Thank you to Janine and Rebecca for asking me to be part of this years Making Christmas! I knew I wanted to make more decorations this year and I've been wanting to try cross stitch on fabric for a while so this was the perfect opportunity for me to merge the two.

I love Christmas songs so I went with my favourite and a couple that just sprung to mind...






You can view and download the patterns for free here, it is just the grids so you know where to stitch but that's really all you need right?! You could use the pattern on anything not just for ornaments - I think they'd look great on Christmas cushions with some embroidery.

I made a couple of ornaments and unfortunately they didn't quite go to plan. I used some soluble canvas so I could cross stitch on fabric and watching it disappear in the water was cool! I'm alright with admitting these were done quickly and aren't the prettiest things I've ever made. I think I will try the patterns in another way. My tree is ok, I think the fabric and cute button make it a little retro...





but my idea of making a bell was disastrous, I mean really bad! Even my daughter had no idea what it was, so that was quickly scrapped (without photographic evidence) and turned into a more modern triangle. Maybe an odd shape for Christmas but just go with it, ok?!




Thankfully I've been saved and my wonderful friend Erin at Missy Mac Creations made this gorgeous version. Thank you my love! Aren't those christmas bauble buttons the cutest?!



In my defence I've had a poorly baby this week, she's thankfully starting to eat again and doing much better but I haven't had much sewing time. My son drew us a Christmas picture to cheer us up:



I've also been busy hanging around the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, where my husband is having the second Yuck Pop Up. The opening night was a lot of fun and he's been busy selling framed prints. Since it's small business Saturday this weekend it would be great if you could come and visit or if you're too far then check out the website!


These Text Book Studio and Brainstorm prints are a couple of my favourites.



So my list looks like this...

- Christmas gifts for kid's school teachers - working on my 'giving free gifts'! I've got 3 done.
- Christmas ornaments - 2 down and one to do
Quilt for one of my best friends Giant Chevron Quilt - done!
- yoga bag - no progress
- custom quilt order - top done, needs basting and quilting.
- dresses for the girls - I'm not sure this will get done but I really want to!


MAKING CHRISTMAS 2013

Now it's your turn, how are you getting on with Making Christmas? Link up your lists: