a favorite but I love the May ornament stitched on black looks beautiful and I love the pillow finish. Can’t wait to see what you choose in 2024!!
We can't have Christmas without your ornaments on a swag, Carol! So you're stuck! Like Rapunzel, haha. May and June are my favorites for different reasons; Christmas designs on black fabric are winners in my book and the June piece is classic. I have every one of those type of ornaments marked in the JCS ornament issues. Maybe when I'm 90 I'll start stitching them! Looking forward to seeing your tree🥰
I always look forward to seeing your special Christmas post. My favourite is February, the skating Santa. You must have such a special home for Christmas with so many treasured decorations everywhere.
You have a great knack for choosing your subjects and it's always hard to say what you like best, but I think I'll settle on May - Santa and the little bunny are just so cute.
You're right, I also pay attention to my weight, but as you say, everything in moderation, so it's better to do a little every now and then instead of giving it up completely.
I wish you a nice time, enjoy baking.
Hugs, Martina
Hello Carol, Christmas without your parade. A no go! It's always great pleasure to wait for the parade. And how wonderful to see all the new ones. My favorites are the May ornie and Oh Christmastree.
You are so talented and I look forward what you will show in 2024.
Happy holiday time!
Hugs, Gabi
Hi Carol , Oh I love this post,I love everyone of your stitched ornaments but if I have to pick one out , my favorite is September.
Last couple of weeks they ? overnight put a new system on my PC so it's all over the place, I have to teach myself all over again , I think it's AI because it thinks before I can write things down.
Enjoy your run up to Christmas my lovely friend big hugs June.
Hello Carol,
your finish parade is always so beautiful. I love them all, but my favourite ist the September.
I'm looking forward to your Christmas Tree.
Have a nice time until Christmas.
Big Hugs, Manuela
As always, a gorgeous collecyion.
I have to say, Rudolph & Friends is my favorite.
I LOVE Snowmen, & that tiny Deer is just too cute!
Thanks for sharing your display, Carol, & we are looking forward to seeing your fabulous tree!
Marilyn
Hi Carol - I always love receiving your posts and seeing your little works of art. My favorite? Well, it's a tie between May and October, but I truly love them all. Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season.
Carol , beautiful stitching as always and its difficult to choose only one. Perhaps that noEl one with the fully flourished E that it contains and those beads, its equisitE!
Glad you are doing well and i know your thinking of changing that red dining area but it is a lovely look. And you’ve teased us with the potential change, lol. You’re wicked.lol.
Marriest of Christmas and a blessed New year.
What a great collection. I like January' s cute reindeer & September's blue village. Wish I had a bannister to hang them on too.
I have to vote for Prairie Schooler O Christmas Tree! Like everyone, I love all of them and enjoy seeing your parade. I have this PS Booklet and now am inspired to stitch at least one in the coming year. Carol, have a wonderful Christmas and thanks so much for sharing and inspiring the cross stitch nation!
Harriet in Iowa
Another wonderful year of stitches Carol! Half of the dozen stand out for me… January, February, March, September, November and December. Having a hard time picking a favorite from the six! Thank you for sharing and Wishing you and your Family a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.? And for all of your followers ~ GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE!🎄
I like the September ornament best, although I am somewhat biased as that is my birth month. But, the October ornament is also wonderful! I very much like the whimsical nature of it, and snowmen are among my favorite things.
Hi Carol, I so enjoy your parade of ornaments and your finishing is alway perfect for each. If I had to pick a favorite, it’d be September. That little Santa with his reindeer is just too cute! I love the peak at your red dining room, but can understand a need for a change. Have a good week prepping for the big day! Cherie in WI
Ce défilé des ornements pour Noël es toujours une merveille. Il est bien difficile de dire lequel est mon préféré... En fait j'en ai plusieurs, Janvier, février, mai, août, octobre et novembre.
Votre décoration d'intérieur est magnifique comme tous les ans.
Amitiés de France.
"Everything in moderation year 'round" is the best advice. (I need to work on that!!)
