A Stitcher’s Christmas #4: Slate Frame & Needle Minder!

(1,134) Comments

1. It’s this series of little friends:
   http://eatenkate.com/little-friends/
   They’re tiny, the largest is only 7 centimeter tall.

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2. Slate frames, although taking time to dress, are ideal for most projects and I would love to have one. My all time favorite project is Jenny Adin-Christies, Hampton Court Palace. It challenged me to stitch on satin, using a wide variety of fibers, and stitches. It was hard, but the outcome was brilliant.

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3. Uhm… there’s none yet, because I just recently started embroidering. I did some little things, though, and I’m doing some actually: the little “sacks” (I switched to stockings) to pack up the little surprise gifts for my (adult) children, decorated with your Christmas trees from the e-book! I had a couple of severe problems with the fabric and the transfer as yet, but since I switched the fabric and enlarged the trees to 150% (and the sun was out for tracing today!), all is going smooth now and it’s real fun to stitch them. Yes, I think this is my favorite needlework project for the time being. Because it’s not for me, but will give pleasure to my beloved children.

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4. My favorite project of the Crazy Quilt piece I made for my daughter which Mary profiled here on Needle n Thread
   https://needlenthread.wpengine.com/2014/12/lessons-from-crazy-quilt-square.html

   It still inspires me every time I see it. Next year I am starting a new CQ piece on which I will use all gold threads. Not true gold work, but faux gold work.

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5. My favorite embroidery project, was an Edmar alphabet/flower sampler. I would work on a flower/ letter every day. My daughter was 5 at the time and enjoyed watching me as much as I did working on it. We would look up info on the flower of the day. I got it framed for Christmas that year and it’s hanging up in my living room.

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6. What is my all time favorite project? Probably the last one I finished! My current favorite is a goldwork piece that was the project for a Royal School of Needlework class I took in Williamsburg, VA. It was the Elizabethan Sweete Bag by Jennie Aiden-Christie. I finished the embroidery months ago, but only recently got up the nerve to finish it into the bag. It involved cutting and glue!!! I’m dangerous with glue. I’m really please with how it came out.

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7. My most favorite needlework project is a toss up between my thread painted rose and an original 3-d needle woven forest.

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8. My favourite (so far) has been Elizabeth Almond’s Sublime Stitches. I love the variety that the design has and it was easy to make it in a colour scheme that I wanted. it is also the first piece that has taken a year to complete – not because I was slow but it was released one section per month, making me slow down and enjoy the process.

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9. What a beautiful embroidery tool to hold and have in your collection. I would simply LOVE to have one of these to frame up my piece of embroidery on one of these

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10. My favourite project of all time was a picture of a hare done in goldwork. I have always wanted a slate frame but it is just too expensive but realise that to do things properly you really need one.

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11. Hi Mary, What a fantastic giveaway! My absolute favourite was a canvasswork pillowtop done all in ecru crewel wool, with many different stitches radiating out from a centre star in bigger and bigger squares. I stayed up late working on it and woke up in the morning wishing I didn’t have to go to school so I could do just-one-more-stitch. I was a very young stitcher, before I became more careful about my stitching, and still recall the joy of discovery and just doing it.

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12. Wonderful little gifts .

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13. My favorite needlework project was a cross stitch birth sampler that I did for each of my three daughters.

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14. A slate frame is on my Christmas wishlist…has been for a while. I really want to start with a silk needle painting project that I have waiting…it has an almond branch and a bird…hope I win, can’t wait to get started.

    thanks,

    Jean

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15. Hi, Mary! Thanks for the Christmas fun!
    My favorite needlework project is the “WELCOME” Brazilian Embroidery wall hanging by Rosalie Wakefield. I’ve stitched up several of them. They’re full of little critters peeking from the foliage. Very cute! I made some and gave to family as gifts, but the last one I made was for ME!

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16. I think my all time favourite project might be a wool felt teddy bear with movable joints and wool embroidery on the paws, face and body.

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17. A Victorian pillow for my parents with mom and dads wedding date included.

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18. What a beautiful frame! I have two projects I am working on a hoop which certainly is not ideal. This frame would be such an improvement! Thank you Mary for all you do to make our stitching lives so much richer.

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19. My favorite project is a hard question to answer as I have liked everything I have done. But back in the 1970’s I had an epiphany and embroidered a basket of flowers in the air without a pattern and it was so much fun! It started with a basket to use a weaving stitch I ran across in a book or magazine. It had never occurred to me to do needlework with no pattern but I came up with a credible basket shape. Then using all sorts of thread I had including knitting yarns I added flowers, cattails, daisies, Queen Anne’s lace, etc. The embroidery is faulty, not perfect, but I really loved making it. Then my step-daughter had it framed for me, my first framed piece of needlework. What a thrill! I would really love those slate frames and would put them to such good use. Best, Charlotte

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20. This frame and needle minder would be my dream gift. I have an extraordinary historical reproduction sampler project from The Scarlet-Letter that will need an extra special frame to work it.

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21. My all time favorite piece was a Japanese Bunka Embroidery of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which I made for my granddaughter. There was a lot of details with 8 faces to do, each one different from the rest… but it was a lot of fun stitching it!

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22. My favorite stitched piece is a hardanger table runner designed by Janice Love

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23. I embroidered a pillow to look like my favorite record cover front and back.

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24. I absolute favorite so far was this pillow I made for my favorite Aunt last Christmas. She had been having a rough couple of years with my uncle passing away near Christmas the previous year due to cancer and some awful family drama and stresses that led to a few health issues of her own. So, I embroidered a some fabric that said PEACE with this pretty tulips mixed in with the letters and then sewed it into a pillow for her. I loved the colors and how it all came out. She has it sitting in one of her chairs in her living room, I know she loved it! 😀

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25. My all-time favorite project I’ve done? Probably it’s a piece I designed to reflect my Utah heritage. It was a counted cross stitch project and featured a large beehive in the center (we are the beehive state), surrounded by a wreath of sego lilies (the state flower and a source of nutrition to Native Americans and early pioneers), with a wide border of 110 bees all around. The piece was purchased by the LDS Church Museum of History and Art back in 1991, so I don’t have it any more. I’ve been thinking about doing another one just for myself, but I hate repeating myself!

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26. Thanks to Mary and Mark for making such a fantastic give away possible!!
    It is so hard to pick a favorite… I love embroidery, counted cross stitch, hardanger, chicken scratch, candlewicking. oh so many types of hand work. But for this I will say that it is a counted cross stitch alphabet that took about a year to do. Each letter had a beautiful flower with it and it won a blue ribbon at the fair.

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27. My favorite cross stitch piece is “Amazon Rain Forest,” an afghan I finished in 1998. It took three years to stitch the 30 blocks, and I still use it whenever I need a light cover or a comforting hug.

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28. When I was ten, back in 1975, I was given a printed design on linen, about the size of a tea towel, which was an outline of a map of England and Wales. All the counties were shown, with emblems for what they produced or were known for (lakes and mountains for Cumbria, a tiny coal mine for the Welsh valleys, apple trees for Kent, and lace for Nottinghamshire). In the sea, there were ships and sea monsters. I stitched it over a year or so, choosing my own colours and stitches (mainly back stitch, satin stitch and straight stitch). And I actually finished it. My mum framed it and we gave it to my granny. After she died, my mum gave it back to me, and it hangs on the wall of my daughter’s bedroom. It was my first big project.

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29. My favorite piece to stitch was a piece resembling the American flag. Two of our sons were activated for the war in Iraq and stitching those pieces helped calm me. Fortunately the son with two small girls was able to stay in the States to help train mechanics to go over to Iraq. I finished the other son’s flag just before he came home and that was my goal to finish it and that would tell me he was soon coming home.

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30. My favorite piece was a Victorian house done in Blackwork. It was my first try and with some help from my friends it is my favorite piece. Thank you, and Merry Christmas. Denise G.

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31. My favorite project was Celtic Christmas from Lavender and Lace. I learned so much about colours and shading. I’m always proud to hang it up for the holiday season .

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32. My current favorite is a cross-stitch sampler for Christmas. Every year when I decorate for Christmas, I wish that I could enjoy it longer. It took a short time to complete and yet epitomizes the season.

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33. Oh its got to be the first thing I ever did. It started me on a wonderful journey!!

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34. My favorite needlecraft that I have stitched are my pieces from Victorian Sampler the Christmas Gingerbread Houses. They are fun and turn out so cute.

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35. My all time favorite project has been a series of snowmen, one for each month of the year. I plan to put them together in a quilted wall hanging.

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36. What an AMAZING prize! Thanks SO much to you and Mark! I don’t think I’ve done enough yet to have a real favorite. I’m making something for my parents for xmas and I think that will end up being my favorite if I can do it well enough 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

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37. My all-time favorite project is the fox and rabbit that I stitched from Millie Marota’s Animal Kingdom. I was inspired by the fox that you featured here that someone else stitched–I did the same fox from the coloring book as well as the rabbit (in shades of white on white) and they’re both hanging up in my son’s woodland-themed nursery. 🙂

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38. I have 2 favorite pieces. Both from classes. One was called pulled threads — no other name. I hadn’t stitched in years, but a friend convinced me to take the class and while it was a challenge I still have that piece hanging and that was 40 years ago. The second piece is called fancy threads — same friend convinced me to take this class. It combined many stitches and many threads and I gave it to my Mom for her birthday. She loved it.

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39. I’d have to go with my cross-stitched Napoleon Crossing the Saint-Bernard (pattern by Golden Kite). It took me almost fourteen years to complete!

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40. There are so many pieces I have enjoyed stitching, but I think one of my favorites is a memorial piece I stitched for my mom. She loved gardening, and the piece represented her love of that. There is a poem included in the piece that represents the joy gardening brought to her life. It is a source of comfort for me, not only while I was stitching it, but even now when I look at it every day. Thank you for the opportunity regarding the slate frame! I could definitely use it since I stitch many larger pieces. A blessed holiday to all!

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41. My all time favorite is a project I’m still working on with a number of other stitchers. We are creating a historically inspired embroidery tapestry for use in our medieval re-enactment group. It’s wonderful to get to work with so many stitchers!

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42. Oh Mary,
    You have offered some lovely prizes but this frame takes the prize! I would dearly like to win it.
    First, blessed Christmas to you and your family. Secondly, I hope your health remains good and continues to improve.
    Choosing my favorite handmade project is a little like choosing a favorite child. So I shall go with the one of which I am most proud. Forty years ago I was doing a lot of needlepoint and decided to recreate on a large, 3′ by 2′ footstool, the same design that was on the upholstery of its accompanying chair. I tried mightily to sketch the design onto the canvas and just could not, so for the next year I held a piece of the fabric in one hand and needlepointed the footstool cover with the other. I’m amazed at my audacity and would never undertake something so difficult again, but it did turn out beautifully and though the chair and footstool are long gone, I still have the needlepointed cover and I smile each time I see it.

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43. My all time favorite piece to stitch was back in the 90’s. It was called “A Series of Saints” by Susan Portra. My husband had to make a custom set of stretcher bars as I had decided to do the series all in one piece. The frame was about 48″ x 18″. It took me weeks to do this piece but I enjoyed every minute of it. It now hangs in one of our bedrooms and still dazzles every time I see it.

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44. It may seem a waste to some, but the favorite thing I ever stitched was two tree ormaments for 2 very important people in my life.

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45. This is a hard question to answer. My “Let It Snow” crazy quilt was probably my favorite. I love the idea of samplers, not the traditional reproduction or alphabet samplers, but samplers in which you can showcase a variety of stitches within a technique or combine techniques. I am in the planning stages of a multi technique project that will have some pulled thread, drawn thread, black work, Hardanger, cross stitch and others all together. A great slate frame would help make this plan a reality. The joy is in the stitching.

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46. Hi! My all time favourite piece that I have worked on was a pattern that someone gave me without a picture of the final product. It was hard working that way, but I relished the challenge. It was Guardian Angel by Marilyn Leavitt Imblum.
    Techiya in Ontario Canada

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47. My all-time favourite needlework project (so far) is a sampler by Stoney Creek – Proverbs 31:13 “She has sought wool and linen and works at whatever is the delight of her hands”. It includes hardanger, cross stitch, and ribbon embroidery – it took a long time to do and even longer to get it framed, but I loved every minute of it…even when it was making me nuts.

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48. I would LOVE one of these beautiful slate frames! It would have been perfect for stitching the project which is my favourite and the one of which I am most proud: The Village of Hawk Run Hollow. Thank you for offering such a wonderful prize!

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49. My favorite needlework project was a needle book that I made for a friend. Her initials are FF, so the monogram laid out beautifully. I did raised white lettering on light blue linen, so the letters showed well. I used floche, so there was a gentle gleam to the work. Simple, practical and beautiful and best of all, used regularily. The project was a joy from planning, through execution, to gifting.

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50. My favorite thing that I have stitched is probably one of the least technical ones too! My mother stitched up a series of 8×10″ happy dancing animals when she had measles as a girl that she then used to make my sister and I quilts when we were born. I never had measles but I stitched a series of squares and made them into a quilt for my own munchkin to continue the tradition. They were large open vintage animal patterns that I worked in primary colors in cotton thread on a cotton field using stem stitch, cross stitch, french knots, and a tiny bit of satin stitching.

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51. Wow. It is really hard to decide which is my favourite project ever. But I think it may be the book I made from Anne Stokes cards printed on fabric and made into crazy quilted blocks.

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52. Having only being embroidering for a short time my favourite piece is always the next project.I have kept everything from when I first began this wonderful hobby, (fast becoming a way of life!) and I am now beginning to see for myself how my stitching has improved over the months. My next task will be trying to keep the back of my work tidy, or at least not such a knotted mess.

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53. My favorite needlework project was the Crewel Work Company kit, Rabbits!

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54. Oh my goodness!! How can one choose a favourite in a world of so many choices and new things waiting in the wings. I loved using French knots and Colonial knots to create a pin cushion which I filled with Emory and put into a small pottery bowl. (Made by a friend who passed). Every time I use it I think of her. It’s a lovely memory:)

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55. My favorite was a mini-sampler that I designed, measuring a mere 5 x 7 inches. After reading the biography of New England poet Anne Bradstreet, who professed that she would rather hold a pen than a needle (almost blasphemous for her day!), I created her sampler for her. I designed the pattern after studying the motifs of the 1600s and also added some beautiful quotations from her poetry. An edifying and satisfying stitch piece for me!

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56. I stitched a strawberry band sampler that contained different stitches and techniques featuring different types of red threads and red colors. I became obsessed on going to different stores (before the internet) for silks, wools, dmc shades, filament reds, etc. I loved every minute of the planning of the different strawberries, the colors, the stitches and placement of the bands. I still smile thinking of how driven I was and how much I loved finding and stitching my longest band sampler.

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57. Oh my goodness would I love to have this one! 🙂 Ever since you reviewed it this slate frame has been on my wish list!

    My favorite project of all time is a quilt. I traced pictures from a childhood coloring book and then “colored” them with needle and thread. It was a project worked over about 10 years starting in college. While there are many memories of stitching on it what really makes it the most special is that my mom pieced it and my grandma quilted it. It was the very last thing she quilted before she passed 6 years ago. (It was still in the frame at her house actually and my aunts worked together to finish the very last row of quilting.) It became a family heirloom and I look forward to passing it to my children some day!

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58. Thank you for all of the giveaways – I would be delighted if I were to win this frame. My favorite piece of needlework is a counted canvas piece designed by Toni Gerdes called Wright Kimono. I was pretty much a beginner at the time, so I had no idea what I had taken on, but I completed the project and am very proud of the results. (It is still not finished but the needlework is displayed on it’s frame while I make decisions about the final piece.

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59. A cross stitch sampler.

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60. My all time favorite project is a Crewel one. It was a kit, I think designed by Dimensions. The design has baby animals scattered around the words “Oh little one, welcome to life”. I stitched it while pregnant with our son back in 1981. I stored it for years in a closet then had it reframed and gave it to my son and daughter in law when their first baby was born.

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61. My all time favorite is a needle point picture of the McNeil Castle on the island of Barra, Scotland which I did from a photograph.

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62. My favorite project (so far) is my first canvas work project. It was a very pretty picture of colorful bunting.

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63. My favorite sampler of all time was done in Goldwork. It had various techniques and motifs but a cohesive whole. I think of all the surface work I do I really enjoy goldwork combined with other techniques the best and that sampler taught me quite a bit.

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64. My all time favourite needlework project tonstitch is such a difficult question to answer. There have been several projects, some quilting, some stitching. One that stands out is a Stitchery I did with some friends in. Round Robin format. We all stitched a round and then handed the piece on, it was a lot of fun. Susan

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65. The most favorite needlework project would have to be Lanarte Fall Bouquet’s Counted Cross-Stitch. It is very detailed, but the colors are beautiful and the project is very relaxing to stitch.

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66. My favorite embroidery piece I did was of two parrots that I owned. One was a blue and gold macaw and the other a yellow-naped Amazon. Unfortunately, they both have passed but I have the piece I did to remember them by.

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67. I would be so honored for one of these beautiful frames. I have always wanted one but not living near a shop I haven’t been able to “touch” one personally. My favorit stitch ever was “And They Sinned” that I completed about 11 years ago. I have may others I love but that is the only one I could do again despite it’s size. (I am about to strt spotted Cow and am equeally excited about that one) Each motif was a fun as the last one. I didn’t even mind the grass…..that is when I would escape and let my mind wander. I stitch on 36 ct so that helped the size but I do have it in a perfect place I get to look at it all the time. Thanks for the chance at this beautful tool, I know I would use it daily.

    Thansk again, Mary, for all of your newsletters and teachings. It makes me excited about the art of what i do. susan

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68. The project that I stitched tha I love the most was a mandala from Chatelaine. She passed away few days ago. She was a real artist.

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69. My all time favorite needlework project is the last one completed. I have been very fortunate in feeling fulfilled by each one I have done. Thank you and your suppliers for these lovely items and these opportunity to win them.

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70. My favorite project so far has been an 1890’s reproduction redwork quilt. With so many different panels it’s been really fun!

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71. My favorite needlework project is my husband and my names where each letter is worked in a different black work pattern! I used a little bit of metallic gold for accent and it came out very well. It is framed and still hangs in my bedroom.

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72. My favorite piece is a Christmas crazy quilt wall hanging. It was the second piece I had ever done and still the best. I never tire of looking at it. There are so many fun things on it. It was the first thing I brought out this Holiday season.

    I love your web site. I have learned so much from it.

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73. My all-time favorite stitching project so far has been Hand-embroidering denim shirts.
    I’ve done 3 so far, each one becoming more complex than the last. In fact, these were my first projects and allowed me to experiment with stitching flowers and birders.

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74. My all time favourite piece that I’ve completed was a canvaswork wreath. I can’t remember the designer and the pattern is missing from my stash. But it was designed in Christmas colours. I swapped out all the green/red and selected a bunch of blue/purples and added a tassel that my mom had made. It won me a ribbon – so I’m proud of that. But the best part was the colour choosing and then seeing how my selections turned out as I stitched the various stitches. So, so much fun! In second place is my Crazy Quilt wall hanging I did in memory of my parents – it was based on Jennifer Clouston’s Foolproof Crazy Quilt hexagon book. That was terrific fun.

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75. My mom and grandmothers taught me to embroider when I was about 5. But for the life of me, I could not do a proper French Knot. I bought a kit not realizing it was mostly French knots. I finally was able to conquer the knot! That was about 45 years ago, and it still is a favorite of mine. Thank You, Linda S Pewaukee WI

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76. My all time favorite stitched piece is the first of my “master’s” pieces (stitched to celebrate daughter’s acquiring their master’s degree). Stitched on yellow Aida 100000 + stitches, it was a reproduction of George Seurate’s painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of the Grande Jatte. With the exception of the blank figure in the foreground, at was stitched in his pointillist painting style such that I had to step back to identify exactly what I was reproducing. I learned to take the time to grid the ground fabric before any stitch was placed. Easy to locate exactly where on the chart I was after stopping for the night.

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77. I haven’t actually finished very many stitching projects, but my favorite of the ones I’ve worked on is Christmas stockings for my nieces and nephews. It’s embroidery on felt, and it’s what got me trying to learn how to do it in the first place.

