happy 2023!

Happy new year! I'm ringing in 2023 with my first case of covid! It finally got me. I've been exposed so many times over the last two years I was starting to wonder if I had some kind of weird super-immunity. NOPE. 🥵 Blurg. But this must mean the new year can only get better from here! Right? Yay! Let's toast to all the possibilities! *hoists mug, slurps herbal tea loudly*

Image above: The top nine most-liked posts from my Instagram account for 2022. I was going to write a detailed, reflective review of the past year with nicely articulated thoughts but NOPE I will go downstairs and take more cough medicine.

#mmmcrafts #topnine #happy2023 #stupidvirus #ebenezerornamentseries #twasthenightornaments #twelvedaysornaments

merry Christmas!

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.

Merry Christmas!

Ghost of Christmas Present pattern now available!

I'm so happy to say that Ghost of Christmas Present is now in my Etsy shop. This pattern is the fourth in my Ebenezer Ornament Series, which is inspired by my love for Charles Dickens' spooky Victorian novella, A Christmas Carol. 

You'll find the difficulty level to be intermediate – not for beginners. If you've completed my Twelve Days Ornament Series, you are likely ready to step into the Ebenezer series! (Twelve Days is a great primer as it builds your skills when you do the patterns in order.)

Skills needed for this particular pattern are backstitch, whipstitch, French knot, drawing on the face, precision cutting/sewing/glueing of very small pieces, and working with chenille stems, beads, and sequins. This one is more complex because of the many small details, not to mention the hidden figures of Ignorance and Want inside the robe! 

As with the rest of my ornament patterns, Ghost of Christmas Present is organized into detailed step by step instructions with scads of diagrams and tips.

The pattern includes 17 years to trace and embroider on the back, if you like.

This short lived spirit is the favorite of many Dickens devotees because of his cheerful demeanor and the fact that he represents the joy, peace, and plenty of Christmas day itself. He is written as a jolly giant, wearing a long, fur-trimmed green robe and holding a magical horn-of-plenty shaped torch with which he sprinkles Christmas joy. He is wearing a holly crown and a jeweled belt, from which hangs an empty, rusty scabbard which represents the absence of war and brotherhood of man. And the best part for Dickens fans: Inside his robe are hidden the pitiable figures of Ignorance and Want, which make their startling appearance toward the end of Scrooge's time with this spirit.

Because of the many pieces, it takes about three crafternoons to make a Ghost of Christmas Present. Put on a good movie or podcast, make a hot cuppa, and enjoy the journey. All 101 steps. :-) 

Don't forget the Victorian gleam! Choosing metallic embroidery threads, tinsel/iridescent chenille stems, and metallic wool felt accents will add even more holiday sparkle to the already glittery sequins and beads.

This ornament is best constructed using Sulky Stick 'n Stitch, which makes the process much faster, easier, and more accurate. If you already have the materials on hand to make Scrooge, Marley, or the Ghost of Christmas Past, you might just need a few more things like metallic wool felt, tinsel and regular chenille stems, and an optional mini jingle bell. There's a full materials list on the first page of the pattern shown below. Click to zoom:

The sparkle of spirits you see above were all made with the same two Benzie Ebenezer color palettes I curated for the rest of the series. I exercised a bit of artistic license in the color of the robes and crowns #becausecolors. I wanted to show you some possibilities with different hair colors too. (Did you know the spirit's hair is initially brown but turns gray with age by the time he disappears?) I also wanted to show the option to make the mustache from card stock (zoom in on the gray haired spirit) if you don't want to purchase a sheet of wool felt just for that tiny mustache. 

Pro tip: If you are buying it anyway or have some already on hand, check out the wool sides of Benzie's metallic and glitter felts for possible mustache colors. The back of the Bellwether bronze metallic felt is a nice warm brown and made excellent mustaches for both of my brunette samples, and the mustache on my redhead is the back of the Bellwether copper glitter felt. As a bonus, the backing makes the tiny tiny pieces less likely to fray apart.

Because chenille stems come in limited colors, I recommend buying the chenille stem for the beard first and then choose matching DMC floss hair and felt (or card stock) for the beard to match. 

I will be publishing detailed color guides for these samples soon. Ish. Those will coordinate directly with the amazing felt/floss/notions kits put together for your buying convenience at Benzie Design! 

To purchase the instantly downloadable PDF pattern, visit my Etsy shop. :-) 

Thank you!

