Series needlepoint patterns are hot! Almost every shop offers a class or series of some type.

In fact, the November/December 2009 issue of Needlepoint Now magazine features no less than 28 advertisements (I lost track at 28...) for series projects! I'm not kidding - that's a huge number of series!

The types of series in this issue include Christmas ornaments and nativity figures, mini stockings, fairies, snowmen, valentine candy hearts, harvest designs, top hats, ladies, trees, shoes and boots, purses, hearts, Santas, critters - and even doors. The list goes on and on...

So I figured, why not have one here?

A brand new free pattern series has started on this site, featuring a set of 12 colorful ice creams on sticks - one for each month. Each pattern features the corresponding month's theme.

This series starts with the January pattern, featuring snowflakes on a bright blue background. You may work these charts as I've done in the model using the ice cream section only, and then mounting the finished project on an actual wooden ice cream stick. Or, stitch as a rectangular design by incorporating the optional needlepointed stick.

Patterns for this series will be posted 3-4 weeks prior to the month, giving you time to finish each pattern before the month actually commences (hence the January pattern in December).

This first project is worked in continental stitch. As the series progresses, new or unusual stitches will be incorporated into the patterns, which makes this a perfect way to build your skills.

It's the first week of December, so it's time you got cracking on those holiday crafts. Here are some winter treasures to get started with.

Winterscape Needlepoint Ornaments
Create a needlepoint ornament with these Winterscape printable patterns. Cheryl Fall has your pattern and how-to.

Antique Christmas Scraps
Use these great looking antique Santa illustrations to use on all your paper projects-- scrapbooks, cards, ornaments and newsletters!

Knit Tinsel
If you can make an I-cord, you can use a fancy eyelash yarn to make knit tinsel in no time for your hearth or holiday tree. Sarah E. White shows you how.

Shrink Plastic Necklace
Use shrink plastic to create unique charms to make necklaces and other items of jewelry. These are quick to make and are perfect for last minute gifts!

Sweater Holiday Lighting
Make a light-up Christmas tree using an old sweater and a little know-how form the Sweater Surgery blog.

Printable Paper Sleigh
A Printable Sleigh to fill with goodies. This sleigh fits dolls house scale dolls, but it also stands nicely behind most commercial reindeer figures to make a table decoration. You can print it in the colors shown, or use the template to construct your own sleigh in the color you want.

Peace Cross Stitch
One message during the holidays that everyone can agree with is 'Peace'. Create this simple cross stitch with the free pattern and instructions from Connie G. Barwick.

Draw a Santa
Decorate cards, tags and more when you learn how to sketch the perfect Santa from Helen South.

Glittery Wood and Wire Snowman Earrings
These super easy snowmen earrings are a whimsical design that even the beginning jewelry maker can create.

Ribbon Wreath Craft
Find out how you can create a unique wreath using pieces of ribbon. By looking at this finished project, you will never believe how easy it is!

Holiday Pear Quilt
Create a pear quilt as a holiday gift or just to spruce up the place. Cyndi Lavin at the Mixed Media Blog has your tips and instructions.

Cuttlebugged Christmas Cards
These quick Christmas cards were made using my Sissix Big Shot, ProvoCraft Christmas Tree embossing folder, Versamark inks and embellishments. Get the instructions at the Firenze Cards blog.

Christmas Card Art Worksheet
Make a watercolor Christmas Card out of a cathedral rose window without all that pesky drawing. Just print this outline from Marion Boddy-Evans on a sheet of watercolor paper using waterproof ink.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

I couldn't help it - I just had to design another project featuring a snowman.

This time he's joined by a sitting reindeer, an angel, bell, a light bulb and a Christmas tree in the Winterscapes pattern. This pattern is versatile and can be used as a whole, or you can use the elements alone as ornaments.

While I was at it, I updated the toy soldier needlepoint pattern. Stanley the Soldier is now accompanied by a Ballerina named Bouffant Betty, who sports quite the hairdo.

If you're making either of these projects, feel free to dig into your stash of odds and ends. These projects are both perfect for using leftover wool from other holiday projects.

Everyone has a holiday theme that they adore or collect. Some folks collect santa figurines, elves or crystal ornaments. Others prefer yard ornaments and bazillions of lights to illuminate the exteriors of their homes, nativity creches or model trains to place around the tree.

My "thing" is Snowmen, (aka: snowfolks, snowpeople, snowdudes, snu-mans) and this adoration has grown into more of a fetish over the years.

I have stitched, carved, knitted, appliqued, baked & frosted, sculpted, quilted and crocheted snowmen of every size and pursuasion - and paint them in acrylics on canvas as well (I've placed a photo of one of my many snowman paintings here on this blog as irrefutable proof). Naturally, I had to transform my addiction into a needlepoint version.

I've designed and stitched a quick and easy needlepoint chart for you, featuring a snowman giving his heart. Now I can add one more snowdude for my burgeoning collection, and you have a new pattern to enjoy!

Happy Stitching!