Christmas Gifts And Embroidery

Once the Thanksgiving rush is over, the real rush begins for many of us! Between shopping, cooking, baking and visiting, we also have our handmade gifts to finish up.

Because making quilts is so in depth and time consuming, I usually don't include quilts as part of my gift-giving this time of year. Instead, I take full advantage of all the creative and inspirational embroidery patterns that are now available. Some of them are time consuming, but I can do other things while the embroidery machine merrily stitches on its own!

For the very simplest gifts, I purchase towels in my recipients' favorite colors and then add a simple monogram. This is quick and easy, and creates a classy project for all ages and genders. When stitching on loopy towels, I add a layer of tulle (netting) over the top of the towel in the hoop. Then, when I stitch out the letters, the stitching stays on top of the towel instead of sinking into the weave. Once done, I gently tear away the excess tulle. Anything left is barely noticeable. This is one of my most important embroidery tips!

Gifts for co-workers are generally harder to decide on, so I stick with my tried and true choice of embroidery designs in the free-standing lace category. Ornaments are quick and easy to make in any color and are simply finished with a colorful ribbon for hanging. I always use two layers of water soluble stabilizer and the same thread in top and bobbin for the very best embroidery results!

My all-time favorite embroidery pattern for Christmas is one that creates a fabulously large stocking, all in free-standing lace. Each motif is stitched out and then zig-zagged together with the other pieces. A simple fabric for the back, and a beautiful, old-fashioned stocking is the result. This type of embroidery takes a while, but the results are well worth it. I fill my stockings with individually wrapped chocolates and other fabulous treats. I find it easiest to stitch the motifs together before washing out the water-soluble stabilizer!

Because most people have their own idea of what they want their home to look like at the holidays, I stay away from making home decor items with a Christmas theme. Also, it's always struck me as odd to give someone something to decorate their holiday home with on the actual holiday! Instead, I will make elegant tone-on-tone projects like doilies or napkins. Single-color designs are perfect for this, but it is a lot of fun to take multi-color embroidery designs and choose several tones of the same color to create a beautifully ornate project. Be sure to use the same color thread in your bobbin so that your project looks beautiful on both sides!

Christmas is the perfect time of year to search for new free embroidery designs! Digitizers are a generous group, and we all love to share ... especially at the holidays. If you do find a free design that is your favorite for the season, be sure to let the designer know, and send pictures of your projects! This is the best way to show your appreciation.

Finally, don't forget to stitch a beautiful embroidery for yourself as well! As much as we love being able to create handmade gifts for others, it is important to remember to give a gift to yourself as well. Give yourself the gift of self-appreciation.

Happy Holidays!