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78. My all time favorite project was a tablecloth my 3 sisters and I stitched for our mom. It seems like stitching has an extra layer of enjoyment when it’s done with others and for someone special.

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79. My favorite was Japanese needlepunch work, like an embroidery. I learned this in my early childhood & have 2 that I’ve kept.

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80. Christmas stockings for the family. Every year we pull them out and it brings such warmth and joy. Full of memories. Our children are now in the 30’s and still using them and now I am completing (or hoping to) the last of the grandchildren and spouses. Each one speaks to the personality of the loved one.

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81. My newest favourite project is one I’m currently working on. It’s Carolyn Mitchell’s design ON THE EDGE that Carolyn taught at the 2017 Embroidery Association of Canada seminar. The background fabric is 18 c monocanvas and a variety of threads and stitches are included in the design of urban environment on nature.

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82. As I thought back over the projects I have stitched it was hard to choose a favorite. I have enjoyed working all of them. That is why they are finished!! But I think my favorite is a surface embroidery floral design that I created myself, and worked over a span of several years, as I enrolled in a couple of different needlework classes. It is a sampler type piece, experimenting with different stitches and stitch combinations.

    Mary, I appreciated your question last week about what needlework technique I would like to focus on in the coming year. I instantly thought of Schwalm, and so am hoping to have the time and opportunity to learn more about it, and more importantly, spend time working several small pieces. Thank you!

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83. I have done a myriad of projects in a wide range of disciplines, but I think Genny Morrow’s “Nova” is my all time favorite. I love it so much that, even as intricate and complicated as that simple design proved to be, if I could figure out how to calibrate the colors as well as she did, I would do the whole thing again in a different range of colors! It is hanging by my front door, so I get to see it everyday and often. If I am waiting for someone, to pass the time, I will stand in front of it and lose myself all over again in the patterns, stitch choices, and colors. What a joy it is.

    I think I would sell my soul for a slate frame!!

    Happy Holiday to everyone!

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84. My favorite needlework piece is one that has been in progress for awhile and still a long way to go. It is a work with dimensional embroidery applied to fantasy flowers. I am especially looking forward to working on the crazy quilt border. This will be a story of how looooong the project took to complete. But the detail is exquisite and lovely to get lost in.

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85. Martina Weber designed my favorite project – Desert Mandala. Her projects challenge even the most experienced stitcher and are an absolute thrill to complete. She uses silks, many specialty threads, beads, and Swarovski crystals with spectacular results.

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86. I don’t think I can select my favorite — each project has appealed to me in different ways. I XS a gladiolas chart once in memory and honor of my grandmother. It was a special time to reflect on my memories of her. So projects that are connected somehow to people I know/knew and love/d (memory, gift, etc) are my favorites.

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87. My favorite piece is a needlepoint I did. My granddaughter’s beloved corgi had died. II found a canvas with a beautiful corgi head design and I picked threads to make it resemble her pup.

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88. My all-time favorite project is the one I’m working on now – it’s a design from Needle N Thread of tulips, carnations and a pomegranate. It’s a blank design so I’m able to do what I want. Since I love Trish Burr’s whitework with color designs, I’m somewhat going that direction. It’s helping me to perfect the satin stitch, and I will use her other techniques in the design also such as a lace-look button-hole on the tulips where it seems like a natural fit in the design. I’ll also be using techniques I’ve learned from Mary on the pomegranate such as the filling technique of criss-crossing strands of threads and anchoring them down with a tiny stitch at the intersections on center of the pomegranate, and a nice padded two-color button/blanket stitch on the pomegranate section that surrounds the center. It’s the same technique she did on the pomegranate in her Hazel Blomkamp Harvest project. I’m learning so much from you Mary!!

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89. Favorite piece ever stitched? 2014, a 65 inch linen table runner signed and decorated by all who attended my granddaughter’s adoption ceremony. It took a year to complete but every stroke of marker is covered with embroidery, some stitches that I had never done before but learned from your extraordinary video tutorials! Thank you, Mary, for being a major contributor to my favorite stitching project ever!

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90. Hi all. My favourite project has to be my “Peared” project that I stitched and won second prize at the WMA Arts and Crafts competition. It was a lot of fun as I drew each pear shape and then stitched it to look like a pencil sketch. It sure would have been lovely to have a slate frame on which to have worked it! 🙂

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91. Would it be too trite to say that whatever needlework project I am working on is my favorite? After all, we addicts see a potential project and think how beautiful! Wouldn’t it be nice to make that. And even if it looks like something from that cake wreck website and totally NOT like what the designer intended, weren’t our fingers deliriously happy while stitching? Yes, whatever project I am working on is my favorite…..until next time…

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92. I cross stitched a pattern by WTNT, Brenda Gervais, Three Tulips. When I finished and framed it I had such a sense if accomplishment. It has been my favorite piece ever since.

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93. What a hard question! I think my favorite thing that I’ve ever stitched was the series of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh by The Victoria Sampler. When I bought them, I had NO idea what I was getting in to – they were way beyond my stitching level at the time, but I dove right in, not knowing any better, and I learned a HUGE amount.

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94. My all-time favourite needlework project to date would be the Tiffany project that our guild did a few years back. Our finished picture was divided into 10 puzzle pieces and we each stitched all 10, then exchanged with each other. It was a ton of work and I learned so much, not the least of which were some new embroidery stitches and techniques. Now I have a gorgeous picture on my wall with wonderful memories of all of my fellow guild members!

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95. Wow! My all-time favorite needlework project? I don’t have one. I’ve loved stitching as well as the finished product of everything I’ve stitched. I keep a folder of charts that I’ve stitched and some photos and I just couldn’t pick one. In the past I’ve given many/most pieces as gifts but I have some in my home. I guess I would have to say my favorite is all of them.

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96. My favorite project? I’m a relative beginner, returning to embroidery after 40 years, but the answer will probably always be whichever I’m working currently!

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97. Hello Mary,
    That’s a hard question. I tend to love the project I’m doing at the very moment. For example, right now, I’m stitching Tanja Berlin’s Habsburg Lace bookmarks and I really enjoy it. But one of my past projects delights me each time I look at it, and it’s a personal creation I’ve made just to try stitches and threads. It’s a kind of abstraction that thrilled me a lot.
    Diane from Montréal in Québec

    97

98. My favorite piece to stitch was a pulled thread design called “Waterfall” by Gale Washington. Lovely design, learned a lot about the concept of value (color) in pulled thread embroidery.

    98

99. Way back in the 80’s when I was much less inhibited I interpreted Matisse paintings in Needlepoint. The fun was in picking out lots of different stitches and colors and just going with the flow. Many years later I now look back at these canvases and am inspired to recapture those feelings of having fun with designs and just letting go.

    99

100. My favorite needlework project is a group of four whimsical little girls done in counted cross stitch for my daughter. I call them “The Whimsy Girls”.

     100

101. My all time favorite stitching project…hmmm…I once cross stitched a piece over one on 40 count linen. It is a beautiful piece although I can’t remember the designer. The challenge this piece provided me will always make it one of my favorites.

     101

102. My favorite project was also a tear jerker. My cousin died in the early 1990s and during his funeral one of the readings was flying with ‘wings likes eagles’ Isiah 40:31. I had been in the local craft store the month before and picked up a cross stitch pamphlet with a gorgeous eagle flying over a purple mountain and that particular Bible verse. His funeral was in March and I busted a particular part of my anatomy to get it done, cleaned, and framed by his birthday in July. I missed it by a week. His mother hung it over her couch in her living room until two years ago when she gave it back to me. It’s hanging in my mother’s living room at present. And I still think of my cousin when I see it. It also reminds me what I can do when I buckle down and put my mind to a task.

     102

103. Merry Christmas! My favorite project ever was a candle wicked pillow cover. Loved doing the stitches and it’s still my favorite pillow. I made smaller pictures and even smaller pillows with this stitch, but my first was my favorite!

     103

104. My all time favorite needlework project is a prayer I designed and framed many years ago. It still hangs in my home and I still love it!

     104

105. My favourite stitching project was a combined quilting and stitching work. I made a quilt as a wedding present for my daughter and son-in-law. My daughter loves trees. I adapted a smaller quilt pattern with 25 tree blocks (evergreen trees) to an oversized queen size. I ironed on the trees, which I cut out with a pattern and then did blanket stitching around each of the trees. The trees were all different patterns. I took 2 years to complete the whole project. I took tree blocks with me when I wasn’t working on it at home. I remember the first block that I completed on summer vacation one year. Another time, I took a block to a weekend ladies retreat. My husband was watching a series of videos about science and math while I stitched many of these in the evenings at home. A lot of memories were created doing this 🙂

     105

106. Hi Mary! My all time favorite project has been a piece that I just finished with pumpkins, squash and indian corn with some assorted berries . It has taken me about 3 years and has been a journey of trial and error, but the results, I feel, have been worth the journey. It was done mostly in silks and the corn husks were stitched with silk ribbon.

     106

107. This is a really tough one, Mary. I think my all-time favorite is one I designed myself. Called “Greetings from Long Island,” it is a postcard scene of what would happen if there was off-shore drilling off Long Island, NY (an idea proposed in the 1970s). On 18 mesh it has all sorts of sea and beach pollution, from a toilet bowl to an oil tanker broken in half, a bird with oil on its wings and a dog peeing on the beach. Oh, and an oblivious sun bather listening to a radio on a blanket.

     107

108. I’ve always wanted and easy-to-use slate frame and Mark’s fits the bill (as well as being lovingly made). My upcoming “need” is for sides of a stumpwork casket through Tricia’s Cabinet of Curiosities class.

     108

109. My all-time favorite project was done in counted cross stitch. The finished work was about 15″ X 11″. I completed it using 14-count white Aida. Professionally framed with a beautiful matte the finished piece is gorgeous. The different herbs and spices along with the names in script turns out to be a showcase item in my house.

     109

110. My favourite project was a page from an embroidered alphabet book of pattern I made a couple of years ago. The letter “s” for Seigaiha. It was my first time couching and using gold thread and I loved the end result.

     110

111. My all time favorite needlework project would be my first Mar Bek angel (I haven’t worked on the others yet). She came out beautifully.

     111

112. A monogrammed hankerchief. Not because it was different than others I have done but because it made the person I gifted it to so happy she cried.

