A Stitch [Not Quite] In Time

You remember the lovely Advent Stitching Project Liz gave me? Well her3e we are on December 22nd, and I am 3 days behind schedule. Last Thursday,  I was eight days behind. I got a bit upset, and Bob said, wisely, it was more important to stitch when I could, and enjoy it, rather than stress, and rush to complete by Christmas. So that is what I have done. I had a big catch up session last Friday, and tdone some each day since. Here are some pictures of my progress thus far

At the top, hills and trees and cottages

Further down, lanterns are strung across between the trees, and there are a number of animals round the edges.

Bottom left, a bright owl on a branch, a squirrel playing a cello, and a brown bear carrying a lantern. And a cheerful looking deer.

Bottom right, a rabbit playing a yellow drum, two little dickey-birds in a nest, a stripy cat watching the scene, perched on a log, and a badger dozing, with her back against the trunk of another tree,

Because you never know what is coming next, it is essential you stitch things in exactly the right place.

Unfortunately the diagram for the large central tree, with tinsel chains, was printed in reverse - so I put it on the right of centre not the left. It took an hour to unpick and restitch! [My mistake for not reading carefully - in the text, it did specify left hand side]

The metallic thread is really hard toi stitch with, it is springy and difficult to sew neatly. The lanterns should have had metal hanging loops - but I cheated and used white thread instead.

I have also realised it is easier to do the decorative stitching on the felt pieces before you assemble the animals, rather than sewing on after applying them to the background.

The stitch patterns [chain, feather, blanket etc] are clearly illustrated on the back of the book - and I have been very good and not looked ahead. I am guessing the final few creatures will go in that blank space below the centre. Doesn't my magnetic needle catcher look good up there? a big star beside the moon. [Thanks Kirsten] I am especially pleased with the bark on the log and the bear's tummy.

In other crafting news, I am busy with a knitted Christmas gift - it is going to be a midnight oil job I think. Bob shared this cartoon [I really hate picking up stitches round necklines!]

How are your Christmas craft projects coming along -

are they all done, wrapped and ready for Monday?