Christmas trees - FREE Pattern

Happy start of December to everyone!
I don't know about you, but to me this last month of the year has a nasty habit of sneaking up on me and I find myself completely surprised it is 'that time of year' again already. But last week I found myself stitching Christmas decorations.


I suddenly had the idea for a couple of new Christmas ornaments and I figure you have to do these things when inspiration hits you, Right?. Besides, I haven't made any since I did Starry Night (and that was much longer than I thought) so it was about time.


I drew up a simple Christmas tree shape, scattered some dots over it, grabbed some of my favourite coloured threads (yes, blues) and started stitching Starbursts


Each starburst is a group of pistil stitches, worked from the centre out. First 6 longish (10-12mm) then shorter ones between.
To brighten it up a bit, I added crisp white straight stitches between the pistil stitches - for more bling, you could use silver or gold, but I kind of like the more subtle highlight of white against the linen.
I bead in the middle and BINGO you have a starburst...


Of course, as always, my mind makes up new ideas while I stitch...
        ... how about a bauble??

So same tree, same dots, only for the baubles, I drew a small circle around each dot (about 8mm in diameter. Then set to work make whipped back stitch spots.


For this size spot, I used two strands of cotton and eight spokes for the whipping. They still ended up not quite covering the marked lines, so I added a fine white outline and used the same thread to stitch a 'hanging loop' and bow at the top.
A sparkly bead in the middle, and there's a bauble.


I just love the texture of whipped back stitch (or whipped spider's web).
So my trees were ready to be put together, only it would be nice to have something on the back...


... I used the wording from the Starry Night ornaments. I really don't like doing the same thing twice, so while embroidering this one, I wondered if the second would look pretty just with scattered beads.
I used the same clear beads but stitched them on with bright blue thread for a bit of colour. They still looked a bit sparse... so I decided to add some French knots around each and so ended up with pretty snowflakes...

... Snowflakes way too pretty to go on the back!
I now had three pretty fronts so found some fabric in my stash to go on the back of two of them.


The original plan had been to make another set of Christmas tree ornaments to go on my big tree but instead I decided to make them into 'real' trees. After sewing them up, and partially filling them, I added sticks from the garden for trunks before finishing each with beads around the edges...


I was going to go to the craft store and get some tiny terracotta pots and air-drying clay to sit them in, but I think I rather like them growing amongst my succulents...

I know this is a busy time of year for everyone, but I have added the pattern HERE if anyone would like to make one or two... and they really don't take long.

Happy December, Happy Sunday
Anna XX

Comments

  1. I LOVE your magical embroidered Christmas decorations, Anna, you're a true magician in embroidery. 'Starry starry night' is so delicate and beautiful, as your Christmas trees are! And I can tell you that I'm a huge fan of the blue colors too, no pink for me ;O!
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. Thanks Ilona, I am glad you like them. Perhaps the love of blue comes from growing up near water??
      Hugs, Anna

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  2. These are really pretty. Thank you for the pattern.

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    1. Thank you Shasta, I really had a great time making them and hope others will too.
      Anna :)

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks, it is funny how the 'not to well planned' sometimes turn out unexpectedly better than if you planned it really thoroughly... not sure if that even makes sense LOL
      Anna x

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  4. Such lovely and quick decorations! I’m still stitching some up, you are right, this time of year always sneaks up on you!

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    1. I am glad you are having fun with them Catherine. What colour are you doing?
      Best Stitches,
      Anna x

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    2. I’m doing mainly red on a mushroom silk dupion - with a splash of blue! I’m enjoying them, a bit of fun and different to my normal designs.

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  5. What an amazing idea! They look so beautiful. I love ornaments like that. :)

    I found your blog thanks to Sheila (cloak you made for her Queen is wonderful!). I will visit. :)

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    1. Hi Kamelia, thanks for stopping by :-) I am glad you like them.

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  6. Hi Anna! Your patterns are so free-form and lovely! You wield your needle like a paintbrush... sprinkling color and dotting glitter across the fabric! I am always impressed with how quickly you make a finished piece! I am so slow to make decisions... about the "right" color... or the "best" stitch to use... and every time I start to make something... I have to change things along the way.... I'm not good at sticking to the patterns! (I am working on learning needle-point and so far I mostly stick to the kit designs... but I am itching to design my own! LOL!) Your work is such an inspiration!

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    1. Your comment made me smile as I read if just after 'reverse stitching' a large portion for something I was working on! Trust me, it is often a matter of 4 stitches forward and 2 back before I get it how I want it. LOL

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  7. such awesome decorations! I really like them!

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    1. Thanks heaps Gina, it was nice making something quick and easy between other more 'serious' stuff.

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