     112

113. My favorite project – hard pressed to choose – a small silk gauze piece would be one I would keep forever.

     113

114. My favorite is a monogrammed handkerchief I made for an adored aunt. It used techniques I had long wanted to master and it came out well, but that’s not why it’s my favorite. My aunt’s reaction is — she saw every bit of the love that went into it, and she carries it with her everywhere.

     114

115. My favorite Project that I have worked on would be the Christmas Stocking that I made this year for my youngest daughter and her family. I love the joy that will have when they put them up each year. Happy Holidays. RMS

     115

116. It was a tryptich in a cross-stitch magazine eons ago featuring an Amish farm scene with quilts. I did two of the panels for my grandmother, who hung them on each side of her back door – the one everyone used the most. The quilt portion of those two pieces was the most fun to stitch. And she loved them.

     116

117. I have only been doing surface embroidery for just over two years. As a retirement present I treated myself to a retreat by the Crewelwork Company. It changed the direction my retirement was going but certainly no regrets. I don’t yet have a huge number of projects and I have so enjoyed doing all of them. I think though it is the 3d wren kit produced by Jenny Adin Christie. It stretched my skills but Jenny is such a patient teacher I thoroughly enjoyed the unusual project. Very pleased with the finished piece. Thanks for all your wisdom Mary. I often refer to your stitch help.

     117

118. My all time favorite project is a counted cross stitch based on Leonardo da Vinci’s La Scapigliata. Also known as “the touseled or uncombed.” Maria Diaz based her chart on da Vinci’s masterpiece.

     118

119. corbet mermaid is a beautiful cross stitch. I also do the angles. but I use a bigger cloth like like a 10 aidia because I cannot see the small stuff anymore. I also do a little bit of doll faces in counted cross they are 32 but I use a magnifying glass.

     119

120. My favourite project so far are stitched story books I embroidered for my daughter’s,given to them in their wedding days. I enjoyed every stitch.

     120

121. My favorite needlework project is a needlepoint pillow I made over 20 years ago. I fell in love with the design – French Lace Ribbons – and it was a challenge!

     121

122. My favorite needlework project would have to be my crewel covered desk chair. The chair was a gift from a friend and it took me a year to complete all the embroidery. It has pride of place in my living room and of course, nobody is allowed to sit on it!

     122

123. Very tough question to answer Mary as I love them all!
     I would have to say the one that gave me the most enjoyment was a dimensions crewel kit called fancy cat that I received as a gift one Christmas. The detail, the level of complexity and the overall effect was amazing. Took me a month to finish it and I did have it professionally framed.

     123

124. I embroidered a quilt wall hanging. Each of the 12 squares was hand embroidered with a different flower design.

     124

125. My all time favorite project was a mother and child I did in cross stitch that was worked over one thread for the hands and faces and over two threads for everything else. It created a level of detail that was beautiful.

     125

126. The needlework piece that means the most to me is a counted cross stitch magnolia branch that used about 14 different shades of white, cream, pale yellow, and blush with about 8 shades of green. I did it on a piece of black Jobelan and gave it to my mother. When she passed, it came back to me. It hangs in my living room now as a constant reminder of my connection to her.

     126

127. My favorite needlework project is an original hand appliqued quilted wall piece I made with lots of embroidered details…something I designed that came out better than imagined.

     127

128. My most favourite needle work project is the last 9 square flower sampler I did that was designed by Lisa Dawson of Bugs Unlimited (Johannesburg, South Africa). Lisa has designed a number of these 9 square samplers: exotic flowers indigenous flowers, herbs and more. They use a wonderful range of colours and are a joy to work on.

     128

129. My favorite stitching project ever was probably two “sister” projects. They were little drawings that a foreign exchange student had made that I enlarged and embellished (with her permission). I love their quirky nature and bright colors. I think of her (Sandi Yi) whenever I look at them.

     The frame looks beautiful. Thanks for the opportunity to win one.

     129

130. I have wanted a slate frame for years. My friend, Linn Skinner, convinced me it would make a difference in the outcome of my stitching but I have never followed through.

     130

131. I think my favorite project is anything I have actually finished. I have projects from many years ago and they are just sitting there. I’ve lost my interest in those projects and I don’t feel like finishing them.

     131

132. G’day Mary
     The first I stitched with my granddaughter, then 5yrs. A very wonky running stitch and sort of cross stitches flower. The beginning of needlework in her life and a fuzzy warm feeling in mine.
     Thanks Mary and Mark
     Kath from Oz

     132

133. My favourite ever needlework project is the silk ribbon and stumpwork flower lattice I stitched this year, so proud of it! The slate frame would have been great fr this.

     133

134. What a beautiful gift for a prize. Thanks to Mark and to you Mary for doing this. My all time favorite piece was a shadowbox that came out many years ago in a kit……….not a lot of money to spend and this came in at under $20 and was large and filled with toys and many evenings of crewel work. I knew it would take a lot of time and it took around a year to complete. It was fun and relaxing and the price was a gift to me. It was something everyone noticed. It was beautiful. Merry Christmas to all.

     134

135. I always fail at these “favorite” questions as I have a difficult time narrowing down the answer to just one piece. I always end up with a list of answers. What I really liked about one project might be the learning of new stitches. Or it might be using materials that I had just discovered. Or it might be the colors I am playing with. Suffice it to say that my favorite project is usually the one I am currently working.

     135

136. My favorite piece was the first I finished and gave as a gift. It was a holly hobby little girl. It was a baby shower gift for my history teacher in high school.
     Thanks Mary

     136

137. My favorite project that it did was a gold work pineapple that Meredith willette taught at in stitches in Atlanta , have a great holiday, pat smith

     137

138. I embroidered a Crabapple Hill Studio floral design by Meg Hawkey on an extremely functional Bionic Gear Bag Pattern I sewed up- it holds a myriad of notions that I take everywhere with me-

     I am really enjoying your Christmas tree e-book! The little trees are so much fun to see up- thanks to you and vendors for Christmas Giveaway- a great way to learn about needlework resources- Ninon

     138

139. Oh, I don’t think it is possible to pick just one! After all, I stitch because I love to! Since it is this time of year, maybe a Christmas one? I really love Victoria Sampler’s Heirloom Christmas Sampler. And Emie Bishop’s Warm Christmas Wishes. Or Santa’s List from Treasures in Needlework, where I replaced the names on the list with the names of all our family members. Or maybe one of the stockings I have made for our entire family, 19 in all.

     If not a Christmas one . . . well, I’d better stop now. You did say to pick one and I obviously can’t. But I would love to have that frame. I have learned about several wonderful products from your site, but have decided to be practical and not buy expensive items from which I may not get my money’s worth since I am getting older. But that wouldn’t be the case if I won the frame now, would it? Thank you for your contests and your column and Merry Christmas to you!

     139

140. My favorite needlework project was a silk thread and fiber portrait
     of Emily Dickinson, commissioned by Bergdorf Goodman department
     store in New York. What an exciting opportunity and challenge that was!

     140

141. What a lovely gift! I have wanted a slate frame forever, so here I am entering your drawing. Thank you for the opportunity.

     I never think of myself as an embroiderer. I always say I’m a knitter or quilter who also embroiders. But this question made me think. Is my favorite project my cross stitch world map hanging in the front room? My crewel bird picture for mom? My hardanger doiley that won sweepstakes at the county fair? My bargello seat cover for my daughter’s cedar chest? My set of four beaded wallhangings, one for each season? And there are many more. So it seems I am an embroiderer, even though I never really thought I was. Thank you for the illuminating question.

     And my favorite project? I would guess the cross stitch world map. It is not the most difficult or beautiful, but it always reminds me of my trip to Italy with my daughter, and how could anything beat that?

     141

142. I don’t really have a favorite project that I have finished. There are some that are my current favorite color selection. Then there’s the project that I first started using a certain kind of bead in it. Then there are some projects that I really like because they finished up really quickly. It’s like choosing between my children!

     142

143. I do not know any stitcher who does not LOVE tools so please count me in for the drawing.

     143

144. I love every needlework project I’m working on, but I always remember a Madonna and Child I stitched for my mother quite a few years ago. I’m not a very religious person but she was and I know it meant so much to her and that always gives me a happy feeling.

     144

145. My favorite all time favorite stitching project is the Carousel by Theresa Wentzler. It would have been nice to have had a good frame to work this on,

     145

146. My favorite needlework project I ever stitched is a piece titled Grace designed by Terri Bay. It is an intermediate counted Ukrainian white work piece worked on an even-weave fabric square doily with trimmed edges. Of course my work needed to be exactly centered on the fabric or it would look awful. Because the project is worked with white thread on white fabric the light and shadows play well on it. The look of the piece changed as I worked on it (and only it) for 2 or 3 months here and there. I work full-time so don’t have lots of time to embroider. It was really fun to see if develop day by day.

     146

147. I heard about slate frames years ago but never purchased one. These slate frames are not only beautiful but functional. I think it is time to give one a try.

     147

148. Wow! That’s almost like asking who is your favorite child. It really made me think. So I’m going with the first thing that entered my head. It is a lovely English cottage surrounded by a summer garden by Pegasus. I am a true Anglophile and was blessed with a chance to go to England and visit a former student. I looked a dozens of charts until I found the perfect one. Every time I see the piece I remember my trip with joy. And thank you, Mark, for making the lovely prize available.

     148

149. Owning a slate frame like this is one of my needlework dreams. As I replace my old, mostly cheap, equipment from years ago, I’m looking more and more at flexible pieces that I can use for many techniques and sizes of projects, and a frame like this has to be at the top of the list.

     My favourite piece ever is my son’s needlepoint Christmas stocking. It was a beautiful painted canvas and I loved stitching it.

     149

150. My very favourite embroidered piece was a wedding gift for my grandson and his wife which I finished and presented to them last year. They were both thrilled. With some help from Mary, I chose black silk and stitched it in two shades of white silk. The motif was the two hummingbirds that Mary had done early that year.
     Now I’m about to embark on a similar project for my granddaughter this time a white peacock on black silk. Their wedding will be coming up next fall and I would love to have a slate frame on which to stitch their gift!
     Cheers
     Marjorie

     150

151. I stitched a kit called Aesop’s Fables, with the lion & mouse, and Turtle & Hare & fox, done in crewel long and short (predominantly) stitch. the fur looked so neat, it has to be my all time favorite.