Many thanks to you for making my annual pattern sale so successful! Y'all got some cozy gift sewing to do! Off you go! Queue up a good movie and make some fresh coffee! Don't be naughty like Larissa and leave the sewing to the last minute. Every year. *sighs*

As you dive in to mmmaking the patterns, don't forget this blog is a great resource for helpful tips, color guides, and links to materials kits! Have a look around the sidebars and nav bar.

OK, now back to the pattern making sweatshop for me so I can clear this Ghost of Christmas Present pattern off my desk, for ever lovin' pity's sake! LOL

Shown: Boy Elf from my Little Elves pattern, made with the Retro 'Twas The Night color palette from @benziedesign. Buy the pattern here.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! My annual sale is now on!

Thanksgiving is a good time to count my blessings, and among the many other wonderful things in my life, I thank God that I have not only the opportunity to design and sell my detailed felt imaginings, but also that I have such a wonderful group of mmmakers who enjoy putting them together as much as I do, and who continue to support my designs. Thank you! 

If you've been waiting to snag that pattern you like from my Etsy shop during the annual sale, now's the time! Get 20% off your pattern purchase through Monday with no code necessary. Please note: the sale is keyed to my time zone, Eastern Standard, so please factor that in if you are in a different part of our lovely world.

Please accept my wish for you, wherever you are on this beautiful planet, that you have the best, chattiest, and most delicious day ever, whether you celebrate with an unlucky turkey or not. We can all pause to give thanks. May God richly bless you with happiness, health, and special times with those you love.

Update on Mr Christmas Present

UPDATE: For those of you waiting patiently on the Ghost of Christmas Present pattern, I thought I’d jump in here to say that despite having high hopes of adding it to the shop in time for my Thanksgiving sale, that just ain’t happening. I must accept. Hopes dashed. 

It’s just physically impossible with the samples I need to make and the photos which need to be taken. So I will let myself enjoy some turkey and my girls being home from college and I’ll shoot for releasing just as soon after Thanksgiving as I can possibly make it. That will hopefully be plenty of time for your Dickensian Christmas crafting.

In the meantime here are some supplies you might need to gather: 

All the usual items needed for my people ornaments (wool felts, wood beads, floss, cotton pipe cleaners, Sulky Stick N Stitch (2 sheets), fabric markers/pencils for faces, Tacky Glue, stuffing) but here are some others for this ornament:

1) One or two chenille stems for his twisted holly crown (I like two different colors or finishes, like one regular and one metallic)

2) Metallic or iridescent chenille stem scraps in one or two colors for the torch flame

3) Metallic wool felt for his belt and scabbard and possibly his torch

4) A tiny jingle bell (4-6 mm) as an optional decoration on the scabbard

5) A chenille stem for his beard in any shade of medium brown or red, plus a skein of matching DMC floss for his hair, plus a tiny tiny scrap of coordinating wool felt for the mustache. In the photo, you can see the reverse side of the bronze metallic felt does well for a mustache, but you can also source a brown felt from your felt stash. Another option is to cut his mustache from matching sturdy card stock if you don’t want to buy a sheet of felt just for that. In that case I recommend adding a coat of Mod Podge to make it more durable.

 
6) Metallic sewing thread for attaching sequins/beads, plus the usual seed beads and sequin array needed for the Ebenezer series. In this case you will need an 8 mm one for the belt buckle and it’s good to have both 4 and 5 mm to alternate for the holly berries if you like. Using one or the other is also an option if you don’t have both.

7) Metallic DMC Diamant is such a nice option for some of the embroidery — it just adds Victorian glam.

 
Alright! I hope that is helpful for your planning. 

(Shown above: Ghost of Christmas Present redhead in progress featuring a side part and an unfiled thumbnail in serious need of a manicure)

a host of ghosts smiling at me

I'm certainly in cheerful company over here as I work to get this Ghost of Christmas Present ornament pattern in the shop in time for Christmas makings. Besides the smiling host of ghosts, a lot of espresso, chai tea, and old episodes of NewsRadio are helping me along. I'm still deep in edits and sample makin'.

More info on the Ebenezer series and where to buy

the scammiest time of the year

Oh dear. It's that time of year, unfortunately. Please be aware of spoof sites which use my images and even steal the reviews from my Etsy site to fool potential victims. This screen captured sample was sent to me by a concerned customer on IG after they saw a reel ad featuring my images but linked to another website. You can click on my image above to zoom. 

