CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- RIBBON STITCHED ORNAMENTS

Christmas is almost here. Are you prepared, or did you forget a gift or two you need to give? Here are three very quick-to-stitch cross stitched Christmas ornaments that are stitched with 1/8” ribbon instead of embroidery floss. However, if you’d rather use embroidery floss, use 6 strands for optimum coverage.

Materials (makes one of each design):
three 6” x 6” pieces white Monk’s Cloth
#20 tapestry needle
1/16” double-faced satin ribbon (red, 3-1/4 yds,; green, 2-1/4 yds.; lt. blue, 2-3/4 yds.; brown, 1/2 yd.)
iron-on interfacing
circle compass
coffee can plastic lid
three 6” x 6” pieces fabric for backing
1 yd. 1” wide white gathered lace
small amount fiberfill
basic sewing supplies

Directions:
Cross stitch each design centered on a piece of the Monk’s Cloth. Make sure ribbon lays flat and doesn’t twist while stitching. When stitching is complete, apply iron-on interfacing to wrong side of each ornament.

Draw a 5” diameter circle on the plastic lid. Cut out. Center the circle over each ornament and trace onto fabric. Cut out circles. Cut out 3 additional circles from backing fabric.

With right sides together and raw edges even, sew lace around the perimeter of each ornament, beginning at the center bottom and turning under the beginning raw edge. Overlap lace 1/2”.

Cut a 9” length of red ribbon for the poinsettia, green for the Christmas tree, and lt. blue for the snowflake. Fold each in half. Baste to top center of ornament, raw edges together.

With right sides together and using 1/4” seam allowance, sew ornament to backing fabric, leaving opening for turning. Turn and stuff lightly with fiberfill. Slipstitch openings closed.

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO CRAFT -- PART 1

Some crafters begin their holiday crafting for the following year as soon as the gift wrap is tossed. The tree is still standing, the wreath is still hanging, and they’re already prowling the aisles of their local craft and needlework shops, gift list in hand.

These are the organized among us. If you fit into this category, all the more power to you. Skip this blog, and go back to the Mother’s Day gift you’re working on for next May.

Most of us find that the holidays sneak up on us without warning. One day it’s ninety-five degrees in the shade, and we’re down the shore, relaxing with a good mystery. Blink, and we find ourselves basting the Thanksgiving turkey!

Over the next few weeks I’ll be offering up a list of suggestions for those of you who want to craft Christmas gifts but don’t get around to doing so until after all the Thanksgiving leftovers are consumed.

*Purchase a panel of holiday fabric. Using fusible web, appliqué individual motifs to purchased solid color fingertip or hand towels; kitchen towels and pot holders; napkins, placemats, and table runners; aprons; sweatshirts; or tote bags. Satin stitch the edges or outline with a tube of fine-line fabric paint.

*Need a gift for a gardener? Glue lace trim around the top edges of a plastic flower pot. Trim a purchased pair of gardening gloves with matching lace. Place the gloves in the pot along with seed packs and a few hand gardening tools.

*Make small sachet bags from scraps of fabric. Stitch gathered lace to the top edge. Trim with ribbon roses, pearl buttons, lace medallions, and beads. Fill the bags with potpourri. Tie closed with satin ribbon.

*Leftover quilted fabric scraps make great baby bibs. Use a purchased bib as a pattern. Finish the neck edge with bias tape, extending the tape for ties. Finish the outer edgew with bias tape or lace. Decorate with iron-on appliqués.

Next week, more quick gift ideas.