Happy New Year to all! I hope all of you had a great Christmas and a super start to the New Year. Ours was a lot of fun spent with family and friends. We sure missed our Colorado family though. They did not make it here this year.
My finishing business was slow over the holiday so I managed to get some stitching and finishing done for myself. Then I worked on a list of unfinished projects I hope to do this year. I will save the list to show for my next post.
Here are a couple of finishes I did before Christmas.
P.B. did a beautiful circular pumpkin design and asked me to do a pincushion. This was a special Christmas gift for someone.
Tinsmith’s Wife sent a stitched snow globe. She finds the loveliest patterns!
Personally, I managed to finish my project from the Waterfall Glen EGA group. It is a Catherine Theron “Winter Strawberries” needleroll. The area that says “Scissors” and “Needles” is done over one on 32 count linen with variegated silk floss. The small pincushion in the center is also done over one. The edges and center lines between the strawberries are done in Palestrina knots. The inside is lined with Dupioni Silk. The pattern called for linen needle pages and a scissor fob, but I chose not to do that. No fob and wool for the needle pages. It is about 8 inches long when opened and about 2.5 x 3.5 when closed. It was a project that I was not fond of after I began it, but it did turn out to be a quite nice small needleroll.
Then I saw Plum Street Sampler’s pattern for “Merry One” and “Merry Two” and bought them up as soon as I could. They just caught my eye and I delighted in stitching Merry One right away. It is stitched over one on cream 25 ct. Irish Linen (which I sprayed with my antique spray). It turned out about 4 x 6. The pattern came with white chenille trim, but I used some green that I had and I love the way it turned out! Merry Two is completed, but not “finished” yet. Here is my finish for Merry One.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY a little early. With Valentine’s Day coming I did a couple of special stitched pieces. I wanted a big red heart to remind me of the lovely big red heart candy valentine boxes that my dear husband gave me when we were dating. I found this pattern and I “finished” it into a lacey big red heart in memory of that special time. I did it on 40 ct. Aztec Red over two. It turned out to be about 5 x 7.
I also found this cute pattern for a “Valentine stocking” and created it with a real red velvet backing. It was done on 36 ct. Lambswool over two sprayed with antique spray. Then I stuffed it with “Merci” chocolate candies. YUM YUM. It turned out to be about 2 x 7.
It was such fun having time and energy to do some of my own stitching. It makes me want to resolve to do more this year!
I hope everyone out there finds LOTS of time to do whatever it is their heart desires for 2016. For now, happy stitching! Amities……Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
Barbara johnson
Jan 20, 2016 @ 22:19:41
You do beautiful work. Do you do finishing for other people? What do you charge to finish a chtisas ornament if you do?
averyclaire
Jan 20, 2016 @ 22:23:44
A small pillow ornament is $20 and a mat board flat style is $22 plus shipping. Please message me on Facebook and I can give you more information.
KerryCan
Jan 21, 2016 @ 05:44:17
Fabulous, as always! I love your needleroll–I’d love to make one for myself but, since I’ve never really done cross stitch, that may be a bit ambitious . . .
averyclaire
Jan 21, 2016 @ 07:09:41
Thank you for your kind words. The needleroll took a while to stitch and quite a task to finish, but I do like the way it turned out. I find cross-stitch relaxing and I always have a small project to take along with me while traveling, or doctor visits, etc.
Annie
Jan 21, 2016 @ 06:25:57
These are all so beautiful. Your work is just so perfect. Love the drum pincushion and the easel finish with the rounded top.
averyclaire
Jan 21, 2016 @ 07:11:12
Thanks Annie. I love the drum pincushion also…wish I had one like it! And the rounded top snowglobe was fun to do. I like to do things just a little unusual when finishing, hence that rounded top.
vonnap
Jan 21, 2016 @ 08:02:10
Very nicely done top to bottom, I’ve done a number of round flatfolds and they always just turn out special.
averyclaire
Jan 21, 2016 @ 08:08:24
Thanks Vonna for your kind words. I admire all the work you do. Love your blog as well.
bsturtz2014
Jan 21, 2016 @ 17:27:05
Such beautiful finishes and your stitching is lovely too…
averyclaire
Jan 22, 2016 @ 13:50:37
Thanks Barbara for your kind words.
Brigitte
Jan 22, 2016 @ 00:45:47
Such a lot of fantastic stitching and oh, your finishing is a dream. I’m in awe of the Strawberry Needleroll – what a beauty. And all the other finishes that you were doing, the pincushion, the flat fold, the little pillow, the heart trimmed with lace and that little Valentine stocking that can be filled with chocolates – everything is gorgeous. And very creative.
averyclaire
Jan 22, 2016 @ 04:36:22
Thank you Brigitte for such kind words. I love stitching and the finishing part is very creative and fun.
Carol
Jan 22, 2016 @ 12:31:08
I’m so sorry the Colorado family couldn’t be with you at Christmas, Karen. I know that time will be coming for us, soon. In fact, I was wondering if this would be the last Christmas that all of “the boys” would be here. Really makes me sad…
Oh, your work is so lovely–especially Merry One! I have the kit, but may just end up stitching it over one on 28 ct., too. You know how I love anything tiny! The stocking with the chocolates is a fabulous idea and would make a great gift…
I’m so glad you had a bit of time to finish for yourself! People have asked if I did finishing, but I know I wouldn’t want to give up my own creative time–at least while I’m working!
Enjoy your weekend–stay warm!
averyclaire
Jan 22, 2016 @ 13:47:53
My middle son moved away 11 yrs ago and he and his family are truly missed! Being retired tho gives us lots of time for visiting out there. Thanks for your kind words. I love holiday stitching.
Sharon Chapman
Jan 22, 2016 @ 13:27:41
Thanks for visiting my blog. I love that needle roll and can see all the work you put into it. Also the heart and yes it too reminded me of those big heart candy boxes. Your stitching is beautiful.
averyclaire
Jan 22, 2016 @ 13:44:46
Thank you. I enjoy visiting your blog and seeing your amazing art.
Jackie
Jan 22, 2016 @ 18:07:09
Your finishing is truly exquisite! I always love seeing your stitching projects and glad you found some time to work on personal projects.
averyclaire
Jan 22, 2016 @ 18:08:56
Thanks Jackie. It seems my stitching is always set aside. But I do love it. Hopefully I will make time for more !
Margaret
Jan 23, 2016 @ 08:20:22
Beautiful finishing, and I love the pieces you stitched and finished too. Glad you found time for some of your own stitching.
Elizabeth Janzen
Jan 29, 2016 @ 15:54:06
I’m very happy for you that you had a chance to work on some of your own stitching projects. No matter what you do, whether it’s quilting, embroidery or finishing, your craftsmanship is impeccable. No wonder you are kept so busy with your finishing business. All of your work is beautiful, but I particularly like the “Winter Strawberries” needle roll. Great colour choices.