Thank you for once again inviting us into your home for the Christmas parade of cross stitch. This never disappoints!!
I really enjoy your parade of Christmas designs every year, Carol!
This year I especially like the one in May and also the one in September.
We are already counting down to Christmas, with the house decorated and waiting to live these days with family.
A big hug from Spain
I truly do love them all, but January is my favorite. I just love all things by Brenda Gervais! I have been following you for a few years now and really like your idea to do an ornament a month. Merry Christmas!
I admire your work so much! My favorite ornament is September with Santa heading for his next stop. I am able to stitch but only know how to frame simple projects but your ornaments are so lovely since you add ribbons, buttons, different embellishments, etc. which really makes your work beautiful. Diane
Another beautiful collection, it's impossible to choose a favourite. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas 🎄
Oh, it is just magic !
I like a Very christmas and the red bird Noël
Thank you
Have a lovely week
August is my favourite closely followed by October and January. Jeanette Douglas ' Noel was hard not to include in my favourites. Thank you so much for sharing the photos. I will go back through the links as I am new to your blog.
I recently found your blog while searching for the PS angels. What a delightful surprise! You have inspired me to pick up this craft again. I saved some unfinished pieces from my mother's estate, which I enjoy. One day, I may finish or frame them as they are. Thank you for creating such a heartfelt blog. Many blessings to you and your family.
Another wonderful parade of ornaments! My favorite is September's "Merry Christmas 2012." I love the tiny Santa and reindeer flying over the cute houses! I can't imagine stitching those reindeer over one!
I'm still on the fence about stitching an ornament a month, but I'm leaning more that way. I missed doing that this year. My problem is my tree is so full. I need a second one and no room to put one!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! It will be extra fun with a three year old!
Carol, what a treat it is to see your monthly ornament parade. I marvel at all your finishes! So beautiful! My favorite one is Sept’s Victoria followed by February’s skating Santa! Merry Christmas!
Janice!
Dear Carol, Thanks so much for sharing your parade this year... I ALWAYS enjoy seeing your holiday finishes and your choices all in one post! For me, it's February or April, as I am a Prairie Schooler fan, but I also admire your Tralala Christmas Day for that Santa's adorable long hood! Congratulations to you for completing the parade yet again--and for keeping Christmas all year long!
Oh Carol - how can you possibly expect us to choose a favorite ornament among all of these perfectly wonderful stitched treasures? I love them all and they are all so beautiful. Your finishes are truly perfection! If I have to choose one (and this isn’t easy!), I’m going to choose September just because it’s a bit different - but truly, they are all so special!!
And . . . I love your red dining room walls -any chance you would post a bigger picture of your dining room just so we could see a little more of it? I know after a room has been a certain color for quite a while, it’s nice to change it but it would be fun to see it before you paint it.
Best wishes to you and all of your family as you celebrate snd enjoy this joyous time of year! Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄
Oops! That was me!
Barb R.🌸🎄
I love your ornaments! My favorites were the February skating Santa and the August bird.
They all look lovely especially how you have them displayed. My favorite is the one from September. May you have a very wonderful Christmas.
My favorite is January but they’re all lovely. I just love your finishes. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and I’ll be back in the new year for 12 in 2024😺
Wow Carol,
All your ornaments are gorgeous, the stitching and the finishing impeccable !
Every time you post one I think oh that’s my favorite, honestly they all are!
I hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful Christmas ♥️♥️♥️🎄🎄🎄🎄
Carol, my favorite is the Prairie Schooler angel….your 3rd. I saw those patterns years ago when I read a blog where two friends talked about their stitching, one in Florida and one in a northern state. You told me some months ago that they fell out and stopped their blog. I was so sorry to learn that because I loved reading about their plans. Anyway, I loved that angel and I ordered the pattern and have begun stitching the one with the flower on 18 ct. navy Aida, because I had some on hand. It’s slow going as I’m also working on a Cricket Collection Mrs. Santa, so I don’t know when it will be finished. I am so admiring of your finishing. I’ve not finished anything in years!!!!! I need to get over that hump! I’ll look and see if you have a blog entry on finishing. Yours are beautifully and creatively done. I do like your May ornament too! Merry Christmas Carol!
