12 Months of Christmas: Gold Ring

Without further delay, here is the Gold Ring, all stitched up, #5 in the series of patterns in the 12 Months of Christmas Stitchalong! Apologies for taking so long in my finish, but with 2 surgeries since we last spoke, and a week-long vacation, it was very hard to get motivated to finish!

I had all my pieces cut out before my first surgery in May, right on time:

My motivation level was non existent however, as I recovered, and it was no fault of the lovely pattern! The pieces patiently waited until this week, when I picked them up and finished in a record 3 days!

Why so fast? This pattern has much less embroidery in it, and if you use glue, rather than hand-sewing little bits down, as I do, it could go even faster.

I once again used many of the same familiar threads I've used in the previous patterns in this series. I love how the pink metallic thread looks as a bevel on the central gem:

Here's a closer look at the metallic thread:

Overall, this pattern included quite a bit more hand-sewing vs. hand embroidery, but I found it very enjoyable and easy.

I liked the ring even without the decorative bands sewed on...

I'm not impressed with how I stitched the band decoration - my stitches being rather uneven. Nevertheless, I was determined to press on!

A look at the back:

And the finished front:

Another ornament finished, and only 2 months late. ;) What do you think of this Gold Ring? My take on this one is that it is quick, and very beginner friendly!

JOIN THE 12 MONTHS OF CHRISTMAS STITCHALONG!

Would you like to join in? Remember, joining this stitchalong is easy, and no-pressure! To join, visit Larissa's shop to purchase the Twelve Days pattern of your choice. Tag your pictures with the hashtag #twelvedaysornaments and #12monthsofChristmas on Instagram so we can find them.

Leave a comment here with a link to your blog, or any space on the internet where you are tracking your progress. And don't miss the page Larissa has set up with lots of tips for stitching this series: http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/p/twelve-days.html.

Next up is Goose-a-Laying! Won't you join? Let's stitch!

Previous Stitchalong Posts

#1-2: Partridge and Pear; Turtle Dove

#3: French Hen

#4: Colly Bird

Wonderful Wednesday #62: Bumpkinhill

Thank you to Catherine at Bumpkinhill for telling me about her lovely new pattern You Grow Girl. I love the bright, cheery colors, and all the textures and stitches you can explore with this.

And even more, I love the message - this is a time of growth, isn't it? In so many ways - thanks, Catherine, this was just what I needed today.

Wonderful Wednesday #61: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

I am utterly charmed by this free Mr. Rogers pattern by SeptemberHouse, which was featured in her Spring newsletter. I, too, grew up watching Mr. Rogers as a child, and being fascinated by his gentle, kind manner which explained the world to me in such wonderful ways, awakening a sense of wonder for everything in the world around me. I am so grateful for the lessons of people who give back to their communities by sowing seeds of hope in young people, as it is undoubtedly children who possess the keys to our future.

Lately, I find myself encountering this idea of being a neighbor, over and over again. I see again and again, this guiding principle of being called to be a neighbor to everyone around us, because it is in remaining in community with each other, no matter how different we are, that we are made strong. Seeing this pattern, and the renewed interest in Mr. Rogers, reminded me that I was given this lesson at a young age, by someone who chose to call me part of his community, someone who chose to call me his neighbor. I am so grateful that I was able to grow up to be an adult, and seek to learn this lesson of being a neighbor, too.

Thank you Corinne at SeptemberHouse for this lovely free pattern! If you haven't visited her shop, I highly recommend a visit, too!

Comments feedback giveaway winner!

Hi all, thank you so much for giving me feedback on Disqus, our commenting system. The majority of responses were favorable, but it sounds like people on tablets and phones do encounter issues. I received 1 comment by email, from someone who couldn't comment at all.

I'll continue doing research on our comments system - if anyone has any ideas to contribute, please feel free to email me at unafloresita@gmail.com!

Here's our winner in the comments giveaway, who will soon be enjoying, by request, her very own copy of The Embroidered Garden by Kazuko Aoki:

Lee • 7 days ago

Hi - I have never had an issue leaving comments w/ Discus. I love the blog and the inspiration I find here! Have a great week.

Thanks again to all!

Wonderful Wednesday #60: Sarah K. Benning

This Wonderful Wednesday, I want to share this marvelous pattern by Sarah K. Benning, called We're All Human.

Sarah is generously donating 100% of the proceeds of the sales of this pattern to the RAICES Texas group, which is helping immigrant families that were separated at the Texas border, you can find more about their mission here: https://www.raicestexas.org/

There are so many things in the news today that claim our attention, fuel our rage, enhance our separation, and make us feel utterly helpless. So, on this day that celebrates the birth of our nation, I want to celebrate someone who uses their voice (and their embroidery) to show us that connection we all share as human beings.

I'm sure you all know there was a time in our history when women were expected to mind their needlework, and not have a voice and opinion of their own. I find it so inspiring that now we use our needlework to speak up about what we see in the world around us. I feel so hopeful and inspired when I see people speak up, in hope, showing us the connection we share as human beings, as neighbors, as families, as immigrants and descendants of immigrants, as Americans.

Sarah, you are truly wonderful, and I thank you for your wonderful work!

Comments kerfuffle - we could use your help!

We're still hoping our winner in the Mandalas to Embroider Giveaway can contact me - Kristina this is your last chance to contact me by email at unafloresita@gmail.com, by 6 PM CST, after which time I will draw another winner from the comments!

Kristina Perez  8 days ago

Lovely book and review, thank you. I dread French knots. It seems the only way I can do them is to be watching a video tutorial.

Unfortunately, we've been using Disqus for comments for some time now, but a recent change means that I can no longer see your email addresses, which is why I couldn't contact our winner by email. :(

Disqus Feedback?

What do you think of Disqus? Do you like it? Do you hate it? Is there another comment system you might recommend?

I still get emails here and there from people who say they can't comment using Disqus, and that's something that worries me - I don't want anyone to miss out on commenting.

Comment Giveaway!

So, I'd like to ask your help - please try to leave a comment on this post, and give me your honest feedback on how hard/easy it was to leave a comment, and any other thoughts you have on Disqus.

If you can't leave a comment, please email me at unafloresita@gmail.com, and tell me what issue you ran into. I will choose one random winner this Friday, to receive the Amazon craft book of your choice, any embroidery or craft-related title under $25!