Deck the halls – and anything else that you want to embroider – with these boughs of holly. This time of year, I always try to embroider at least one Little Something that’s Christmassy. If nothing else, a new bread cloth for the Christmas table is always welcome. But this year, I’ve been a bum, and I haven’t managed it.
This is the holly corner I wanted to stitch up. And there’s still a little nagging voice in my head saying that I could do it in time for Christmas – if I started right now. A few evenings of stitching is all it would take, after all. C’mon, Mary, what’s the big deal? You can do it!
Silly voice. I have a feeling it’s going to win.
But even if I don’t get around to it, you might! I’m thinking in terms of simple outline stitches – stem stitch, probably – for everything. Or maybe stem stitch and chain stitch. But the idea would be to keep it simple. Quick and simple.
Another idea: red napkins (serviettes) on the table, with the design stitched in white. Any other ideas?!
If you’re up to it – or if you’re already thinking in terms of next year – here’s the PDF for you. Print it. Use it. Have fun with it!
Boughs of Holly Hand Embroidery Pattern (PDF)
G’day and thanks Mary, I won’t be using it this year but I really like it and certainly will keep it in mind for 2011.
I didn’t realise that being ‘a bum’ meant being just so busy with heaps of other things doing and done!
Have a lovely, relaxing and carefree holiday time. Cheers, Kath.
I love how simple this pattern is. I would love to see how different people interpretted it and put it to work for them.
Thank you Mary. Such a lovely simple pattern that can be worked in so many ways.
Thank you for the pattern. I already have a to do list for 2011 christmas…i hope i can work on this pattern for next year
Thank you SO much for this one Mary! I’ve printed it off to put into my idea file for next year. I can ‘see’ it (or elements of it) included in a Christmasy theme crazy quilt piece. Speaking of which, have a very merry Christmas – to you and yours!
Mary–
I just wanted to say thanks for all the information you so generously share with us. I have learned so much from you and am pleased that you are accepting ads, so I have resources for supplies that are not available locally.
I like the holly pattern and may use it on a recycled jeans stocking for a quilt show challenge next year. The guild is giving the stockings to a local womens’ shelter.
Merry Christmas And Happy New Year to All!
Genie, in Edmnd, OK
Thank you Mary for all your help you are a Blessing to many of us.
Wishing you a Great Christmas and come back soon.
France
Well darn it – I meant Transfer Eze!
Ha, looks like my previous comment with the misspelling didn’t show up anyway! Thank you so much for the lovely pattern. I came to this site to read about Transfer Eze and am very interested to hear your final verdict.
Mary,
Thank you so much for the Holly Bough pattern and others. I’m so glad I found you! Idea for this pattern is to stitch it in gold thread on white or red linen table cloth and napkins.
Elizabeth of Colorado
How do I go about looking ar free pictures, medium sized ones
I am a beginner and I find that I could do it on a “future talbecloth” for Christmas. But what do I have to take into account to embroid this design on a fabric for a 1,60 cm tablecloth?. i mean, do I have to take into account different measures once I trace it on the cloth?. Thank you so much.