     151

152. My all-time favorite needlework project was an original underwater scene that used silk ribbon, regular surface embroidery, stumpwork, dyed tatting, and lots of beads on a batik background. I was delighted that it won 5 ribbons at the Smocking Arts Guild of America Design Show including Best Embroidery and Best of Show!

     152

153. That’s a hard question! But for sentimental reasons I’m going to go with a sampler that I learned on with the help of my late grandmother. It’s not the best stitching ever done but it’s one of the best memories I have of stitching. She taught me to sew doll dresses on a treadle sewing machine and how to embroider, amount many other things. Every Friday night I would spend at my Grandma’s house and this is one of the ways we filled our time. Similarly, I taught my son to embroider when he was young. He made the most precious piece ever. A cross stitch heart that says I love Mom inside. Teaching someone to embroider is a beautiful gift to give to another.

     153

154. I love the whitework project that was done for my Master Craftsman in Plain and Fancy Needlework, several years ago… final piece was a handkerchief filled with Ayrshire and cutwork techniques.

     154

155. I think my all time favorite thing to stitch was a ribbon embroidery project from Di Van Niekerk. Some simple embroidery plus some complicated. It turned out just lovely.

     155

156. I don’t usually do cross stitch, but I have to admit the favorite stitching project that I have ever done was a picture of my two great-grandchildren as a gift for my daughters birthday this past July. It turned out so beautiful and she was so happy with it that it made all those little stitches worth it.

     156

157. My favorite project was a beautiful wedding sampler I stitched for my baby sister about 30 years ago!

     157

158. My favorite ever project is a monogram that I embroidered to learn satin stitch. It’s messy and I haven’t even framed it, but it was the first time I’d tried anything remotely complicated an I felt so accomplished!

     158

159. I only started stitching about a year ago, so I’m mostly still learning, and my favorite needlework project is a small dragon that I stitched for a dice bag. It’s actually one of the reasons why I started learning embroidery: I wanted a dice bag with a cool dragon on it, but I couldn’t find any good ones anywhere, so I decided to make one myself. I discovered that I really like doing needlework, especially with a good audiobook to listen to.
     Needle ‘n Thread has helped me a lot in this first year of embroidery, with the very helpful videos and with all the great ideas and articles about what materials to use. Thank you, Mary!

     159

160. My absolute all time favourite project to stitch was Alison Cole’s “Golden Jet”, a beautiful goldwork piece worked with silk and metal threads on silk. The colours were luscious–black and gold on cognac dupionni, the teaching and instructions were fabulous, and the supplies generous. The central floral motif featured several techniques of metalwork incorporating gold and black kid leather while the bud and leaf opposite sported chip work. Two metallic organza-winged dragonflies fluttered nearby. It was a joy to stitch and I learned so much. Having a frame like Mark’s of Mythic Crafts to work on such projects in the future would simply be fantastic! Thanks for the opportunity, Mary.

     160

161. My all-time favorite is a snowman I embroidered for a pillow. I love this piece because it is the first time I ever embroidered something that I made up myself. I didn’t follow a pattern at all, I just found some funs thread and a cute design and picked up my needle and started stitching to see what would happen. It was so much fun!

     Pick me!

     161

162. Gee Mary, how about a hard one!

     Since I have been embroidering I was 11 and that is well over 4 decades ago. My most memorable and I will be dating myself is 2 pair of jeans, bell bottoms that you walked the backs out of. Fashionable at that time. I would sit in the park with my sister and we would embroider our jeans while wearing them. They got pretty full and the next project was my “Tennesee” shirt that had an outline of the state and a mockingbird done in short and long stitch and an Iris done in satin and short and long stitch on the back.
     They are still my favs, not the best work but I so enjoyed learning to “paint with thread and this in different forms has become a life long obsession.

     162

163. My favorite project was a beautiful wedding sampler I stitched for my baby sister about 30 years ago!

     163

164. Hi Mary, what a nice give away today!

     My alltime favourite embroidery piece was my blackwork piece for the RSN certificate. I made a design from a picture of Martine Tobi, a lovely young woman just about to get engaged to her husband to be. It is also a very sad story because her fiance died before they actually married.

     164

165. My favorite project was a Laurel Burch design, initially purchased as a cross stitch kit, that I interpreted instead in three dimensional needlepoint. I had never tried anything like that before, but when I saw the design, my brain just knew that it shouldn’t be a flat piece. I incorporated a bunch of specialty stitches and threads, and was pleased with how it turned out. I was even more pleased when it was awarded first place in a national EGA competition and was given a best in show at a Creative Arts and Textiles Show (CATS; anybody remember those?) event in Minneapolis. That was the piece that convinced me that it was OK to change things on someone else’s design and that I wasn’t horrible at doing it. I don’t do it on everything I stitch now, but I know that if the inspiration strikes me, I can tackle it.

     Thanks to you and your sponsors for all the great giveaways, Mary!

     165

     1. Oh, and the 13th is my birthday, so this would make an AWESOME birthday gift!

166. What beautiful craftsmanship! Tough choice, my favorite. At least both designed by same person, Jean Hilton. My pick today would be Gleneagle, a counted canvas piece.

     166

167. Favorite… perhaps a needlepoint doll. Too many to choose from.

     167

168. It’s so hard to pick a favourite but if pushed, it would have to be the a needle turned applique quilt that I made.

     168

169. What a beautiful, generous giveaway! I have lusted after one for a long time.
     My favorite needlework project is a group or iris, done in wool, for my mother in 1961. She displayed it proudly, and now that she is gone, is display it now. It looks pretty good for a 16 year old self taught embroiderer that I had to transfer.

     169

170. We were living in Australia when our children were younger, and while there I embroidered my niece a Holly Hobby picture from a Simplicity Pattern for a Christmas gift. The apron was done in a variety of different and colourful stitches. Her bonnet was done in blue forget me nots. It was one of my first adventures into embroider, and I really loved that project, and I still have the pattern – it cost 80 cents. LOL Maybe I will find a somebody to do it for again.

     170

171. My all time favorite piece that I have stitched (so far) is my Serengeti Mandala by Chatelaine Designs. It is the largest piece that I have completed, and I loved stitching every minute of it. There were so many different kinds of fibers (silks!), and different stitches, and every part added more detail. I took it to the Iowa State Fair, and it won first place in the cross stitch division, and the award for Best Needlework overall. This piece is now more special to me with the news of Martina’s passing.

     171

172. My favorite project is generally the one I most recently finished. But my all time favorite continues to be Strawberry Sampler from Sampler Cove. Stitched with NPI silks in reds, greens, and gold, it is magnificent.

     172

173. My favorite is a Cinderella Cross Stitch that I did for my newest granddaughter! It is so adorable for a little girls room!

     173

174. My all time favorite is a crewel ornament I made for my daughter in 1981. It has a bluebird and the happiest little mouse sitting side-by-side on a Christmas ball. On the back of the 3-D ornament, you can see a little mouse arm and a bluebird wing hugging each other.

     174

175. Andrea Olynick: I am new to embroidery. So far my favorite project was an Eiffle Tower with the word Paris. Thank you.

     175

176. I completed a very small pin keep that was my first try at thread painting. I was so nervous that I would not be very good. I was settling in my mind that adequate would do. It was so challenging but I took a deep breath and plunged in. It turned out beautiful and beyond my expectation of what I could accomplish. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

     176

177. My favorite piece of all time is the Danish cross stitch picture of Nyhavn….the harbor in Copenhagen, Denmark. My husband and I went there as newlyweds and spent a year learning and exploring and enjoying…..eating our way through as much Danish food as we could afford. Looking at the picture brings me right back ti 1963 when love was young and we were so dreadfully happy! (We still are!)

     177

178. My all-time favorite (so far) is a picture I created based on the needlepoint motifs stitched by Mary Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick. It shows a rabbit on a green island with flowers, and surrounded by water. The caption reads “A Coney.” That makes it a picture of Coney Island.

     178

179. My favorite stitched item was a crewel embroidery picture of the Lord’s Prayer for my Godmother. It’s been many years and it is still hanging in her living room.

     179

180. Boy, that’s a hard choice. It’s like being asked to pick your favorite child!!!
     I think my favorite piece to stitch was a beginner Schwalm Embroidery piece titled Liesel” by Barbara Kershaw. I just loved stitching on this piece and have since ordered supplies and patterns from Luzine Happel for her basic Schwalm course – I have them on my “to do” list for 2018. Liesel was so relaxing for me. I just loved stitching it and was very happy with the result.

     180

181. My favorite stitched piece was a Hardanger wedding sampler. The couple loved it!

     181

182. It’s hard to say what my favorite project was as so many come to mind. But if I have to narrow it down, I would have to say that it’s the new advent calendar I made which we’re now using. There’s a small motif on each pocket and on the top is a stitched image of our home and our family name above it.

     182

183. I’d have to say my all-time favorite needlework project is a wizard on canvas that I did as part of a class at a seminar. It included painting the canvas as well as many types of stitches and fibers. It is a piece I am proud to have stitched and is hanging in my living room.

     183

184. My favorite all time needlework I finally finished is a needlepoint canvas I started 30 years ago before kids while I lunched with other Medical Technologists at a hospital in PA, It started out all basketweave, thenI put it away only to return to it 30 years later to finish with all kinds of crewel stitches and creative stitches. Its a forest scene with deer and rivers and a wonderful open stitch bridge!

     184

185. About 30 years ago I started stitching an old time Christmas scene. It had a village n a central outside skating ring, people walking, kids playing n Trees with snow. It was awesome. I’ve been looking for it for years n still can’t figure out where I stored it. I hope I find it eventually.

     185

186. My favourite needlework project was a series of felted Christmas ornaments that I embroidered for my friends. Each was themed according to the personality and characteristics of that friend. Such great fun.

     186

187. My favourite piece that I have ever stitched is a design by Susan Portra named Spirit Of The Southwest. I have it framed and have decorated my living room in colours compatible with this piece.
     I stitch many large pieces on linen and would truly love to win this slate frame. Thanks for the opportunity to win this wonderful frame.

