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!

I've been posting your needlework shop recommendations, and the material I have received so far for the United States is ready for viewing. If you haven't already sent in your recommendation, feel free to email it any time and I will add it to the list.

Please be sure to include the address, phone number, and the website address when possible.

The Canadian, European and miscellaneous lists will follow shortly.
Enjoy!

As a traveling stitcher, I carry needlepoint tools with me wherever I go. In a way, these tools have become part of my wardrobe. This means I'm always keeping my eyes open for tools that are not just functional, but decorative as well.

Beth Russel of the Designers Forum now offers a newyarn cutter that is so pretty, you'll want to wear it as jewelry. Available in antique silver or a bronze finish, the yarn cutter does not have a logo defacing its front. Strung on a chain, or on silk or velvet ribbon and worn around the neck, it's handy as well as decorative.

I'm hoping the line will evetually include a hinged needle case, a cyllindrical needle keeper, scissors with sheath, and needle threader.

Now, I need to dig go through my stash so I can find silk ribbon to match my outfit...