It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

I did not skip Halloween and I am very excited about Thanksgiving! But have you noticed that the stores are already full-bore on to Christmas? I will admit I have watched a few Hallmark Christmas movies already and I may have played a few songs here and there. It is my way of getting things done early while it's still fun!
So, last year I planned to stitch this gorgeous Christmas Kitchen cross-stitch sampler, but I ran out of time. Yesterday I had some free time, so I tackled this 60,000 stitch project. It took about 2 hours.

This design has 10 different creams/tans/browns, which I didn't have, but I made do and I think it looks great! This stiched in my  6x10 hoop on white Aida cloth. I used both Robison-Anton rayon and polyester threads. That was the only way to have enough colors! I think I will frame this,  but I could also turn it into a quilted wall-hanging or pillow. I'm  not sure yet! What would you do to display it?

Smocked Newborn Floral Bubble

This was a fun project! I wanted to make a truly newborn-sized smocked bubble. So many "newborn" patterns don't fit until the baby is 12-15lbs. Even a 9lb newborn is TINY. So, I calculated and reduced my Chery Williams' Bishop Bubble pattern to 93%. I then smocked and constructed as usual and it's a perfect fit on my newborn-sized reborn "Elisabeth".

Here it is modeled. She also has on a smocked bonnet I made. I will share more photos of that later.

It is a perfect fit.

Here is a closeup of the smocking. I did a 1/2 space wave at the top and wove 1/8" ribbon through. 

The rest is just a wave pattern with pink flowerettes.

The sleeves are also smocked with ribbon run through and tied.

The fabric is a luscious floral lawn that is very soft and has a bit of  sheen. Really pretty!

Hand Knit Bonnets

I have been on a knitting kick this spring. I started with 30+ dishcloths and when I got sick of those, I moved on to some other items. Here is a bonnet that could be called "Knit in a Day" bonnet. It is a very soft worsted yarn called "Feels Like Butta" no, that's not my New England accent- it's really called that.
I love the pretty lilac color. This is a newborn size, modeled by Elisabeth, a doll my daughter made me! The pattern is Crooked Little Baby Bonnet.

Here;s another quickie knit. This one is the beautiful fan and feather pattern that I have fallen in love with. It's deceptively easy to knit but looks fancy.
Also in worsted weight yarn, this one is FREE on Ravelry HERE.
They both still need their ribbons attached.
I have several other knits to share and also some quilting! Lots of handwork lately.