A little inspiration....

Just a quick little post before we all settle down to eat too much and do too little (some hope!).

I left the security blanket of a paid job on Saturday and have now joined the ranks of the self employed. I had decided to have a rest and recharge my batteries then start afresh in the New Year, use the time to get ready for Christmas when the family will descend and maybe get the cake iced before Christmas Eve!

Just thought I'd share these cute little needle books with you. 

Rear of books

Front of books

They continue on from what I was experimenting with earlier in the year using different canvas stitches in stranded cottons and bringing metallic threads in to add texture and depth to the design. As you can see they are based on Elizabethan knot gardens and I like to think the rear of the books is a lawn. The lurex thread is used in the Rhodes stitches at the centre and four corners and mixed with stranded cotton for long legged cross stitch to outline the design. The flower beds are done in French knots, rice stitch, eyelet stitch, leaf stitch, cross stitch and tent stitch. The box edge and lawn are done in cushion stitch.

They are for two girls and each is slightly different to identify whose is whose. Hopefully they will be amused by them and see what you can achieve with a little inspiration......