Needle Roll Ornament Finishing

OK, here we go. I hope these instructions are clear enough for you to follow.

1. Center and stitch your design on a 6'w x 10"h piece of 32 count linen.
Your design should measure no more than 60w x 45h (about 4"w x 3"h).
You can use any count fabric you like, but bear in mind that it will effect the overall size of your ornament.

2. From the top of the finished stitching, count up 15 threads. Remove the next four (4) horizontal threads. This will form your ribbon weaving area.









3. Count another 15 threads above the weaving area and remove two (2) horizontal threads.
This will form the area for working the Hemstitch. Unfortunately I do not have a web site that can show you how to do the Hemstitch, I learned from a book a long time ago.

If you do not want to do the Hemstitch you can opt. to stitch a row of Tent Stitches (Half Cross Stitches) from edge to edge in place of removing the two threads, then work a blind hem for finishing



4. Count up 32 threads or 1" above your hem area and remove one (1) thread. Cut the fabric in the space made by pulling the thread to ensure you have a straight cut.

To make your hem, fold fabric a quarter of the way between your cut edge and the pulled threads or tent stitches, press. Fold again making sure that the first fold lines up with the top of the pulled threads or tent stitches.
Work hem stitch or a blind hem by catching your thread on the back of the tent stitches. You can also finish the hems using a sewing machine. Repeat for opposite end.

5. Fold fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together, stitch a 5/8" seam. Trim seam to 1/4" and finger press open. (Use a no fray product on the edges to control fraying)

Turn tube right side out.







6. Cut a 24" length of 1/4" ribbon in half, giving you two (2) 12" lengths. Thread one 12" length of ribbon onto a size 22 tapestry needle. Starting on the bottom of the ornament, in the center front of the ribbon row, weave the ribbon through the vertical threads going under two (2) then over two (2) all the way around the ornament. Repeat on other end.
Pull the ribbon ends to close the bottom of the ornament and tie in a knot. Stuff the ornament firmly with fiber-fill.
Make a 6" to 8" piece of twisted cording in colors to match stitching or use purchased cording or ribbon, to make a hanger. Secure the hanger inside of the ornament either by hand stitching it in place within the seam or as pictured by threading the hanger through a bead.

7. Pull the remaining ribbon ends to close the top of the ornament making sure that all stuffing is inside and that raw ends of the hanger cannot be seen. Tie in a knot, then tie bows and adjust and trim tails to suit.

There you go, a one of a kind keepsake to be treasured for years to come.

My Own Little World Chart

Here is the chart for my favorite saying of all time, and yes it does apply to me especially if I'm stitching or just fondleing around in my stitching stuff.
"In My Own Little World"
(just click, print and stitch)

Make sure you post to your blog or photo album when you finish it up so I can see how it turned out.

The Chart for Not To Clean Up !!

OK all you messy ladies, I figured out how to get a chart to post on here.
So for your stitching enjoyment may I present
"The #1 Reason Not To Clean Up"
(just click, print and stitch)

Make sure you post to your blog or photo album when yours is finished so I can see how it turned out.

Old Stitching = New Finishes

I've been working on getting some of my older pieces finished up so they are no longer orphands in a box. I managed to get two of them done. I still have several more to figure out what I want to do with them.

Design: Welcome Autumn
My own concoction using parts (pumpkins & indian corn) from Cross Stitching Country Magazine. It was stitched in 2006 on 14ct. aida by Charles Craft using DMC and Wildflowers threads.
I finished it as a Bell Pull and added more of those great Jesse James Company buttons.

Designer: Sandy In Montana
It was stitched in 2007 on 28ct. Monaco by Charles Craft using Wildflowers thread.

I was going to finish it as a Biscornu, but made it into a coaster/tray instead.

Two More Stitching Finishes for 2009

Hello my sister's in stitching, I hope everyone is getting in at least a little stitching for your soul's.

I want you all to know that I do read every little note you leave behind before I add them to my blog, so I have been paying attention to what you have to say.
I'm trying to figure out how to export a few of my original charts so that I may share with the rest of you here on my blog, but it's taking a bit of time to get it worked out.
For those of you that fell in love with "The #1 Reason Not To Clean" I found the saying on a plaque in The Stitchery catalog and just charted it out, stitched it and added whatever buttons I thought looked cute.
And yes Lee ;-) I've heard your request wanting to learn to make the mini needle roll ornament and I'm trying very hard to put what I see in my head into words that will make since to someone trying to follow them, I have the pictures, just need to get the words right.

Now, on to my latest finishes!!

This has been my favorite saying for year's and year's and I've finally gotten around to charting it out and stitching it up. It now hangs on the door to my stitching/craft/sewing room and boy o' boy is it ever appropriate. I try to ignore the voices of the stitching imps telling me to go in "and "just look" at all the pretty floss and fabric". Of course they always seem to win. Maybe that's why I've gotten so much stitching and designing done this year ;-)

Design: "In My Own Little World"
Designer: Sandy In Montana
Stitched on 32ct. hand-dyed (by me) linen, using DMC Color Variations #4135 Chilean Sunset. Embellished with buttons from the Jesse James Co's. Dress-It-Up collections and two tiny gold stars. The hanger is made from braided jute twine and it was turned into a mini pillow hanger.

Here is the last of the memory ornament's that I have made for my family. This one is for my sister.

Design: "In Loving Memory"
Designer: Sandy In Montana
Stitched on 32ct. cream linen from Zweigart using DMC threads and Delica beads.

The #1 Reason NOT to Clean Up!!

I stitched this magnet up last night and finished it off this afternoon.
It's for a friend who works with my DH.

Stitched on 18ct. Fiddler's Lite Aida by Charles Craft using WDW - Mulberry and a bunch of country buttons in purple's.