Sweets for Santa

 

I know it's only February but is it ever too early to start on our Christmas stitching? Just look at that "sweet" Santa face surrounded by his Candy Canes. And...that vine!!! I love it. It is a tiny stitch, just 51 x 51 stitches but it is an ornament and much larger than that just wouldn't be for me. 

This is a new design by Hands on Design. Cathy just started a new Patreon group and is kicking it off with a Merry Moments Ornament Club. The first design is the Sweets for Santa that you see above. She will not only be listing a new design each month but, depending on the tier you choose, she will also have a finishing video tutorial to help with finishing the fun ornament designs each month. 

If you would like to jump, do so ASAP. The ornament design patterns are available for download one month only. Click on the pic above if you are interested in joining. (You can cancel and/or upgrade or downgrade your membership at anytime.)

To Railroad or Not to Railroad...

 ...that is the question.

No, no...not that type of railroad! I'm talking about railroading your cross stitches today.

Not everyone will "railroad" their cross stitch. I don't always do it but I do feel that railroading yields a neater and more professional finish. The stitches lay flatter because the thread does not tend to twist as it would if you didn't railroad. Is it absolutely necessary? I don't think so. I do think it comes down to personal preference and even habit. 

I found an interesting article on "Railroading Stitching Technique" which also provides a clear photo and instructions on how to railroad. I suggest trying a swatch for yourself and you decide which looks, feels or works best for you. To read the article, click on the pic below:

For a closeup of beautiful cross stitching using the railroad technique, check out Artmishka Cross Stitching by clicking the pic below:

On a personal note, I would love to take a trip by railroad someday. How about you?

Thanks for stopping by today!

Silent Sunday