Table Runner
Shown on
page 29.
Snowflake Dinnerware
Shown
below,
and on
page 31.
MATERIALS
• Purchased table runner
• 4-mm red embroidery ribbon
• Chenille or tapestry needle
• Water-soluble marker
INSTRUCTIONS
Because the fabric is light-colored, special attention
should be paid to concealing the stitch transitions
on the back of the fabric by weaving the ribbon back
through previous stitches. For stitching progres-
sion, follow the step-by-step photo,
opposite,
which
illustrates how the design is worked with the shortest
possible transitions between stitches.
Enlarge the snowflake pattern on
page 39
using a
photocopier. Tape the enlarged pattern to a window
or place on a light box. Place the table runner over the
pattern and trace the design onto the fabric using a
water-soluble marker.
To stitch, bring the needle to the front of the fabric
at 1 and make a straight stitch. Work a backstitch,
bringing the needle up at 2 and taking it through the
fabric at the end of the stitch 1. Continue working
backstitches, bringing the needle up at 3 and taking it
through the fabric at the intersection of stitches 1 and
2, and then bringing the needle up at 4 and back down
through the fabric at the end of stitch 3.
Continue embroidering with backstitches, following
the numbered sequence and the direction of the
arrows, making French knots at dots on the pattern.
This completes one half of the snowflake.
To finish the snowflake, turn the design around
180 degrees. The last stitch on the first half of the
snowflake (stitch 26) now becomes stitch 1 on
Diagram A and stitch 25 becomes stitch 2. Stitch the
second half of the snowflake, following the numbered
sequence on Diagrams A-I, beginning with stitch 3.
FRENCH KNOT:
Bring the needle to the front of the fabric and
loosely wrap the ribbon one to two times
around the needle, depending on the desired
size of the knot. Hold the ribbon off to one
side and push the needle through to the back
directly next to the original entry point. Gently
pull the needle through the wraps to form a
complete knot.
MATERIALS
• Snowflake paper punch
• Red paper
• Crafts glue
• Sponge brush
INSTRUCTIONS
Punch snowflake shapes from red paper. Dilute crafts glue
with water to the consistency of heavy cream. Working with
one snowflake at a time, use the sponge brush to thoroughly
coat the back side with glue. Place the snowflake on the bowl.
Continue to apply snowflakes until the desired effect is
achieved. Lightly brush glue over the top of each snowflake
to seal. Let dry. Adhere leftover snowflakes on candlesticks,
packages, or package tags.
Note:
The decorations on
the dinnerware are not permanent and are not safe for
dishwashing or for microwaving.
Best of Christmas Ideas
35