The only place to purchase my patterns online is my Etsy shop. That's it. To avoid being scammed, always go to my Etsy shop directly at mmmcrafts.etsy.com

Or if you want to be super safe, go to Etsy.com and then search for my shop, mmmcrafts

Thanks, y'all!

what's your favorite color?

One of the best things about making your own wool felt ornaments? Choosing your very favorite colors. Apparently, I like pink. What's your favorite color?

Now's the perfect time for cozy handmade Christmas gift making, and heirloom ornaments are always treasured! I offer hand sewn step-by-step PDF patterns for confident beginners as well as intermediate challenge seekers. 

Have a look round my blog for lots of ornament info:
https://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/p/ornament-series.html

and my Etsy shop to purchase the patterns:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/mmmcrafts

Happy to answer questions! Contact me via my shop for a speedy answer.

Maybe choosing your own colors is not your thing? No worries, I also have curated color guides on my blog with materials kits available from Benzie Design and Felt On the Fly.

Pictured above: Hand embroidered wool felt ornaments made from my patterns: Twelve Days Ornament Series, 'Twas the Night Ornament Series, Ebenezer Ornament Series, and also Snow Bird.

details, details...

Details, details...
Trying out the best way to include the pitiable little figures of Ignorance and Want while still keeping the outward cheerful Christmas Present aesthetic. I confess I had ruled out including these two hidden children for simplicity's sake, but a comment from a follower on Facebook sent me down this irresistible rabbit hole. (You know who you are, Ursula. :-) Thanks.)

It is an interesting challenge to hide them well underneath the robe, and they will make a lovely little Easter egg for any Dickens fan who peeks inside the robe just in case. 

I'm rolling my chair across the carpet from my work table back to the Mac now, armed with a new round of adjustments for the next version. It should go much smoother adding these details as I sew instead of after the fact, like here. Better finishing.

I'm also still working out the details of the magical torch (mostly happy with it) and the best method to hang the empty scabbard from his belt. I'm leaning toward something allowing a little free swing action and maybe a tiny bell somewhere. Because bells are fun.

Simplicity. *snorts* Bah! 

handy tips to troubleshoot your Etsy downloads

Having a bit of trouble? Here are a few tips which will make your Etsy purchasing and downloading experience go smoothly!

1) Avoid signing in to Etsy with other apps, like Facebook or "Sign In With Apple"
Instead, log in using your actual email address and password. 90% of the troubleshooting messages I get are due to these two issues:

a) A shopper has purchased via a second Etsy account which they created accidentally by signing in with a different app like Facebook or Google, or because they forgot their password.

b) A shopper used Apple's secure sign-in feature, which substitutes a temporary relay email for their real email address and thereby jams a wrench in the download verification spokes. (You can manage which of your apps use this feature to avoid this going forward.)

2) Use a current, valid email address.
Etsy downloads are keyed to the email address on your account or the one used for your guest purchase. If there's an old email address on your account, it will cause weeping and gnashing of teeth. Please note: I do not email patterns as they are generally too large to attach to an email. Downloading them from Etsy is the fastest and best way to receive them. Here's how to update your Etsy email.

3) Forgot your password?
No worries, happens to us all. Try this. 

4) To download, use Etsy.com (not the mobile Etsy app).
The Etsy mobile app and the Etsy website are two different ways to access your account. The Etsy app is great to make and manage purchases on your mobile, but alas, the Etsy app cannot download your digital files. To download from either a mobile device or computer use a browser (like Safari or Chrome) and go to Etsy.com*.
 
*Your phone may try to 'help' by automatically opening the Etsy app if you go to Etsy.com. Be sure to dismiss the app if that happens. If it's causing confusion, try closing the app or using a desktop or laptop to download.

5) If you get a permissions error when trying to access your downloads, chances are it's because of a third party login or a second Etsy account (see no. 1). Contact me via Etsy with your name and/or order number and I will happily check on it for you.

6) Need to re-download? No problem.
Access your patterns anytime in your purchase history at Etsy.com. For a guest purchase, you must download via the links in your Etsy email receipt.

7) Back up your Etsy guest purchase in your account.
If you purchased as a guest (without logging in to your Etsy account) the only way to download your patterns is via the Etsy email receipt. It's easy to connect your guest purchase to your Etsy account so that you may access it later.

