Needlework News » Christmas

Inspiration: Hearty Craft

Denise Felton — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:07:18 +0000

I have to share just one more handmade Christmas ornament. This beaded felt bell by Hearty Craft is perfect in every way–so unbearably sweet that I want to eat it. See close-up views at her blog post.

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One more Christmas pattern

Denise Felton — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

Patty of Pip Stitch dropped me a note to share this excellent find: A precious free holiday pattern from Gingerbread Cottage. Download the pattern and save it for next year’s holiday stitching. And be sure to bookmark Gingerbread Cottage–it’s good stuff. Thanks a million, Patty!

Best posts of 2011

Denise Felton — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:47:36 +0000

Before we zoom ahead with 2012 crafting, take a look at CraftGossip’s 10 most-popular needlework posts for 2011:

(10) Free cross-stitch charts (3/25/11)
(9) Free cross-stitch charts (3/30/11)
(8) Free hand-embroidery patterns (5/7/11)
(7) Free patterns and charts: Leftover valentines
(6) Take a cyber-class; make this pillow
(5) Free patterns and charts: Easter
(4) Free charts: Valentine’s Day
(3) Free charts: Cross-stitch (1/10/11)
(2) Free patterns: Hand-embroidery (3/15/11)
(1) Free patterns and charts: Christmas (1/8/11)

Edited 1/3/11: The set of images above are associated with the #1 post for 2011. To get the patterns, click the text link for (1). That post will open. You can then follow the text links below the images to go to the sites on which the free patterns are offered. –df

Tutorial: Felt mittens ornament

Denise Felton — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:06:43 +0000

An easy-peasy pair of mittens, grinning with delight at the chance to adorn your tree. Go to Mollie Johanson‘s Wild Olive post to learn how to make them.

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Tutorial: Crewel tree ornament

Denise Felton — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:06:58 +0000

Somehow I missed posting about this adorable ornament by Mollie Johanson of Wild Olive. Like her other handmade ornaments this year, it’s quick and easy. And this one is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into crewelwork (embroidery with wool). See Mollie’s tute.

Tutorial: From scraps to elegant ornaments

Denise Felton — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:05:57 +0000

Improvise gorgeous, one-of-a-kind ornaments using fusible web, scrap fabrics, bits of yarn and other fibers, and lots of random, sparkly machine stitching. Vicki of Field Trips in Fiber came up with this idea and walks us through the construction step by step. See her tute.

Tutorial: Christmas lights ornament

Denise Felton — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:42:34 +0000

This little string of Christmas lights couldn’t be safer–or cuter. They’re Mollie Johanson‘s latest free Christmas ornament design. Yea! Go to her Wild Olive post for the tute.

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A photo transfer ornament

Denise Felton — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:06:21 +0000

Fourteen Countess created this beautiful ornament by transferring a photo of a jasmine flower to fabric and framing it with felt and embroidery. The finishing touch? A few drops of jasmine scented essential oil in the ornament’s stuffing. Brilliant! While her post isn’t strictly a tutorial, it provides enough detail to let you improvise a similar ornament. See her post.

The prettiest Christmas wreath

Denise Felton — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:05:04 +0000

Maureen of Maureen’s Vintage Acquisitions embellished this gorgeous crazy-quilt block as part of a round robin. The silk-ribbon wreath just stuns me. How I wish she’d give us a tutorial showing how it was done. Maybe if we all comment requesting a tute? Go to Maureen’s blog post.

Free pattern: Hedgehog ornament

Denise Felton — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:03:30 +0000

Kalidarling is sharing her pattern for this cute little hedgehog ornament. Go to her flickr post for the link to the download.

Many thanks to Craftzine.com for highlighting this little sweetie.

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Tutorial: Felt window ornaments

Denise Felton — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:02:46 +0000

Megan Noel shares a nifty idea for thoughtful but quick ornaments, good for last-minute decorating or gifts. Fussy-cut little images from fabric prints to peek out through the felt window. Go to the tute.

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Tutorial: Embroidered felt gift tags

Denise Felton — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:01:09 +0000

My old aunties called gift tags “to-froms.” I love these to-froms by Curbly for their stitchy goodness. I love them even more because each has a pocket on the back to hold a gift card or a bit of cash! Let Curbly show you how to make them.

And many thanks to American Felt and Craft for pointing out this find.

Free hand-embroidery patterns: Christmas

Denise Felton — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:07:39 +0000

(1) December Ninja BOM from Kandra’s Corner
(2) Coloring pages suitable for embroidery from Make and Takes
(3) Snowman and reindeer from spot colors
(4) Mini reindeer from Adventures in Thread
(5) Magical Christmas Ornament from Hudson’s Holiday

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Tutorial: Felt nesting dolls

Denise Felton — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:06:55 +0000

You’ll love the tutorial from vintage umbrella for these sweet nesting doll ornaments. I even love them without the ricrac. Go to the tute.

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Tutorial: Shabby chic stars

Denise Felton — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:01:16 +0000

If your Christmas tree is still looking a little bare, you can whip up a bunch of these shabby chic stars in no time. Aleka of Fishes Make Wishes shows us how it’s done. See her tute.

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