     187

188. My all time favorited design I ever stitched was a counted canvas-work piece by Linda Lachance of Northern Pines Designs called Iris Stained Glass Window. It used a counted technique with multiple specialty stitches and threads. There are actually four seasonal variations in this series. All are beautiful.

     188

189. I have done so many that it is l really hard to answer this question! I guess my absolute favorite would be the peacock cross stitch that I did for my daughter in law. It had lots of gold and beadwork, and of course all those beautiful colors…..

     189

190. I have done a lot of redwork embroidery and change out my wall hangings every season. It is a tough decision to pick my favorite as I enjoy them every time I look at them. I took a class with craftsy to improve my stitching and I really like that artwork a lot. It was out of my box and it hangs in my sewing room. I smile every time I look at it as it is bright and cheerful.

     190

191. My favorite all time project to stitch is my almost finished casket pall. It’s been an about 5 year project. It’s made up of large diamonds in a crazy patch style and heavily embellished.

     191

192. A whimsical Redwork hen with eggs with lots of rounded & curved edges to stitch, what fun!

     192

193. Merry Christmas
     My favorite needlework project has been “Over the river and through the woods.” It was just redwork but I enjoyed embroidering that piece so much that I found myself spiraled into other types of surface embroidery. It has been a fun journey that I am still on.

     193

194. Carol Lake “In a Purple Passion”

     194

195. I designed a miniature knot garden to fit into an antique cigarette tin. It uses stitches like turkey stitch to simulate some of the hedges.

     195

196. His frames are gorgeous. I would love one. After 25 years, I’ve taken up needlework again. I used to do cross stitch, hardanger and needlepoint as well as 1 project of cruel. There’s so many other variations! Goldwork, needlepainting, whitework. I love them all. I did have to purchase a magnifying lamp this time around. I’m working with hoops and finding them to be a challenge. Anyway, whomever gets this is going to be one lucky person.
     Ruth Olson

     196

197. So far in my needlework career to date my all time favorite project has been the cross stitch sampler I made using a very out of date chart I found in a charity shop. I had to rework the treads list as the one on the chart was for a company that no longer existed. Trying to match colors on the computer screen to the chart was not easy. As my needlework skills continue to grow I am sure to have many more all time favorite projects.

     197

198. My all-time favorite needlework is my Advent Calendar. It features the Nativity scene and each of the little squares that mark off the days are lambs, angels, a donkey, etc. Or course the baby Jesus is the 25th square. I hang it up every year and I think it gets more special as the years pass. The children are all grown up now but I still like to hang the little squares on it.

     198

199. hmm. So hard to pick just one! I love the process of working through a design from start to finish. My favorite project is usually the one I am currently working on:) Which right now, happens to be a portion of the Fancy Floral Hand Emdroidery pattern that you posted for us, I am embroidering it on two pieces of Korean persimmon dyed cloth using floche, they will become the outside pockets on a small shoulder bag that I am making to take with me while I travel in China next year! That said, I am also eagerly anticipating my start on the first of your Little Trees! What a lovely Christmas project–Thank you so much!

     199

200. What a super giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win a slate frame and needle minder, Mary! My favourite needle work piece that I’ve stitched has to be the Wedding Embroidery I designed and created for friends of ours. It was designed based on the location of their wedding at a winery, so I added beaded grape clusters under stumpwork grape leaves that cascaded down the sides of the embroidery. Also included were the roses that edged each row of grapes, and the huge moon that glowed on the wedding party and guests that evening. A wide assortment of surface embroidery and stumpwork stitches were used in the piece, done in white, ecru, and beige threads. I tatted a cascade of Josephine Knot flowers, formed them into a large heart, and embellished them with seed beads. Although the couple had to wait almost a year for their gift, I’m happy to say they were thrilled. My husband created a beautiful frame for the embroidery, too, so our gift to them came from both of our hands and our hearts!

     200

201. I have stitched so many things over the years – most of them given away as gifts- that it would be difficult to select one. I think it would have to be a Christmas crewel project that I did when I was about 20. It was my first surface embroidery project and I was unsure of how it would turn out. The image was of a Christmas tree, all decorated for the holidays. There was striped tree skirt underneath with a fat cat dozing on it. The cat was done in turkey work. I was so pleased when I finished it. Had it framed and it still goes up on the wall every December!
     Merry Christmas to all!
     Toni

     201

202. Long ago early 1980’s cross stitch Fruit Panel by Thea Gouverneur it is fruits, fruitblossom and 2 butterflies.

     202

203. My all-time favorite project was a monogram that I put together for my cousin’s wedding, combining their two initials. I used their wedding colors as a base for the letters, and added a floral frame. That monogram was my first experience with stem stitch filling, and it turned out well. They loved it!

     203

204. My first instinct to answer today’s question was to say my current project but as I have several current projects, that won’t work. Then I thought and realized the project that was most meaningful to me and one I’m most proud of is a cross stitched photo of my mom. I used a program to create the pattern from a photo and worked this project right after she passed away in 1997 from colon cancer. It was a tremendous aid in helping me grieve the loss I felt and I feel it is an honorable tribute to her memory and all that she gave me during my life.

     204

205. My favourite project was a silk tapestry floral bouquet that I did and had framed for my mother about 45 years ago. After she passed it came back to me and I still love it.

     205

206. I’ve been embroidering my whole life (almost, started at 6years old). My grandmother taught me while I was spending my summers with her. I’m left handed and after a few rough starts she just said “this is how you do it” and gave up trying to teach me left handed. It all worked out in the long run, I do some right and some left. After she passed away I was given some boxes of her craft stuff. I found a linen table cloth that was stamped with a daisy pattern in a circle. She had stitched 1 corner group. Lots of daisy stitches, stem stitches, satin and french knots.
     I finished it with multiple colors and gave it to my sister for a Christmas present. All those years of stitching and I have 1-2 pieces I’ve kept, everything else has been gifted.

     206

207. I am new to embroidery, started when I retired. My first major project, and my favorite was the EGA’s Meadow Medley. I worked on it with guild members over the course of a year. I am still amazed at how well it turned out,especially when viewed at a distance.

     207

208. In early 2000s I stitched a wedding gift with the entire Footprints in the Sand saying and a beachy-marshy scene. It came out gorgeous. It was for my sister-in-law, so I still get to see it when I visit:-)

     208

209. I would love to be chosen at the winner of this giveaway. Thanks so much for all you do, all year, and for this wonderful opportunity!

     209

210. My favorite needlework project was the Art Stitch Iris Window. It was relaxing for me to stitch and still hangs on my living room wall. It makes me smile everytime I look at it.

     210

211. Oh oh. This is my second comment because I posted before I listed my favorite project (so please use this instead of the earlier one): my favorite project is a needlepoint image of Ganesh, with added beads, cording and other “bling.”
     He hangs in my front hallway, near the door, where I can see him many times a day.

     211

212. I want one of these so badly! Unfortunatley my job status is on temporary hiatus so I can’t just go buy one like I should. Boo!

     My all time favorite piece so far is actually simple stitching, nothing fancy at all, but integral to the overall design.

     My friend writes comics so as a gift, I recreated his cover art in perfectly color-matched felt but I needed to outline it like the comic was in ink. After some practice goes, I settled on couching black yarn with black thread.

     In a more complex sense, my favorite thing was your W from the stitch sampler for a friend’s wedding gift.

     The cutest thing I think I’ve stitched is this tiny little mouse button, satin stitched:

     And in a more personal way, this hoop border means something special to me:

     Alas, I know it was only to be our all-time favorite, but how could I pick just one?! What would yours be? I am super curious to know!!

     212

213. My favorite project was a bunch of Christmas ornaments that I made for all my co-workers. I customized each one to every person’s tastes. It was a fun project.

     213

214. Ooooh, I have been studying your reviews of frames lately. I never thought I wanted one before, but I have developed arthritis in my hands and wrists and I think a frame would be very helpful and allow me to stitch longer with less pain. Thanks so much for your reviews and instructions, the instructions especially have saved me more than a few times.

     214

215. Favorite all time stitching project seems to be every time I start a new one! Latest was Carole Lake’s “Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood”, as I got to view it in St. Petersburg when we traveled to Russia for our fiftieth anniversary.

     215

216. I have two favorite all-time needlework pieces. One is my first crewel class project that I had framed in a very traditional way and is hanging in my hallway, and the second is a Hardanger piece I did for an EGA correspondence course which I had framed in a very unconventional way and is in my entryway.

     216

217. Hi, Mary, my favorite project until today, is a landscape of my country, Costa Rica, called Cerro de la Muerte, the border with wool, in Guatemalan point, is my second project in that technique. Have a nice day, blessings.

     217

218. Though cross stitch is not my first preference when it comes to stitching, Thea Gouverneur’s “Collage of New York” would have to be my favorite item because of the joy that it brought to my husband. I stitched it for him for his 75th birthday. It hangs over the fireplace in our home where he can see it everyday. It is also the largest piece that I have stitched.

     218

219. My favorite was one of my first. A hardanger table topper..I had no idea what I was doing and nobody to ask but I finished it (3 years after I started). It sits on an old dry sink that has been handed down to me from my great Aunt Jean and has had many favorable comments! I have not been afraid to try new techniques since that adventure and have since joined an EGA guild and made many dear friends.

     219

220. This has been a fun series. You have so many great gifts. Thank you for sharing.

     220

     1. This one should not be here as I forgot to add my favorite stitching project. I put one in later but that meant there are two from me. Please disregard this one.
        Thanks,
        DeAnn

221. My favorite needlework project is a Hardanger Christmas doily that I made in red fabric with red and white thread. It’s a festive decoration that I enjoy looking at each holiday season.

     221

222. My favourite project… A hard one, I have a few favourite from the hundreds done over my 45 years or more of stitching. Perhaps the stumpwork bell with a cardinal, pinecones and a pineapple that I did in 2004 after a class with Marsha Papay Gomola. I made two, one for a friend and one for me and mine hangs on the tree each Christmas!

