This is Christmas Joy by Barbara Ana Designs...and this is what it looks like...
And here is my start with some changes...
I changed the black/brown to a variegated green...DMC Color Variations 4045...less harsh and more Christmas-y.
I'm having issues with the snowflakes and other white motifs...now I wanted to get this piece a bit smaller so I pulled out one of the few pieces of 36ct linen and I had. When I laid the skeins down on this piece there was contrast, but when you stitch 1 ply over 2 threads, not so much. In this picture I bumped up the contrast so it is more visible. Isn't the shading on the ornaments wonderful?
My thought to improve this without restitching everything I've done is to add little highlights to the white motifs by overstitching with blending filament. When I did needlepoint I use blending filament quite a bit. I wish I knew where I put what I had... I think I left it behind when I moved...sooooo I need to order some...but it is only a buck and a half a spool...so I'll need to find other things to purchase to make this worth the shipping, right?? (Here's where you nod your head up and down, up and down and tell me "of course you need a few new charts and some more linen"...Thank you!)
And this little guy...can't decide if he is Santa or and elf... he gets curly toed elf shoes, I just don't have them stitched...perplexing.
I'm linking up with Kathy's Quilts today and Super Mom-No Cape tomorrow. It is nice to have something to show for a change... oh I'm still working on the Christmas present piece. I saw a scary scary post on Facebook... there are only 8 MORE MONDAYS till Christmas...accckkkkkkk!!!!
happy stitching-
carol fun
What a fun Christmas stitchery. I like the green for the arms & legs - definitely more Christmassy!
ReplyDeleteCute! I think your variegated green letters look much better, not as harsh!
ReplyDeleteSanta is the head elf, of course! Darling stitchery.
ReplyDeleteThat's one cool Santa! :0)
ReplyDeleteI always make sure that my order makes the shipping worthwhile....nodding and chuckling. Isn't Santa a jolly old elf? Yours is looking wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove the Elf! You should be able to get this done in time for Santa's visit.
ReplyDeleteit is so pretty. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteOh this is a fun, sweet stitch.
ReplyDeleteI have that chart! You may inspire me - I've bought loads of stash in the past month - join the fun!
ReplyDeleteI love that chart. Barbara Ana designs always make me smile! I do like your color choices very much.
ReplyDeleteToo darned cute! And, of course you need to order more.
ReplyDeleteSanta/Elf is really cute!
ReplyDeleteNice project for the Autumn! Head elf is very cute (not fat enough for Santa) lol!
ReplyDeleteYou have made a beautiful start to a lovely project! Looking forward to watching your progress! Christine x
ReplyDeleteI think you HAVE to start early if you're going to have any hopes of making it. Lovely projects!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Especially the Santa Elf!
ReplyDeleteOh this is going to be a daring cross-stitch when it's finished. Love the little Santa elf!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up to last week's Stitchery Link Party and for the link back. Aloha hugs!
I love this! Such fun!
ReplyDelete