Needlepoint Update

Last weekend, I was on a roll. I use the library as a staging area during the holidays.

The boxes were piled up. Once I opened them, I had stuff everywhere.

Since I finished my wrapping, it was time to get the library cleaned out and the wrapping box re-organized. One thing lead to another and the next thing I knew, I was cleaning out the cabinets in there too. Basically, all that's in them is empty boxes that I "might" need someday and my needlework accessories.

I decided that I wanted to get this bag in the cabinet.

 It is bulging at the seams with fibers and threads. It was way too tall to fit. I decided I needed to go through and clean out.

I have them sorted by colors on rings. It took me two full hours to do it!!! I did get to watch a Christmas movie that was pretty good---Holiday Calendar on Netflix. Pretty predictable, but still good.

I was so happy to get this done. I have a small shopping bag FULL of stuff I'm giving away to another needlepointing friend. I got that big bag to fit in the cabinet. One less thing sitting around.

So while I'm talking needlepoint, I thought I would share my lates project.

 This is called "It Takes a Village."

 This project is part of a club where you get the stitch guide and fibers for one shop a month.

 We started with the bank right in the middle.

 I've finished the bank. It took about a week. I started the club late, so I have 3 others to catch up. After Christmas, I'll have the time to really spend with it.

Now, it's back to Christmas.

 You might remember this Christmas train I did several years ago.

 They are some of my favorites. Well, Christmas came early for me this year. I never expected to get these back before Christmas. I certainly don't need them yet.

 The Easter train is by the same designer. I love how they turned out!

 The pictures don't really do them justice. The wheels are completely beaded with a Pom Pom in the center. There's also a Halloween train that is pretty awesome. Connie has it, but hasn't worked it yet. I'm still thinking about it.

Back to Christmas--again.

 I'm getting to display this 3D Santa for the first time. I finished it last January. The Noel is pretty old-well, I guess not that old. I finished that in 2009. I don't always remember to sign and date everything.

 And then there's this. My pride and joy.

 It was so much fun to stitch.

 Love this nutcracker in pink and green.

 Snowman family. The little boy has baseball bats for arms and baseball buttons.

 This is the pillow that I made for Victoria.

 Some little stand up Santas.

 This is the pillow that I made for Jordan that was stollen. Morgan has asked me to make her a Christmas pillow. Jordan has requested another to replace this one. And then Mindy mentioned that she doesn't have a Christmas pillow either. Luckily, I have a few years before Elizabeth will be ready for one. I'll have my work cut out for me this year.

 I did this old-fashioned Santa for Sandy several years ago.

 Love this star Santa.

 This is one of my favorites too. I made this one for Stephanie.

I've given this one to Mindy---so, technically, she does have one.

Knowing I have so many pillows to make, I picked this canvas up when they were on sale in October. Once I finish the village I have going, this is next in line.

Another early Christmas present. I never expected this to be ready. I do love Halloween!

 This is one that Mindy finished. I picked this up from the framer recently.

Now the following pictures have nothing to do with me or my work. I just thought they were gorgeous.

 I belong to Needlepoint Nation Facebook group. These were so stunning that I wanted to share them.   And that mantle....

 I just love the non traditional Christmas colors. The stocking holders are needlepoint too.

 Since these do not have names on them, I'm assuming that this person just made them because she/he loved them.

 They are quite detailed.

Lastly, I thought this Santa was pretty spectacular. I'll be thinking long and hard before I tackle anything with a lot of fur. I've watched Connie struggle with hers. It will be fabulous when she gets it done, but she's stalled at the moment. Hopefully, after the first of the year, we'll get back to going to Nashville Needleworks every Tuesday. That keeps us motivated! And then, of course there's lunch involved!

So that's what's happening in my needlepoint world. Remember how I keep preaching that our kids don't want our stuff? Well, I'm happy to say that this is one thing my "kids" do want. In fact they want to talk about it when we're all together to make it clear on who gets what!