     222

223. It is so hard to select only one, but here goes. We visited Chicago in December over 20 years ago and discovered a shop with needlepoint painted canvases. The one that caught my eye was of a black kitten with a bluebird sitting on it’s head and a necklace of holly with red berries around the neck. Dangling from the Meowy Christmas greeting done in gold thread in the middle of the cat is a small mouse. The background is soft white and I added an edge of long and short stitches on the sides. The whole project was finished as a pillow with a dark green velveteen backing and surround in the front. The stitching is some of the smallest I have done in needlepoint. At the time we had a black cat named Caboose (Boosie), and this reminds me of her every year at Christmas. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

     223

224. My favorite I finished so far is peacock band sampler by norther expressions needlework. Thank you Mary

     224

225. My favorite thing I ever stitched was a quilt I designed myself. It is hand pieced and hand quilted. I also do cross stitch and crewel embroidery. It is hard to pick just one thing.

     225

226. My favorite stitching project has to be the blanket for my first grandchild!

     226

227. My favorite project was a crewel bellpull that I stitched for my mom. It hooked me on crewel embroidery. I enjoy other types of embroidery, too, but always come back to crewel.

     227

228. This is a hard question to answer! Like many stitchers, I don’t willingly work on something I don’t like or doesn’t appeal to me. So I like everything I’ve done. That said, some of my favorite pieces are class or learning pieces either from EGA or classroom sessions. I think my favorite of all is the Tulip Wreath by Luzine Happel done in Schwalm embroidery, a technique I love and have had the good fortune to learn directly from a master in Germany

     228

229. My favorite needlework project was my daughter’s wedding gown that I made for her. I did all of the pearl beading on the lace by hand. She was so happy and she looked absolutely lovely on her wedding day.

     229

230. My favorite needlework project was/is the christening dress I made for my nieces, the front panel is Irish linen, and is done in cross-stitch and pulled thread work, it has the words made by (with my name), than underneath that is the name and birth date of each child who has worn it.

     230

231. Hard question! It’s like picking my favourite child. But what comes first to mind is the Schwalm table cloth from Luzine Happel’s Basic Principles of Schwalm Whitework. I enjoyed the learning, the process, and the result.

     Thanks, Sarah.

     231

232. What’s your all-time favorite needlework project that you ever stitched? My all time favorite was my first cross stitch project that I did for my first grandson…14 years ago.
     After that project, life happened and I did not have time for cross stitching. I have since picked up the needle and thread again and am marveled by all of the patterns that evolved during my absence…I shall need to be alive for at least a millineum in order to complete all the projects that I have seen, admired and now want to do myself.

     232

233. Gee! It is going to be difficult to pick my favorite needlework, because i love doing all of them, some so much that like Penelope in mythical times, i slow down on purpose to make the project last longer. When it comes to different disciplines, i love doing whitework and needle painting the best. Thanks to
     Tanya for this awsome give away and for Mary to facilitate it. Merry Christmas to you and yours !!

     233

234. My favorite all time Needle project? The first cross stitch piece i ever did. That is the one that got me started on the path to having a passion for embroidery.

     234

235. My favorite piece of needlework….
     It was/is a Brenda Franklin Australian Shepherd cross stitch pattern that I did for my brother-in-law in rememberance of his Bruno. I recognized Brenda’s outstanding pattern, but truly it was my relative’s reaction to receiving. The look on his face and the tone of his voice when he said Bruno! He and his sons are artists…their compliments on specific aspects of the piece will always be remembered.

     235

236. My piece de resistance is Floral Glove from Thistle Threads. I had never done a project like this and was still pretty new to embroidery. The supplies are lush, I learned a lot, Tricia (the proprietress) was helpful and the finished project sits in my China cabinet for all the world to see.

     Wendi G.

     236

237. I have adapted Heart to Heart by Thea Dueck, Victoria Sampler and use it to make wedding samplers. They go to the children of friends, relatives and special people in my life. The last one that I made is my all time favorite piece of stitching and framing. The colors of the fabric and fibers matched the bride’s gown and colors perfectly. The stitching was free of errors and miscounts. It was pure joy to watch the stitching happen on the fabric in front of my eyes. I truly did not stitch this sampler. I channeled another source of energy. My framer found the perfect mats and frame to make it breathtakingly lovely — a favorite by anyone’s standards.

     237

238. My favorite embroidery project would be my Sue Spargo In Full Bloom quilt.

     238

239. Hands down all time favorite – Di van Niekerk’s ribbon embroidery flower panel. At first I was pretty intimidated by this project but I learned so much by doing it.

     239

240. My favourite stitching project is still the beautiful garden cross-stitch that I did many years ago for my Dad. Loved the colours and the sentiment in the text, and of course how much he appreciated it.

     240

241. My favourite needlework project thst I’ve ever done was that of a ginger cat footstool in needlepoint that I stitched for my daughter.

     241

242. My favorite stitch project was made in 1977. I did three Christmas stockings for my husband, myself and our soon to be first born, which arrived in October, which allowed plenty of time to get his name stitched on the stocking cuff. We still use those stockings, and many others have joined the mantle, two more children, 2 daughter in laws, 1 son in law, two grandchildren and others for our guests for the holidays. Precious memories.

     242

243. Congrats to Helen! Such a great prize package to win!

     Of my own works, my most favorite is not the most complicated or the one that took the longest. I mean, I’m exceedingly proud of the embroidered embroidery box and the family crest that I stitched for Dad and the embroidered covers for handmade books, but my favorite project was done years and years ago: my daughter’s First Communion dress.

     It was a simple dress, in a cotton/linen blend, because she didn’t want anything too busy or frilly. But I did embroider the neckline, hem, and sash with more French knot flowers than I care to remember. The knots and stems were done in good ol’ DMC floss, all white.

     I don’t think I will love any project I ever do as much as that one.

     243

     1. What a wonderful memory, and surely a family heirloom.

244. My favorite project was from a kit (I can’t remember the name of it, but I remember I ordered it from Herrschners). It was an embroidered table runner for my sister-in-law that had the design and colors of her dishes.

     244

245. When I first got married money was tight and I found a pair of pheasants in a book I loved how they turned out. When she passed that was one of the few things of she’s that I brought home and I proudly display in my front room I think of mom when I look at that picture.

     245

246. Back when I was in college, I bought an ivory tux jacket at a second hand shop and embroidered one of Barbara Remington’s middle earth scenes (used on the cover of The Fellowship of the Ring) on the back. My intention was to add a velvet collar and cuffs and wear the jacket with jeans, but I gained weight and never finished the project. The jacket still hangs in my closet, though; I should probably cut out the embroidery and have it framed.

     246

247. Two favs. I did a marriage sampler for my daughter which included a saying about love in French ( her husband being French Canadian) and also had a wondeful poem about everlasting love. The second would be the house I stitched on the Shenandoah Tapestry Project because it allowed me to be creative with the stitches I chose to interpret the house and trees from the poster.

     247

248. The favorite thing I have stitched, so far, is an artwork made from pieces of rescued vintage embroidery, embellished with contemporary embroidery. I titled it “Pieces of Her Past” and it was displayed in an art gallery for eight weeks.

     248

249. I was going to say my favorite project was a cross stitch figure I designed with a gradation of colour and cross stitch sizes, but … on a moments reflective pause I realized it was this. An alphabet baby book of appliqués and embroidery for my first son done on soft felt with figures from the book Babar. I loved the cover especially as I personalized it with my sons name and his favorite Babarthe elephant image. Such a great memory. Too bad the book has been lost or I would be giving it to my brand new first grandchild courtesy of that same son.

     249

250. My all-time favorite is a little scene from Beatrix Potter’s illustration of Peter Rabbit, done in cross-stitch. That was favorite book from my childhood, and there are fond memories attached. I found it as a kit, and made one for myself and each of my brothers.

     250

251. When I was twelve my grandmother and I embroidered an old saying that was framed and hung in her dining room. “Make new friends but keep the old. The first are silver, the latter gold.” Touches my heart as I remember it.

     251

252. I guess my favorite project might just be a little panel I did on a purse. It’s not big or elaborate, but I used hand spun silk embroidery thread and sequins made from jewel beetle elytra (you steam them to soften and then use whatever size hole punch you’d like. Stick a needle through the center to make a hole, and presto! You have a sequin.)

     252

253. My all-time favorite needlework project is Sue Spargo’s Folk Tales wall hanging I made as a block of the month two years ago. The African animals and plants she used in the design were fun to embroider and the whole design is delightful. It always make me smile both to see it and to remember how much fun it was to make.

     253

254. My all time favourite project … hmmm … tricky! I enjoy all my needlework projects so much, but I think the one I’m proudest of is a pulled thread embroidery cushion that I worked from a Mary Hickmott’s New Stitches pattern. It took me well over a year to finish it and even longer to make it up (I always faff so much when it comes to that stage!). But I thoroughly enjoyed working the design and it sits very happily on my bedroom chair, giving me a great deal of pleasure every time I plump it up on a morning! 🙂

     254

255. My favorite is my sampler – I have it hanging up, and, luckily, I put the date on it (1987) which now seems to long ago. I have it next to one my mom did in 1972.

     Diane

     255

256. Thanks, Mary, for another great giveaway.
     My favourite piece of needlework would have to be the crewelwork dragonfly with flowers that was the project for my never-to-be-forgotten day class at the RSN. So much learning on one small piece of linen!
     On the other hand, thanks again to you Mary, who teaches us all so much every day.

     256

257. My favourite needlework project is an adaptation of Tiffany’s “Magnolias and Irises” stained glass. It was done in long and short stitch and french knots with the black leading lines in stem stitch. This was also the most challenging project I have done but the result was well worth the effort.

     257

258. So far, my favorite projects have been as gifts for others.

     258

259. My all-time favorite needlework project was my first goldwork project: three little red and gold crabs. I used different thicknesses of gilt pearl purl and red beads for the legs and claws, and for the bodies I used red wire check chipwork, red rough purl cutwork, and red metallic fabric. It was a piece in memory of my mother and very meaningful to me, as well as a quantum leap in my embroidery skills!

     259

260. I would say that the first project that I ever had framed when 19 years old and is still there on the wall now I’m 64 is my all time favourite. It is a group of cross stitch wildflowers from Golden Hands magazine.

     260

261. My favorite is a crazy quilted mermaid I did 2 years ago . I watercolored her then spent a month beading her tail. She had lots of beads and shells added to complete her.

     261

262. I made a violet cross stitch for my 6th grade teacher and because it was one of my first large projects it still holds a special place in my heart.

