Just Nan December update

Here is my final Just Nan finish (stitching only) for 2014. It's Mitten Men. This took me much longer to complete than I expected, but at the rate I stitch, I should have learned by now that I don't do 'quick stitches'. Given how poor the light has been during the past couple of days, I'm pleased to see that the four blue sequins show up in the picture. I should manage to complete this as an ornament for Christmas 2015; Ha! Ha!

Mitten Men - Just Nan
stitched on 32ct natural Permin linen

I'm glad that I joined the Just Nan SAL in 2014. Without it I probably wouldn't have completed five Just Nan finishes - Patience, Sunny Summer Happy Garden, Beach Roses, True Blue heart and Mitten Men.

It's the most wonderful time ... Day 3

Last but not least there was the Christmas ornament exchange at The Stitch Specialists. When I arrived home this weekend, this lovely package of items were waiting for me from Ruth. In addition to my ornament, Ruth had included two silk threads and a snowman scissor fob. Ruth also signed the back of her ornament.

From Ruth at The Stitch Specialists
front of ornament
Christmas ornament exchange

From Ruth at The Stitch Specialists
signed back of ornament
Christmas ornament exchange

I stitched a hardanger humbug ornament for Abi. 

Hardanger Christmas ornament - Yvette Stanton
For Abi at The Stitch Specialists

It's the most wonderful time ... Day 2

 

Front of holly ornament from Frances
Friendly Stitchers Christmas ornament exchange

 

Back of holly ornament from Frances
Friendly Stitchers Christmas ornament exchange

I haven't been very active on the Friendly Stitchers forum this year but I couldn't miss their Christmas ornament exchange. Frances was my stitching partner and she sent me the lovely holly ornament (shown above) with matching Christmas threads and holly napkins.

I love the way that Frances signed the back. I must do something similar in my future exchanges, where appropriate.

Partridge in a pear tree - Needlecraft magazine
Sent to Frances, Friendly Stitchers
Christmas ornament exchange

The ornament I sent Frances was of a partridge in a pear tree. I know the design comes from an old issue of Needlecraft magazine but I can't find it at the moment in order to say which edition.

This also highlights an issue I have right now. My stitching stash has got disorganised, so in the New Year I will need to reorder it so I can more easily find what I'm looking for.

It's the most wonderful time ... Day 1

Due to work commitments, until now I've been unable to update my blog with the lovely Christmas exchanges I've received. To do each one justice, I'll do a daily post over the next three days to show what I've received and what I made.
My first Christmas ornament came from Gill at Needlecraft Haven. She made this beautiful Santa/St Nicholas ornament with a rocking horse charm. Unbeknown to Gill, she fulfilled a childhood dream. I always wanted Santa to take me a rocking horse and now he has :)

Santa ornament from Gill
Needlecraft Haven Christmas ornament exchange

I stitched a Santa ornament for Clare in this exchange. This was a Prairie Schooler 'freebie' pattern. I liked this design, so I plan to stitch it again.

Santa - Prairie Schooler sent to Clare
Needlecraft Haven Christmas ornament exchange