Christmas is my favorite time of year. Lots of holiday shopping, baking, parties, and crafting. Home-made gifts come from the heart and don't always have to take a lot of time. There are several counted cross stitch gifts that can make your holiday giving a little easier.
Most items listed here can be easily cross stitched in one afternoon or evening. The trick is to find a simple design. Carrie's Cross Stitch has several free charts, many of them with a holiday theme. Don't forget to check Sue's Freebie Finder for other free cross stitch charts. Then, sit back and relax for few hours as you create your masterpieces.
You can also find free charts from across the world in my December 1999 article - "Happy Holidays!".
Ornaments
Ornaments can be made in a variety of ways. The simplest is to buy a mini stocking at your local cross stitch shop and stitch your favorite design on the Aida insert! For a personal touch, add the person's name to the design.
Round ornament frames can also be purchased. They usually have a 2-1/2 inch opening for you to insert your favorite stitched design.
Another simple ornament is a mini pillow. The size will depend upon your design and fabric count. I usually use 14 or 18 count Aida cloth. Keep in mind that your design will be smaller on 18 count fabric. Cross stitch your design on Aida cloth. Then, cut it out at least 1 inch larger than the design on all sides. Using the same fabric for backing, cut a piece the same size as the stitched piece. With the wrong sides facing, cross stitch the fabric pieces together about 1/2 inch from sides and bottom edge. Stuff with polyester fiberfill, then cross stitch across the top of the pillow 1/2 inch from the edge. Fringe the fabric to cross-stitched lines. Attach a ribbon to the top center back and your ornament is ready to hang!
Clothing
Cross stitch designs can be worked on almost any piece of clothing using waste canvas. Waste canvas provides an evenweave grid for stitching your design on any fabric (sort of like cheating!). After the design is worked over the canvas, the canvas threads are removed, leaving the design on the fabric. The canvas is available at your local cross stitch shops in several mesh sizes.
Christmas socks are a great gift if you are pressed for time. Using waste canvas, stitch a simple design on the sock cuffs. Gloves and mittens can be a festive gift. If you have a little more time, try stitching on t-shirts, sweatshirts, aprons, or sweaters. Use a running pattern to stitch around the bottom of a tunic. Use your imagination, and don't forget that any gift can be personalized with someone's name.
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