We can all use a little last-minute inspiration for handmade gifts. The inspiration for this project came from a grove of trees outside of Spokane, Washington.

It's quick-to-stitch as well - I whipped up this Ponderosa Pines canvas in less than a day. I'm either going to turn it into a tote bag pocket, or use it as a pillow applique and gift it to mom.

There are less than 10 days remaining to finish projects to be given as gifts - time to git 'er done!

Stanley the Soldier and his Ballerina friend, Bouffant Betty, have two new companions to stitch - Belinda Baker and Corey the Candlestick Maker have been posted, so you can add to your collection of needlepoint figurines.

Enjoy!

I love making quickie projects! Janet Perry has shared her Flying Geese Mini-Stocking Pattern for those of us wanting to stitch something quickly, just in time for the Holidays.

Janet has stitched the models in two color schemes to show how easy it is to change the colors to suit your needs.

This is the perfect project for curling up in front of the fire with a nice, hot mug of cocoa..

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.