French Knots, Some Sad Sewing...and Injuries

I'm not sure why I dreaded doing the French Knot popcorn on the Christmas Tree. I think I was remembering all my previous attempts to learn French Knots, forgetting that I had actually mastered them.  French Knots are a bunch of fun!  I used DMC Perle Cotton #8, which was easier than the fluffy stuff I used on the last stocking. (What was that fluffy stuff, anyway?) So these Knots went lickity-split and I just wondered why I hadn't wanted to do them.

 

 I made a quite a few changes to the stocking as I went along - which is one reason it has taken me nearly 2 years to finish it. But it's done and ready for sewing!

French Knots don't really give the impression of popcorn, to me.  They look a lot more like small rose buds. But, that white Perle cotton does pop on that tree. I do like what they add to the overall picture.  I'm also awfully glad that this one is DONE!

This week I also worked on sewing up my Halloween Ornaments. I'm not terribly happy with the result.

 I tried the Flat Ornament Finish that is in the JCS Christmas Ornaments issue. I wasn't sure that the stiff Aida would flex enough to stich it wrong-side out and then turn, so I blanket stitched the ornaments to the turned fabric. The blanket stitching was fun. But I need so much more practice with sewing that opening closed!

 

This ornament had even less fabric with which to sew that opening closed. So before I finish the 3rd one, I think I might open them up, put a little stuffing in them and maybe add something around the edge?  I am definitely open to any suggestions you have on how to improve these. They have no where to go but UP!

 

I did get to work on my Apple project and I preloaded some needles.

 

 

I found a scrap of Aida that was just the right size and shape. Took a trip to Hobby Lobby, bought 18 needles and found a new pair of scissors.

 I didn't get a lot of time to stitch on it this week, but those preloaded needles did come in handy. I think I will really enjoy this new system.

But I learned something. See that speck on the fabric new the 987 needle? Yep, that's my blood. (A-, if you are interested). I bought #26 blunt ended tapestry needles. But "blunt" must mean different things to different people.  Goodness, those were the sharpest "blunt" needles I've ever handled. The scissors are sharp, too. I haven't used such sharp scissors before. So much fun.

 

We've had a unseasonably warm October for Spokane. It hasn't dropped below freezing at night, folks are still harvesting tomatoes! But it's October and that means stews and soups and cider and pumpkin everything!  So I'm off to reheat some stew for dinner.

 

Thanks again for your suggestions last week and any help you can give me on those sad ornaments!