A Year of Doodles

After finishing up the Oh Christmas Tree stitchery from Stitchdoodles, I went looking at the website, to see what else might be fun to stitch. And there I found A Year of Doodles. 

A monthly embroidery fabric panel, I ordered the pre-printed panel, which comes with a square of soft Calico stabilizer to put behind the panel before putting it into an embroidery hoop. I'm using a double-thickness of Aurifil 12wt for this panel. I'm thinking of using a different handful of colors for each month. And yes, I paid for shipping from the UK, but I figured for a year-long project, it was definitely worth it. Just a few more days, and I get to start in on February!

Oh Christmas Tree Advent Finale

Just a couple of days late, I finished up my Oh Christmas Tree panel from Stitchdoodles! I managed all the trees pretty much on schedule, but once December 25 hit, I was just focused on other things. When I did get around to it, I almost took out the MERRY, as I wasn't 100% happy with it; but for now, I'm calling it done.

This sampler was a joy to stitch throughout Advent, and I'd consider doing another next year. I used a combo of threads - perle 8, embroidery floss, and Aurifil 12wt - mostly following the hostess, but sometimes doing my own thing too - like the addition of the aqua. Not quite sure what this piece will become quite yet, but for now, I'm moving on.

Oh Christmas Tree Advent Day 16

My first year with an Advent stitchery, I've really been enjoying stitching most evenings on my Oh Christmas Tree panel from Stitchdoodles. I've been using threads I had on hand - perle cotton, Aurifil 12wt and embroidery floss - in colors of my own choosing. Most have been similar to what was suggested, but I've used teal and magenta a few times, when they haven't been suggested at all. So yeah, I'm making it my own.

Here are some of my favorite trees I've stitched....

So I'll just continue on. We're over 2/3 done, with the end in sight!

Oh Christmas Tree Advent

Though I know I'll be a little jealous as I see folks opening and sharing their sewing-related advent calendars, I decided that I'd instead, join in an advent stitch-along, and chose the design by Stitchdoodles. 

Based in Gloucester, UK, I went ahead and ordered the printed 100% ivory cotton fabric panel, which came backed with a calico fabric stabilizer. Each day, directions will be released for stitching one particular tree. 

I'm going to use my own thread stash, so I'll figure that out as we go. I'm thinking mostly greens and teals, and maybe a variety of threads - perle cotton, Aurifil 12wt and embroidery floss. But then again, we'll just see.

I did stitch tree #1 right on schedule using Aurifil 12wt for the tree and floss for the trunk. I'll be back periodically with status updates!