Retro Christmas Ornaments.........Finally!

Wow! I didn't think that a little set of ornaments would take so long to finish. In reality it only took 2 weeks but I had envisioned them taking a few days. I found the patterns in a Cross Stitch Christmas book I checked out from the library. They caught my eye immediately and I couldn't wait to stitch them. I'm not sure exactly what it is about them, but I adore the design. I think they remind me of a set of pink ornaments my mom had. My sister now cares for them and they are a favorite of ours.

I faced a hard decision when starting to stitch.....aida, perforated paper, plastic canvas. I had plenty in my stash to choose from but I pondered it heavily. I had started referring to myself as a linen snob after discovering linen several years ago. I love to stitch on linen and most of my current or just finished projects are stitched on linen.

So....back to my decision. 14 mesh plastic canvas it is. I had never used plastic canvas to cross stitch. But can you think of a better medium to use for "retro" work. I'm pretty sure that no other fabric would convey the feeling these ornaments bring about.

And the verdict is.................
I love stitching on plastic canvas. I've use perforated paper many times and have enjoyed the results but I think there is a noticeable difference in how the stitches lay on canvas.
I love trying new things in my needlework and I'm so pleased with the way the ornaments turned out. I will definitely use plastic canvas again for ornaments or that special project.

Now I have another difficult decision to make..........What to stitch next?

~Happily Ever After~

Before I end I want to wish my two good friends Marcus & Katie congratulations on their recent wedding. They married a couple of weeks ago on a beach in Hawaii and their mainland reception was last night. A good time was had by all. I know they will have a happy life together!

Keep on stitchin' on,

Nan

This Ain't Your Grandma's Tissue Box Cover

While I was browsing through the library the other day I came across a section containing plastic canvas patterns. I was transported back to my younger years when it seemed like all things crafty involved plastic canvas. I can remember my mom making tissue box covers for all of her sisters one year for Christmas. They were made using an alternating scotch stitch in brown variegated yarn. I am not sure why I remember this after 30 years but I can remember wanting to help her make the covers.

I'm not sure what possessed me to look through the plastic canvas pattern books. I was pleasantly surprised at the projects I found and couldn't resist checking out a book that had some great summer patterns. After leaving the library I immediately went to the store and bought plastic canvas and yarn. I went home and obsessively started to stitch the tissue box cover. I was surprised at how quickly it stitched.
My tissue box cover is now in my guest bath, perfectly coordinating with my bathroom decor.

I'm not sure if or when I will start a new plastic canvas project but it was fun to try something new. I definitely have a new found appreciation for a craft from my childhood memories.
That makes me wonder what crafts from your childhood you have revisited as an adult. Is it something you crafted or saw others craft.

The tissue box cover is from the book Porch & Patio Plastic Canvas by The Needlecraft Shop 2006.

Keep on stitchin' on,
Nan