Last stitching for 2011

I have finally finished the hardanger tablecloth I started some 4 years ago. I am usually a quick stitcher, but because of the size of the project, which left me with a lot of weaving, I could only stitch for around half an hour each time ....  it is difficult for me to hold fabric in hand, and there was a lot with this one !!  So half an hour at a time was enough for me before it became too painfull. This cloth measures 35 x 35 inches square and is ideal for my  crystal table in my little front room !

That's me finished with stitching for a few days ...... in the new year I have decided to start a Loopylou design called Flower Patch, which is a lovely design by one of my favourite designers ....   plus I also have some designing of my own to do for my stitchy group ...

....   and this is the project I will be starting on Sunday ...

A little biscofleur

After stitching biscornos, humbugs etc ....  I decided to have a go at  'alternate'  ornaments ...  I stitched quite a few 'biscobuds' and then decided to have a go at designing a  'biscofleur'  after seeing some on different blogs .... these are made using 15 squares of equal proportion  .... the llittle one I designed is quite small with the squares only being 16 stitches by 16 ....  quick to stitch but fiddly for stuffing unless you have dainty fingers which I do not !!
With thanks to  http://tintocktap.blogspot.com/  for the making up instructions

A happy yule to all my pagan friends for  the coming solstice ...

YULE:

Yule is the darkest time of the year, the time of the longest night where the day is at its shortest.
It is a time of change and transformation, when the days will start to lengthen and like the first beginnings of the return of the sun, life will return and conquer death.

The Oak King slaying the Holly King marks this change in some traditions. Mistletoe, a symbol of fertility, gives us the promise of future fruitfulness and after seeing out the longest night, we greet the now waxing sun and feast as a mark of what is to come.
Decorating with evergreens over the Yule period is an ancient custom, most commonly seen today in Christmas trees and wreaths. Such plants were considered magical and protective in being evidently alive at this seemingly dead part of the year, and so are symbolic of the survival and rebirth of the sun at Yule. An evergreen Yule wreath symbolizes the survival of sun through the wheel of the year.

Have a peaceful, happy and cheery Yule!