8) If possible, print via a desktop or laptop computer as opposed to a mobile device. You'll find the print menu has more options which allow you to override presets and print the pattern pages at the correct size.

STILL STUCK? No worries, please contact me via Etsy and I'm happy to help you! I can check on your order and try to help you troubleshoot.

Things I can't do:

- Resend your Etsy email receipt. Those are generated magically by wizards at Etsy. Or possibly by other means. If it's missing, check your spam/junk folders.

- Refund orders which have already been downloaded. Unless it is a duplicate pattern order. Those I'm happy to refund! Just contact me via my Etsy shop.

- Look up your felt/floss/materials kit orders. Those are not purchased from my shop and you should contact the vendor directly with any questions.

- Solve your general internet, computer, or printer issues. Keep in mind I'm an art major. I do try, but there is only so much I can do remotely, and I'm 100% not an IT expert. If you are having technical difficulties, it's better to ask a savvy someone close by who can look over your shoulder.

- Email all your patterns to you. Typically they are too large to attach to emails and it is not a reliable way to send them. If you accidentally made a purchase using an inaccessible email, I'm happy to cancel and refund any order you did not download so you can try again with a valid email address.

- Send printed patterns via snail mail. Even if you kindly offer to pay shipping, I do not have the capacity or time to ship printed patterns to either hither or yon. 

Thanks, y'all! :-)

sneak peek of next Ebenezer ornament

Guess who? Here is a sneak peek of the next ornament pattern in my Ebenezer ornament series, straight from my work table. This prototype ornament is fairly close to final, but he’s missing his magical torch and empty scabbard. 

He's been living on paper and in my head for a long while so he leapt out fully formed and didn't give me much trouble design wise. A refreshing change! I'm hoping to have this finalized and in the shop in plenty of time before Christmas -- wish me luck.

clean slate needed

#aftermath After months of piling supplies willy nilly around my work area, I'm afraid it's time to pay the piper. I need a clean slate on my desk and in my brain as I organize this train wreck so I can get going on the design of Ghost of Christmas Present for my Ebenezer Ornament Series.

So I'll be unsnarling the pile of floss, sorting and putting away the card stocks and felts, clearing away the accumulated paints, glues, and glitters, and finding a home with various family members for the little house reject samples all lined up in a row. (Rejected for minor reasons, like the innards or outsides do not match the final version of the pattern in some way, so will still make great Christmas gifts! All made with love.)

#mmmcrafts #sendhelp #coffeehelps #mariekondodoesnotlivehere #icouldusemarypoppinsthough

All Through The House: detailed Benzie color guides, kits available!

All Through The House is the fourth pattern in my 'Twas the Night Ornament Series. Here are the detailed felt/floss/sequin/bead color guides for you below, so that you can easily make houses that look like my Benzie felt samples seen in the photo above, including the gingerbread samples. 

Benzie Design has long been one of my favorite places to purchase wool-blend felts (and they also have 100% wools). They have stellar customer service, quick shipping, and their felt, floss, sequins and beads are an absolute joy to work with! They will be very happy to help you with what you need, including a good many of the tools and other notions you'll need for this series.

First, some handy links to get you started:

To buy the All Through The House pattern: mmmcrafts.etsy.com

To buy the Classic or Retro felt palettes featured below:
Benzie 'Twas the Night felt palettes

To buy the helpful notions kit:
Benzie 'Twas the Night notions kit

To shop their beautiful sequins & beads:
Benzie Sparkle & Shine page

They are looking into providing a kit for the gingerbread samples also, so check with them about that. You can also purchase what you need a la carte from my guides below.

Looking to shop some of the notions locally? Check out this post.

