One Stitch Ahead
It’s my favorite time of year! The snow is teasing us with its presence while autumn’s crisp evenings have been replaced by winter’s icy nights. There’s just something magical about the frosty mornings as they reflect the twinkling lights of holiday decor. It’s like being transported to another world.
Winter’s cold evenings have our family curled up in front of a roaring fireplace, sipping warm spiced cider and talking about holiday plans. My youngest daughter still has the holiday stars in her eyes, and I can’t help but feel as excited and enchanted by the promise of the season as she does.
This issue is sure to bring loads of festive delights to your stitching basket with projects for all skill levels and styles. From sparkling metallic to rich hues of reds, blues and greens, the projects will have you oohing and aahing with each turn of the page. From a whimsical Snowman Bookmark on page 43 to the exquisitely decorated Happy Christmas Buck on page 36, there are projects to delight you and everyone on your holiday list.
The sounds of holiday carols drift from the freshly decked halls at the Christmas Victorian House on page 38. Spend some time with Santa on his new ride in Sleigh Broke Down (page 7), a project that is full of color and resembles a painting or a postcard. Decorate your home with a couple of pillow options ( Winter’s Garden on page 32 and Christmas Trees on page 11). For those who celebrate Hanukkah, the Star of David framed piece on page 44 is ideal for your Festival of Lights feasts.
For quick holiday stitches, there are several ornaments to tempt your needle. From a simple manger to the glittering, magical world of snow globes, there are ornaments for every tree. The Stocking Full of Stitches on page 58 offers the chance to perfect a myriad of specialty stitches while Hardanger fans will be thrilled with the Christmas Star Runner on page 14.
Take time to enjoy the season’s magical charm and capture it with needle and thread. Spend the shortened days outside in the brisk winter weather and, in the evenings, escape to your stitching chair alongside family and friends to create keepsakes and memories that will last forever.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7