Dear Carol, they're all so beautifully stitched and finished. Congratulations. thank you for providing such detailed descriptions and links. I know it takes time to write all this down but so many people turn to you for inspiration. Thank you for continuing to lead the pack when it comes to hand stitched Christmas ornaments.
my favorite is Secret Snowdrift. so cute and fun. Your idea of 12 in one year, one per month was what got me back into stitching after a 25 year break! (or was it 30 yrs??) I did 16 this year!!
Barbara from Wolverine Lake MI
This is always a favourite post. I think the ornament I like the most is the September one, I love tiny houses! I also like the PS Angel. All of the ornaments you stitch on black are always lovely.
I read your post about the future of blogging, you definitely get more comments on a post than any other blog I visit, so you’re still very popular!
Hi Carol, I love all of them which makes it difficult to choose for a favorite. All are beautifully stitched and finished. January ornament will goes on top though.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
It is so hard to pick just one! I do like May but I also like the snowmen of October! All of your ornaments through the years have been amazing as you do such beautiful stitching and finishing.
Merry Christmas Carol!
Seeing your ornament parade every year brings me such joy, Carol! Now Christmas season has officially started. Choosing one is very difficult, but for 2023 I'd say January is my favourite. I hope that little Santa and your grandson become great friends over the holidays. ;-)
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy seeing what you've stitched. You are inspiring
Perhaps my favorite is Rudolph and Friends, with the cardinal and its cane. Spirit of Christmas also appeals with its simple design. The Prairie Schoolers are lovely as always, perhaps they aren't my favorite *today* because the designs are so familiar. Your ornaments are a parade of Christmas spirit.
Lovely finishing on all the ornaments. Your site is a great idea source when I'm considering how to finish an unframed piece.
Always love your annual parade of ornaments Carol and this year is no exception. May and August are my favorites this year, but it’s not an easy choice! Regarding repainting the dining room, I thought you’d enjoy hearing that we just painted our bathroom which was renovated seven years ago! I think I’ve had the paint for 3 or 4 years. Once finally started, it was done in a couple days - hope it’s the same for you! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas with your family!
Dear Carol,
I was really looking forward to your ornaments this year, beautiful, bravo, you're doing a really great job!!!!
I don't have a favorite, I like all the ornaments.
Have a nice time until Christmas without stress, hugs, Jutta
Oh a post I always love to see. My favorite is October. Those snowmen are just too cute. Then September which surprised me because I don't normally like the Santa flying type but that one is just petite and beautiful
Merry Christmas Carol and Family: I love seeing your Christmas displays, I have to ay you have a knack for decorating.
My favorite is the Prairie Schooler O Christmas Tree, the colors and the fabric along with the finish are stunning.
All your ornaments are beautiful.
Your red and white Santa is adorable.
Catherine
Your Christmas Parades are always the best to see, Carol. Gosh, I just can not choose a favorite. You stitched quite a variety this year and they are all so beautiful. They will look so lovely on the tree and I am sure your stairway garland will look spectacular in warm gifts from friends. Enjoy your day . Hugs.
As usual, your Christmas Ornament Parade is a total treat, and something I look forward to seeing each year. I'm always impressed that you're able to stitch and finish one for each month, and they're all lovely. Seeing all your beautiful stitching is very inspiring! I don't think I can choose a favorite, although I am drawn to your August ornament from Lila's Studio. Thank you for showing all your beautiful stitching! I hope you have a happy and peaceful holiday season!
Mary
Hello Carol, I think all the Ornaments are great, but I love the Prairie Schooler Santas and I want to embroider an Ornament every month in 2024. I want to have 12 Santas on my Christmas tree by the end of 2024. I just don't know how to finish and design an Ornament, maybe you can help me. I wish you and your family a great Christmas. Kind regards Patricia from Germany 🎄
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