OK! Here are the Benzie color guides:

Classic Palette Blue/Red Original House

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Swan: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim
Ecru: B shingles

Chartreuse: Christmas tree (I cheated and used a color here which is not in the Classic palette. If you don't have the Retro palette, just use white for your tree, like the yellow house below. If you have the Retro palette, you could also use Moss, if you prefer.) 
Coral: Interior rug

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base, interior walls, interior window covers 
Black: Windows, welcome mat
Red: Door

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Shimmer red: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Red: Door backing

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 3845 clapboard, DMC 892 running stitch, DMC 666 year

Door: DMC 892 panels, teal 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Red seed beads, Benzie 4 mm Gold Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Gold Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 666, DMC 3845, DMC 892

Christmas Tree, String Lights: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Teal and Red seed beads, 6 mm gold tinsel chenille stem

Interior Rug: DMC 666, DMC 3845

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with gold sewing thread

Classic Palette Yellow/Blue Original House:

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Mustard: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim, Christmas tree
Ecru: B shingles

Peacock: Door (stiffened with Aleene's Stiffen Quik)

Swan: Interior rug

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base
Black: Windows, welcome mat
Red: Interior walls and window covers

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Blue to match door: Chimney
White: Roof braces

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 831 clapboard, DMC 3844 running stitch, DMC 3844 year

Door: DMC 831 panels, red 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie White seed beads, silver 5 mm sequin doorknob w Benzie Silver Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC Diamant D168, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 666, DMC 3845, DMC 831

Christmas Tree: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Teal and Red seed beads, 6 mm gold tinsel chenille stem

String Lights: DMC Diamant D168, Benzie Teal and Moonstone seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 3844, DMC 831

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with silver sewing thread

Retro Palette Pink/Orange Original House

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Flamingo: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim
Ecru: B shingles

Julep: Christmas tree
Chartreuse: Interior rug

Marigold: Welcome mat

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base, interior walls, interior window covers 
Black: Windows, door

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Blue-green: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Black: Door backing

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 608 clapboard, DMC 3850 running stitch, DMC 606 year

Door: DMC 603 panels, teal 6 mm cupped sequins, apple green 5 mm cupped sequins, kelly green 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Moonstone seed beads, silver 5 mm cupped sequin doorknob w Benzie Silver Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 601, DMC B5200

Christmas Tree: DMC Diamant D316, Benzie White and Moonstone seed beads, 6 mm silver tinsel chenille stem. (If you can't source the pink Diamant you can sub in DMC 601 or D168)

String Lights: DMC Diamant D168, Benzie Foxglove, Teal, and Green seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 3850, DMC 601

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with silver sewing thread

Retro Palette Olive/Mint Original House

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Moss: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim
Ecru: B shingles

Julep: Door (which has been stiffened with Aleene's Stiffen Quick), interior rug
Chartreuse: Christmas tree

Flamingo: If you can't find bubblegum pink stiffened felt, sub Flamingo for the welcome mat

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base 
Black: Windows
Bubblegum pink: Welcome mat, interior walls and window covers (If you cannot find pink stiffened felt, sub white stiffened felt for the interior walls/covers and use Flamingo wool blend for the welcome mat.)

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Mint linen texture: Chimney and door backing
White: Roof braces

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 3851 clapboard, DMC 603 running stitch, DMC 603 year

Door: DMC 580 panels, iridescent pink 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Foxglove seed beads, Benzie 4 mm Gold Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Gold Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 934, DMC 3851

Christmas Tree: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Foxglove and Red seed beads, 6 mm gold tinsel chenille stem

String Lights: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Red and Green seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 580, DMC 603

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with gold sewing thread

Gingerbread Version, Pink/Red

 

BENZIE FELT COLORS:
Nutmeg: House wrap 
Flamingo: Interior rug

White: Chimney rim
Bellwether White Glitter: A Shingles (or sub White wool blend)

Bellwether Pink Glitter: B Shingles (or sub Pink or Flamingo wool blend)

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base 
Black: Windows

Red: Welcome mat
Brown: Door, interior walls and window covers (If you cannot find brown stiffened felt, sub white or red stiffened felt for the interior walls/covers, use red stiffened felt for the door, and sub Pink glitter wool or Pink/Flamingo wool blend felt for the welcome mat. You'll also need to change the doorknob color and welcome mat embroidery colors to contrast.)

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Red shimmer: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Dark brown: Door backing (if you change the door to red, just match the door)

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC B5200 clapboard, DMC 666 running stitch, DMC B5200 year

Door: DMC B5200 panels, medium pink 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Red seed beads, Benzie 4 mm Red Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Red seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 603, DMC B5200

Candy Canes: DMC 666

Gumdrop Shrubs: Tulip red permanent fabric marker, pink and white acrylic paint, medium grind iridescent glitter

Santa Claus: DMC 310 belt, 5 mm silver sequin, medium grind iridescent glitter

String Lights: DMC B5200, Benzie Red and Foxglove seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 666, DMC B5200

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with silver sewing thread

Gingerbread Version, Green/Teal/Red

BENZIE FELT COLORS:
Nutmeg: House wrap 
Julep: Interior rug

White: Chimney rim

Chartreuse: Welcome mat
Bellwether White Glitter: A Shingles (or sub White wool blend)

Bellwether Clover Green Glitter: four B Shingles

Bellwether Julep Glitter: two B Shingles

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base 
Black: Windows

Brown: Door, interior walls and window covers (If you cannot find brown stiffened felt, sub white or red stiffened felt for the interior walls/covers, and use green or red stiffened felt for the door.)

