Many cross stitchers are busy preparing their special stitched Christmas projects. Cards, bookmarks, ornaments, wall hangings, tree decorations… they’re all such fun to make and to receive. Christmas stitching is a wonderful way to experience an extension of the warmth and pleasure of the Christmas spirit.
With a little ingenuity, you can add Christmas sparkle and festive cheer to your cards and cross stitched gifts – giving them extra appeal to the recipients. Why give an ordinary gift when you can give a sensational one! Here are some ideas:
1. Add some sparkle. Try using metallic threads, or if you prefer, add a strand of blending filament to your stranded cotton, as you stitch. This will give your projects extra shine and sparkle.
Here (below) is Madeira Spectra Jewel holographic filament, available from Willow Fabrics. This must be one of the most glamorous of threads.
2. Embellish your designs. Add charms, buttons and beads to your designs to give a three-dimensional and sophisticated look. You can replace French Knots with attractive beads for extra appeal.
3. Make your background fabric shimmer with light. DMC has a new range of sparkling fabric in six different shades.
4. Add sparkle to your cards. Learn some basic skills of card-making if you do not have them already. Here are some tinsel trims, produced by Papermania. Just right for a Christmassy look.
5. Last of all, take time to plan, stitch and enjoy your stitching projects It’s a shame to be impatient to complete your projects. Put love into every stitch so that your gifts are perfect for your family and friends.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
