Reading Designs

I’m guessing most of you have already seen this year’s Just Cross Stitch ornament issue. And, like I say most years, I’m a bit disappointed. I think I just need to accept the fact that the kind of designs I enjoy doing really aren’t in style right now. But, as always, there are some designs in it I really love. Country Cottage Needleworks’ Give Joy is pretty, as is Tempting Tangles Christmas Stockings 2014. And, of course, I think the ornament from Dragon Dreams is very cute, even if it isn’t very Christmas-y.

The Best Gift of All, designed by Dragon Dreams (from the Just Cross Stitch ornament issue, 2014)

Seeing this design put me in mind of a class I took from Jennifer Aikman-Smith at the Creativ Festival in 2012. And, since I have most (but not all) of my craft supplies back, I dug out You Add Magic and got to stitching.

You Add Magic, designed by Jennifer Aikman-Smith of Dragon Dreams (WIP)

I haven’t made too much progress, but it is already starting to shape up nicely. It is a fairly small design, so it should go quickly. Once it is done, I will hang it in my son’s bedroom, near his bookshelf, as a reminder of our shared love of books.

As for the ornament from this year’s ornament issue. If I get my chests of floss back in time (yep, they are still MIA), I think I will stitch it up for his teacher.