The first is Laced Star by Lynne Herzberg found in the Gift of Stitching December 2006 issue. I have worked on it since the January SAL and I cannot believe I actually finished it. Since I am in stash utilization mode, I used DMC 121 for the blue and DMC 4090 for the yellow. I was not certain that I would like the yellow while I was stitching it, but it actually looks amazing (in a good way) in real life. Very swirly and starburst-ish.
DD has already claimed it as hers--since she broke her ornament from 2006 (snapped the poor flamingo's head right off, but then she's four), I'm happy to consider this one her ornament for last Christmas. I'm simply amazed that I managed to stitch this little beauty. I nearly gave up on all the black work, then I found a groove and completed it Saturday afternoon. I think it would also look wonderful with the colors reversed: yellow star and blue background. I may stitch it again just so that I can try it out, though it won't be any time soon.
I also started the poinsettia by Lynne Herzberg from the same issue of Gift of Stitching, but I needed a break from the blackwork. Maybe that one will be completed in June!
My second completed ornament is a freebie from Lilybet Designs called Joy. It's not on the internet apparently--I received it with a purchase at a LNS, but if you like it you might be able to contact the designer by e-mail to see if she would send it to you. I used 28 count Jade Jazlyn from Picture this Plus. I did not use any of the recommended fibers and just pulled what I had on hand. I used DMC 4210, DMC B5200, Soy Luster Solids #448 Evergreen from the Pure Palette, Six Strand Sweets Spice Drop, and #193 Caribbean Shrimp from Stranded by the Sea. I made my own star using the red DMC instead of finding a red star shaped but as recommended.
The scan does not do the design justice of course. It is a pretty little design in real life.
I am very excited because I have completed seven ornaments as of now. My baby is due the week before next month's SAL, so even if I can't participate, for a month (or two or three) due to lack of sleep and the constant care of newborn process (I'm looking forward to it actually), I'm still on target to finish twelve ornaments this year! And that would be, let's see, twelve more than I finished last year!
I've already picked out the fabric, patterns and fibers for next month though. I'm hoping that I'll manage to do something in April, even if it is only one.
I'm so inspired by the stitching and finishing I see here. All the ornaments are truly beautiful. Thanks for starting this blog.
