Merry Christmas to everyone! I can remember in July saying…Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye! And guess what?! It is upon us and I am not sure how it got here so quickly. Like so many others out there I got that awful bronchial virus and have been sick for six weeks and then my DH got hit by a car while out walking last week. Luckily it was a small car moving not too fast so DH came out of it very well. But it seems like I have been in a fog since summer time. I hope my head clears by the New Year and that the New Year brings a round of good health to all!
For now I offer you a photo journey of the finishes that were completed recently.
C.J. created this lovely skate themed piece for a Christmas gift. It was fun turning it into an ornament for her.
The Southpaw Stitcher spent a lot of time on this beautiful needlepoint scissor case. I really love all the fibers and colors! It is lined in purple wool and has a purple glass bead finish around the rim. Also you will notice that it is TWO-sided. How fun is that?!
I belong to the Waterfall Glen Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America. For our annual Christmas party I made this project bag as my “grab bag” gift. I like to make my purses and bags with a light colored inside so things don’t get lost in the bottom. The stitching is taken from a portion of a pattern from Stacy Nash Primitives called “Summer Gathering Pinkeep Drum.” It was quick to stitch and looks lovely on the project bag. K.B. was the lucky recipient and I know she will enjoy it!
The Tinsmiths Wife sent me this beautiful stitched piece which was finished into a lovely round ornament to grace her tree.
The Tinsmiths Wife also sent me this fun Christmas House piece. This year I have done a LOT of flat folds for my clients and this one is lovely.
S.H. gave me this small “Joy” stitching to finish for a friend. Most of my clients have requested flat “mat board” style ornaments rather than pillow style ones, so I did this one in an oval for her.
And last but not least was this perfect “Teacher” gift done for S.G. Here is another “flat fold” that will aid the teacher in not having to find a place to hang it! And it can be packed away “flat” from time to time!
And last but always FIRST with me, I share a photo of my immediate family who fills my heart at Christmas time and ALWAYS. I LOVE YOU ALL!
And now I must finish up my Christmas week preparations for a festive weekend. It will be gone before we blink! So everyone….Have a truly Blessed Christmas and a peace-filled New Year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…..Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
Cheryl
Dec 21, 2015 @ 15:10:59
Karen,
I sure hope you feel better and are healthy for the holidays. Your finishing is gorgeous- thanks for posting the beautiful pieces, Merry Christmas.
averyclaire
Dec 21, 2015 @ 15:15:06
Thanks for your kind wishes. Merry Christmas to you and your family also! I am counting on 2016 to be a “healthy” year!
Annie
Dec 21, 2015 @ 15:24:46
My goodness…you have been through a lot lately. You must be feeling better to do so much beautiful work. Love how creative you get with the finishes. I always line bags with light colors for the same reason as you. Didn’t know others did that too!
Wonderful family photo to treasure.
Happy Holidays!
averyclaire
Dec 21, 2015 @ 15:35:26
Thanks Annie. Love my family SO MUCH. I am a little better each day, but I “finish” in the early hours of each day when I am at my best. Merry Christmas!
Southpaw Stitcher
Dec 21, 2015 @ 16:58:09
OMG!! How scary that your hubby was hit by a car! I hope he’s OK. Please give him my best wishes for his good health. (And you, too, of course.)
Your finishes are gorgeous and I love them all–my scissor case in particular. I think I may be jumping on your flatfold bandwagon some time early next year. I have just the little chart in mind, too.
You have some good-looking kids/grandkids; what a great photo! Merry Christmas to you and yours, too, Miss Averyclaire.
averyclaire
Dec 21, 2015 @ 17:01:39
He is OK thank you! I also LOVE your scissor case. And I do treasure that family photo! Happy holidays to you!
Janet Charleston
Dec 21, 2015 @ 18:47:36
I enjoyed looking at what others are doing and your beautiful work.
Merry Christmas
Janet
averyclaire
Dec 21, 2015 @ 19:11:33
Thanks Janet. It is truly fun to see others stitching projects. Some are patterns I have never seen! Merry Christmas
KerryCan
Dec 22, 2015 @ 06:29:01
I cannot believe your husband was hit by a car–that is so scary! But it sounds like all is well now–and I hope your holiday is excellent and your new year calm!
averyclaire
Dec 22, 2015 @ 08:12:37
Yes it was crazy. He went out again to walk today for the first time since then and he was a bit nervous going. All went well. Thanks.
Sheryl
Dec 22, 2015 @ 14:25:30
Wonderful finishes as always, such pretty designs too. Merry Christmas to you and I hope all health issues disappear .
averyclaire
Dec 22, 2015 @ 18:21:26
Thank you Sheryl…it’s always fun to see what others are stitching! I pray for good health for EVERYONE!
Carol
Dec 23, 2015 @ 15:39:22
What a lovely, lovely family you have, Karen! I’m sure your Christmas will be a special one–you are very blessed 🙂 Lovely finishing for your clients and I really love your project bag with the lighter fabric inside–such a good idea!! I need to try to get my nerve up to try making one myself. Wish you lived closer and could show me in person 🙂
Merry Christmas–I hope your husband and you are both recovering well and that 2016 will bring only good health and much happiness your way!
Jackie
Dec 23, 2015 @ 21:00:48
Your finishing is exquisite! I didn’t realize you were doing needlepoint too.
I like light insides on my bags too – it helps me see so much better. Makes a huge difference!
Margaret
Dec 24, 2015 @ 18:50:48
Absolutely beautiful finishing! I’m so impressed! I love your family picture too. Beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Brigitte
Dec 26, 2015 @ 02:16:26
Your finishings are so beautiful, I love each and everyone of them. And what a great family picture you show here. I hope you were spending a wonderful Christmas with them. And I hope that the next year will be a better one health-wise for you and your husband.