Arabesque - in progress

I have been lax about this project. Life sometimes, if not often, gets in the way of some projects. Since this one is quite difficult, I need to be completely focussed. Understandably, the focus has been elsewhere, i.e. Christmas plans, projects, gifts, etc.

But, as promised, I am posting the little progress I have made since committing it to linen. Not that inspiring yet, but I am optimistic that once other colours start to appear on the fabric, the interest level will increase and the final 'feeling' will begin to make its appearance.

So be patient... my plan is to try to do a little over the holidays..... stay tuned.

'Believe' - Christmas Box

This cross stitch project was just the beginning of my idea to start the studio of L'Art de l'Aiguille. As often is the case, we embroiderers start a project with great zeal and enthusiasm and then life takes over and it is left in the UFO basket. Such was the case with this embroidery, but one quiet Christmas, it seemed appropriate to finish it completely.. here is the final piece and for the last decade has found its place under our Christmas tree.

So once again, I wish you happy holidays and enough quiet moments to go back into your basket of unfinished objects and make a stab at finishing at least one of them.

Each year I prepare the photography for our Christmas card wishes. Usually I try to capture a moment when the garden is under a thick blanket of snow, the first serious snowfall of the year. This year, I wanted to do something different and began embroidering some Christmas themed banners with ancient lettering.

I plan to deck a natural, snow clad pine tree in the garden with this message and hopefully create an embroidered seasonal wish to send to our friends.

The pattern for these letters come from the Sajou albums of the 19th century. I have cross stitched them on natural linen, over 2 threads, with 2 threads of DMC floss #309.

Happy Christmas to all my readers.