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Red: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Dark brown: Door backing (if you change the door color, just match the door)

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC B5200 clapboard, DMC 906 running stitch, DMC B5200 year

Door: DMC B5200 panels, teal 6 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Green seed beads (but I wish I had used Benzie Red), Benzie 4 mm Clover Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Green seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 666, DMC 943

Candy Canes: DMC 666

Gumdrop Shrubs: Tulip red permanent fabric marker, apple green and white acrylic paint, medium grind iridescent glitter

Santa Claus: DMC 310 belt, 5 mm gold sequin, medium grind iridescent glitter

String Lights: DMC B5200, Benzie Red, Green, and Teal seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 666, DMC 937

Hanging loop: DMC 5282
*All sequins/beads sewn with gold sewing thread

I hope these guides were helpful! (Looking for other color guides? Check here.) The way I've combined these Benzie Classic and Retro felt colors are just a few of the possibilities! Feel free to follow these guides exactly or come up with your own lovely color variations. I'd love to see what you make. :-) Here's the IG hashtag:

#twasthenightornaments

 

All Through The House pattern is now available!

All Through The House, the fourth pattern in my ongoing 'Twas the Night Ornament Series, is now available! These ornaments are inspired by Clement C. Moore's 1823 poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as The Night Before Christmas. The first three patterns were North Pole citizens and now we are finally into the actual text of the poem! Yay! 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... Wrapped in a blanket of new fallen snow, this hand embroidered wool felt house is quiet and still on Christmas Eve, awaiting the arrival of St Nicholas. Open the little paneled door and you'll see the tiny Christmas tree inside has been carefully decorated and all is ready for the joy of Christmas morning. There are even Christmas lights decking the hall!

While this pattern is not meant for beginners, it does include two difficulty options for intermediate crafters. The harder version has a round window and curvy shingles and the easier option has a rectangle window and angled shingles. Easiest of all, save time and omit the interior and functional door altogether to make a still very charming house ornament!

(If you are a confident beginner, my Twelve Days ornament series makes a great primer, and once completed you will be ready to jump into the 'Twas the Night series.)

And because I could not resist, I included a gingerbread style option which features candy canes, gumdrops, and a round little Santa inside. Because CUTE! 

The gingerbread version is included in the pattern as a standalone option and is not intended as part of the ongoing 'Twas the Night theme, however, I will be posting color guides for the two gingerbread samples you see above, just like I do for the TTN palette samples from each pattern. Also for you gingerbread enthusiasts, I'm working with Benzie to possibly provide a standalone kit which will include the gingerbread colors/notions you will need. They are working on that option and I will update as it's available.

Mix and match styles and colors to create a whole tiny neighborhood for your Christmas tree! It takes me about three crafternoons to make an All Through The House ornament, and if you have the materials for previous 'Twas the Night ornaments already in your arsenal, you have a lot of what you need to make one. Here's a helpful post detailing some of the supplies needed. (And of course Benzie Design will be providing lovely wool felt, floss, and notions kits which coordinate with my Classic and Retro color guides.)

The 25 page detailed PDF pattern comes with an extra pattern sheet containing 15 years worth of dates to customize the back, if you are like me and appreciate the years noted on the backs of special ornaments. Just like my Twelve Days Ornament Series, these ornaments also utilize Sulky Stick 'n Stitch to make the embroidery, cutting, and pattern assembly a snap. 

More ornament designs are to follow in this series, so stay tuned. With the way the last two years have gone, I do not dare to mention specifics. I will leave it at 'as soon as I can'. For now, I will be back to working on the Ebenezer series to get the Ghost of Christmas Present underway. You can be sure you will see any updates about that right here and on my other channels.

To purchase the All Through The House pattern and any of my other heirloom Christmas ornament patterns, hop over to my Etsy shop.