Countdown to Christmas: Christmas Eve Stockings

It's Christmas Eve and Santa starts his journey delivering treats to good girls and boys. Which list did you make this year? Don't lie...he knows! Lisa's Tea Time stitched this adorable little stocking just in case Santa decided to pay a visit to her and her friends. I know Lisa and I'm guessing he is going to be very good to her this year. Let's raise a candy cane to hope, peace, happiness and prosperity on this Christmas Eve and every day of the year. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 1: Reindeer Ready

As Santa checks his list one last time, the reindeer are gearing up for their annual trip around the world. Like any long trip, they prepare themselves by packing a few snacks and of course, some stitching to work on while waiting for the big guy to shimmy down the chimney. Snacks and stitching are great, but looking good is very important too. You never know who you will run in! Tana Ferguson stitched up Blitzen looking festive for her voyage. The beads are a sparkly touch to the finished piece. I would love to see how the other reindeer are decked out. I'm sure it is equally as beautiful. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 2: Blackwork Hexie Holiday Tree

At first glance, this looks like your normal hexie quilt. Look a bit closer...see all those patterns? They are blackwork done by Pam Harris of Gingerbread Snowflakes. I am in complete awe of this work. The amount of detail is astonishing. Each hexi is an individual pattern brought together to make a holiday tree. You can see more of the process on her blog. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 3: Snowman

Snowmen make the best ambassadors for winter. They are not here for long, but bring us happiness and smiles. What a perfect reminder to enjoy what we have, for it may be gone tomorrow. Briarstitch84 has stitched up this very sweet snowman. His background is equally impressive-watercolors on linen. I love everything about this hoop. Here's wishing you and yours a peaceful first day of winter. Let's all hope that we can be as happy with snowfall as the snowman is.  

Countdown to Christmas Day 4: Oh Christmas Tree!

The Christmas tree is the focal point of our house. I usually want to get the biggest one they have but my husband's better judgement always reels me in. Each ornament on our tree represents a memory. Kim Ouimet has stitched this very sweet tree and the best part-no needles to clean up. It is the perfect little reminder for Christmas 2014.  You can read more about the project on her blog and purchase the pattern at her shop. 

Countdown to Christmas: So many hoops!

Stitched by Rhapsody and Thread

I am in love with this festive group of holiday hoops stitched by Tabatha on Rhapsody and Thread. And I think it's the perfect amount of Christmas spirit - a TON - to wrap up the Countdown to Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all - have a wonderful day with your family and friends, and wherever life may find you, happy stitching to all!

Countdown to Christmas: Sweet Baby Jesus

Stitched by MissEnota

Isn't this an adorable rendering of baby Jesus by MissEnota? Find the free pattern on Mollie Johanson's wonderful 25 Crafts of Christmas: Embroidery.

Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Birds

Stitched by floresita

I am in love with the Snow Bird pattern by Larissa Holland, and although it is late in the season I am busy crafting away at little birds for last-minute ornament gifts. A quick plug for the wonderful pattern, which is incrediby detailed, easy to follow, and well worth the purchase price. I purchased mine in combination with the stocking pattern, and they are both well-written and lovely.

To view more of Larissa's patterns, visit her store.

Countdown to Christmas: Reindeer

Stitched by Eclair B.

This sweet reindeer pillow, stitched by Eclair B. from a free Badbird pattern is gorgeous. I love the subtle earthy tones she chose for this, and the cozy throw behind it. Lovely! Get the free pattern.

Countdown to Christmas: Mittens

Stitched by katiecanavan

I love the wintery colors on these sweet mittens stitched by katiecanavan. Adorable stuff!

Countdown to Christmas: Peace

Stitched by Tanya

This ornament by Tanya combines all the things I love most: simplicity, texture, contrast, and beauty. Go to her blog for the free cross stitch peace pattern!

Countdown to Christmas: Teeny pillows

Stitched by prairie.mouse

These teeny pillows by prairie.mouse are beautiful, no? I love seeing them to scale with a tiny tree beside them! To see them all, visit her blog.

Countdown to Christmas: Bacon

Stitched by daisyeyes

Nothing says the holidays like bacon on your tree, especially this cute hand-embroidered bacon by Aimee!

Countdown to Christmas: Redwork

Stitched by Needlenotes

These redwork ornaments by Anna Scott are lovely - I love the texture and thick stitches on a creamy white background - so pretty!

Better yet, Anna wrote to tell us she is offering the pattern for these two ornaments for free on her blog, and she's also doing a giveaway! Visit her blog.

Countdown to Christmas: Snow

Stitched by sarahedgardesigns

I'm loving the simplicity of this sweet design by Sarah - and she's offering it as a free pattern on her blog!

Countdown to Christmas: Dove

Stitched by TheFairView

This gorgeous dove in progress by TheFairView is just wonderful, isn't it?

Countdown to Christmas: Gingerbread men

Stitched by Sarah Cookland Designs

How sweet are these gingerbread men by Sarah Cookland Designs? Pretty sweet!

Countdown to Christmas: Elf

Stitched by wee little stitches

The best thing about this adorable Buddy the Elf pattern by Wee Little Stitches? It's a free pattern, featuring 3 of my favorite Buddy quotes! Get the free pattern.

Countdown to Christmas: Little trees

Stitched by CamillaMHS

This little tree hoop by CamillaMHS is simple and sweet. I love the lightly patterned fabric background and the bright colors which provide a lovely contrast. So sweet!

Countdown to Christmas: Printed fabric

Stitched by Dawn Regan

I love this idea by Dawn Regan - using a printed fabric that is lightly embellished with stitches - so lovely!