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...

Thank you very much to everyone who submitted a shop recommendation. Suggestions have been received for needlepoint nooks and crannies from across the United States, Canada, Buenos Aires and several European cities.

I'm delighted to see that everyone has a favorite shop, and am looking forward to creating a new section featuring your recommendations. While most of the shops do have web sites, several do not. It'll be great to let others know there's a shop in their area that they may not yet know about.

Here is one of my recommendations - a little needlework shop in the small town of Sens in Burgundy, France called Fil a Point.

I happened to be staying in town while completing the Pumpkin Petite Four (which, by the way is also perfect for Thanksgiving if the eyes, nose and mouth are replaced with orange thread).

During my stay, I ran out of orange perle cotton and walked up the street to this needlework shop for another skein. The shopkeeper and I managed to communicate through hand signals and facial expressions, but really clicked when she brought out the DMC color card, which evolved into a show-and-tell! I returned to the shop several times that month, and during that time we struck up a friendship.

The shopkeeper, Mme Botté, was the recipient of the completed petite four (I snapped the photo of it in my hotel room. If you take a peek at the petite four photo, you'll notice that I used both a US quarter dollar and a 2 euro coin for scale). She uses it on her counter as a pin cushion.

On my final visit to the shop, she presented me with a pattern for a needlepoint Christmas tree. It's one of my favorite needlepoint treasures.

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters, festive Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts to create. We hope you'll enjoy this week's selection.

Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

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.

Hanukkah is just around the corner!

There's still time to stitch an extra-special gift by making the Magen David needlepoint kippah.

The kippah is stitched in #5 perle cotton on 20-count cotton canvas, is comprised of over 10,000 individual stitches and is sturdy enough to be used unlined.

I've been through a lot of workbaskets and bags during the last 30+ years - big ones, small ones, fat ones, and skinny ones. Some made of plastic and fabric, others of wood and tin. They have been baskets, totes, boxes, bags that stand up by themselves and salute when I walk in the door, and more. Some of them have been very expensive, but didn't offer the organization or ease of use I was looking for.

Finally, I found needlepoint workbag Nirvana - marked down to a mere $4.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Oh the joy!!!!!

The bag is actually one of those photo pocket bags meant to show off your favorite pictures to anyone willing to look at your tote. But, take out the photos and slip your needlework essentials in their place, and you have a perfect needlepoint work tote. This one is wide enough for my favorite scroll frame and ziptop bags of tapestry wool, yet is narrow enough that I don't feel like I'm hauling around a 50 pound bag of laundry.

The bag has 5 reasonably sturdy pockets that hold everything from scissors and assorted tapestry needles to masking tape, t-pins, and a measuring tape (and everything in between). The tools I need are within easy reach in this bag, and I no longer have to go digging around in dark pockets or zippered cases. These bags are easy to find and are available at home product and crafts stores

No, the kitchen sink is not in there... it's not that humongous.

But, for less than 5 bucks, I am one happy needlepointer and just had to share this with you!

We've changed our clocks, which signals that it's time to start your Holiday crafting. I'm pleased to have joined with other crafters to bring you a weekly post full of inspiration. Crafts include everything from gingerbread houses to placecards. There are so many nice ideas, I wish I could make them all!

This is also a "user friendly" project. You can join the fun by sharing some of your favorite projects! The information is at the bottom of this post.

Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.

Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.

Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.

Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.

Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborne has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.

Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.

Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.

Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine tree with Lesley Shepherd.

Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.

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've been noticing a trend at needlework stores. It's the disappearance of tapestry wool. At my local needlework store, the entire stock of needlepoint yarn was cleared out in favor of more lucrative knitting yarns. I can't really blame the shop owner for doing this - fish gotta fly and birds gotta eat, right?

While I can appreciate a needlework shop's need to stock supply that they can turn, I do wonder how needlepointers are going to cope with a diminishing supply of tapestry wool. Mail order is difficult at best, as catalogs and online color cards are not true to the actual color. Nothing compares to selecting yarn by holding it in the hand and comparing colors side-by-side.

There is a solution: use knitting wool.

After waiting for tapestry wool for over 3 months due to a backorder, I decided to prowl the yarn shops for suitable alternatives. While there are several terrific options, I did find one that works particularly well and is available in a very nice range of colors. Cascade Yarns of Seattle produces a beautiful 100% wool yarn that is a joy to work with. I tested it by using the yarn exclusively in the Monogram Frame project. It was nearly identical in weight to tapestry wool, and held up well when pulled repeatedly through the canvas with minimal "fuzzies".

There are the pros and cons in using knitting wool. On the upside, the hanks are large, so you often only need one, and you often get more wool for the money than when buying tapestry wool skeins. You can also get creative and try stitching with variegated, multicolored yarns and rustic heathers. On the downside, the color pallette is limited compared to tapestry wool, and if you only need a small amount of yarn, you'll need to purchase an entire hank.

When purchasing knitting yarns for needlepoint, select yarns that are 100% wool that are the same weight or thickness as tapestry wool. This is especially important if you are combining yarn and tapestry wool in the same project. Avoid acrylic, blended yarns and cottons, as they are not suitable for needlepoint due to either lack of give or too much stretch. You can find instructions for preparing a large skein or hank in the know-how section, to make pulling lengths of yarn easier and tangle-free.

If you find yourself with dwindling local resources, don't be afraid to talk to the shop owner and express your concerns. They are always willing to listen and can often help you find suitable alternatives within their shop.

Tip: Carry a bit of tapestry wool in your wallet, pocket or handbag at all times for comparing yarn weight or thickness. You never know when you'll stumble on a terrific yarn option.

Sometimes I suffer from Holidays on the brain and forget that folks want everyday patterns too!

I'm happy to oblige! New this week is the Origami Inspired Bird needlepoint pattern. It's worked in bright shades of blue, red, gold and green. Enjoy!