     262

263. I think my favourite project is a toss up between my first ever item I ever made at age 7 (and recently rediscovered) & a floral quote design I recently made. The small bunch of grapes I made at 7 because it ignited the stitching bug and my more recent one because it was the first project I fully designed and stitched on my own and it turned out so well that it has kept me drawing & designing!

     263

264. A baby bunting and bonnet with shadow work baby animals and twisted ribbon. Baby’s initial in the middle.

     264

265. I completed my all-time favourite project this summer. It is based on a drawing of my sister Charlyn, made by my daughter when she was in kindergarten. My sister died of cancer a few years later and the drawing became a treasured memento. Last Christmas my daughter (now 21) helped transfer the design and I spent a happy winter and spring stitching it in surface embroidery. I am pleased with the results and found the experience surprisingly healing.

     265

266. My all-time favorite needlework project was a beautiful tree out of silk and goldwork.

     266

267. Once again you have made it hard to choose just one. But I will say it was a kit. Two bunches of flowers. I love flowers, and love embroidering them. These two I worked off and on for, well, years. A long time, and it was about 25 years ago. And when I was done I was so happy with them, and then I found the most perfect oval frames for them, and I’ve had them up on my wall ever since. A rare embroidery project that I kept.

     267

268. My favourite project I have done is a canvas work project called Evening Star. It was challenging and turned out beautifully.
     Thank you for the opportunity to win.

     268

269. My favorite project has been completing Modern Crewel by Susan Porter. It was a special project that I had framed and gave to my Mom on Mothers Day. Thank you Mary for the special Christmas Give-aways. It is fun to answer the questions and see all the fun items that are being given.

     269

270. My favorite needlework project I ever stitched is my French Alphabet Sampler, it includes the names and initials of all my close family members, my husband, daughter, mother, daddy, and (14 brothers and sisters).

     270

271. I love the samplers I have done before I got myself into other stitchers projects. I love all kinds of stitcheries.

     271

272. My all time favorite stitching project was a holiday tablecloth, of which my dear friend, also stitched. Every time I see/ use it I smile and gratefully remember my friend and all the goodness she inspired.

     272

     1. Oh, my! I was scrolling through all the replies to see what everyone’s favorite needlework piece has been when I saw your name. We are almost twinsies! My name is Kathleen Funk! (And of course, everyone has to call me Funky). What a surprise!

273. My favorite project is the dragon I just finished….it was from the Rosework Design and I changed all the colors and stitches.

     273

274. My favorite needlework project was a small town street of shops at Christmas time.

     274

275. Nothing yet, because I’m just getting back into embroidery (I have some kiddie cross-stitch kits under my belt; that’s about it).

     275

276. My favorite thing I ever stitched is a tie! It’s between a counted cross stitch of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” (the pattern was all in black and white symbols and harder for me than the color patterns I had used up to that point) and my own design, “Misbeehavin’” (the first thing I ever stitched that was my own design, and it inspired me to start my pattern company).

     276

277. My all time favorite needlework project was 4 saints by Susan Portra that I made as the back of a jacket in the mid 90’s. I still wear the jacket but want to remove the saints, repair as needed and then frame them.

     277

278. My favorite needlework project is the baby quilt I did for my first grandson. It’s just a great big stamped cross stitch piece, but it was stitched with all my love and that makes it so special. I smile every time I tuck him into bed.

     278

279. Needlework cross stitched Victorian Tea Party with little girl. Will always be my favorite.

     279

280. My all time favorite needle work project was when I spent almost 2 years making a hand embroidered wool “Penny Rug” collection hanging on our living room wall.

     280

281. My all-time favorite stitching project was a needlepoint pillow cover I designed and made for my mother.

     281

282. What an interesting item. I’m very new to embroidery, that frame looks very intriguing.
     My favorite project so far is a sampler I did in pinks/reds. It’s a heart shape made up of straight lines of stitches. It’s on very good linen, so it’s very straight and clean.
     I’ve definitely learned that the wrong fabric can make a good project go bad.
     Invest in the best fabric you can afford.

     282

283. Daisy Chain, a special project by Laura J Perin

     283

284. My favorite piece is a goldwork project of a Greek ionic column offered at an EGA seminar in San Francisco a few years back. This year I will be stitching several new goldwork pieces including a Spanish goldwork initial! I will be taking a class from Cristina Badillo, whose work you have spoken about and shown on your site! Thank you Mary for the Christmas fun and give aways!

     284

285. Maharajah’s elephant(canvas work)….I love elephants and this is the one I just finished!

     285

286. What’s your all-time favorite needlework project that you ever stitched? That’s a hard question to answer because I have a lot of favorites. My selection is Pere Noel (Ibelieve that’s the name). It’s a beautiful counted cross stitch design from Shepherd’s Bush — worked on 32 count linen.

     Judy

     286

287. My all-tie favourite stitching project was a dragonfly with opalescent wings from a book by Helen Stephens. It was all worked in Piper’s silks. Joyous to look at and a pleasure to work.

     287

288. Mary, your blog is a year round gift, and this is an extra special goodie!! (I’ve been wishing for one for ages).

     My all time favorite stitching project is ongoing, a stumpwork bouquet of Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial flowers for Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary! I designed it from an old colouring book page offered by the Prime Ministers office. I’ve got 8/13 flowers compleated…it won’t be finished in 2017, but I’m loving every aspect of designing and creating my own *great big enormous stumpwork mania* embroidery project!

     Best holiday wishes to you and your family.

     288

289. My favorite project to stitch were some flour sack towels that I had ironed on Aunt Martha’s patterns that my niece and I found in one of my mom’s linen trunks. It was a vintage pattern you can’t find anymore “Clever Pixie Motifs”. I even had to stitch them twice because the first set I sent to her in Oregon was stolen off of her front door step.
     The second set (which turned out better) I gave to her directly so they wouldn’t go missing. I always wondered what happened to that first set and I hope someone is enjoying those towels. Thanks for the wonderful give-a-ways!

     289

290. The slate frame is beautiful and would love one. Thank you for the opportunity to win one.
     As for a favorite project, not sure I have just one, but I’ve enjoyed doing cross-stitch designs for Christmas tree trims.

     290

291. My all time favorite was a crewel work reproduction of an 18th C. Ladies pocket. Done on linen with wools and silk.

     291

292. My favorite needlework project was Scott Lee. I also love the Maryland Inspiration Sampler. Hope I win!!!

     292

293. My favourite project was a seascape that used lots of distressed organza and fabrics that I’d dyed along with lots of interesting textured threads.

     293

294. A hot air balloon picture.

     294

295. My favorite piece ever was a modern Swedish boat scene in embroidery that I made for my dad. I was in my mid teens at the time. I got it done in time to give him for Christmas and he took it and had if framed and it hung front and center in the living room

     295

296. My favorite completed project was a gift for my grandson. It is his favorite character, well at the time anyway, Deadpool. The saying along with a full figure Deadpool is, “Always be yourself, unless you can be Deadpool.” I wasn’t sure if he, being only 11 at the time, would appreciate a cross-stitched gift. He not only loves it he also understands the time and effort put into it.

     296

297. My favorite project ever stitched? I would have to say that my all time favorite project was a crewel piece that I worked 30 years ago of a basket full of pink roses. There were about 25 different shades of pink to contend with – I didn’t think I was ever going to get them sorted and in the right order!

     297

298. Rabbits! by Crewelwork.com Doing the Thread Painting and watching it come alive!

     298

299. My favorite stitch was an 1833 reproduction sampler called “Ann Tarbox “.

     299

300. I love my wool applique and crazy quilting with lots of embroidery, beads, SRE!

     300

301. My favorite piece is a reticello scissor case. I took a class with Diane Clements at an EGA regional seminar. Such a dignified calming talented teacher.

     301

302. My mother’s health was failing, but she completed needlepoint Christmas stockings for her mother and stepfather. She then started on one for me. One night, she stopped midstutch and said, “Honey, I can’t do this anymore.” Her vision had gone just too far.
     She had completed less than a quarter, and I finished the rest. Ever since, the “crazy-quilt” design has hung on my bedroom door (not too Christmassy for that). “Our project” is one of the things I would save in an emergency.

     302

303. I would say my wedding gown. I cross stitched the circular motif in 3 shades of blue, back in 1978.

     303

304. Oh boy, would I LOVE to win this one!!
     Favorite project ever? That is really tough!! I am fond of my Williamsburg alphabet sampler that took me 20 years to complete!! It has a real history! I really enjoyed an 18th Century stomacher I did in 2004 (crewel and metal). And I like the Arts & Crafts tea cozy done in the Liberty style. I always enjoyed tackling two Chatelaine designs (though neither finished – YET). But I hope the Best one will be the Casket that I start in on next. Which is where this slate frame would come in handy!!

     304

305. So far my favorite project has been the South African Bee eater sitting on a primrose branch. The pattern is by Trish Burr, I love her patterns and I love needle painting.

     305

306. My all time favorite piece is a very simple “crewel” type flower done on canvas. To make it look like crewel I had to pierce the canvas threads. It was a bit of a challenge at the time, but has always been one of my favorite piece because of it being so simple and clean looking.

     Never used a slate frame, but would love to try this one as it is not only functional, but lovely to leave out when not working on it.

     Tanis

     306

307. This is marvellous! I have an old tapestry frame which I adapted and jury-rigged as a slate-frame-alike, but an actual one would work so much better! I think my favourite piece I’ve done so far has been a sampler I did very fine vintage Victorian silk and (incongruously) Wessex stitching techniques that I adapted for the very delicate work. But really, whatever piece I’m currently captivated by it generally my favourite!

     307

308. I love the cross-stitched Lord’s Prayer I did for one of my children. Adjusted to pattern to suit and enjoyed myself, learning more as I went.

     308

309. Another wonderful Holiday give-away, Mary! My favorite stitching piece was a beautiful counted thread design with a seashell/seashore theme which I gave to my sister. I still remember the joy stitching this piece gave me. It was also the first time I was using a beautiful embroidery stand and frame to work with.

     309

310. A crewel stitched leopard, made years ago.

     310

311. Oh how wonderful! Thanks for always sharing the best designs!!

     311

312. My favourite piece was a crewel embroidery designed by Peggy Kimble of Island Stitchery Guild in Nanimo BC. I’ll try to post a photo.
     I’ve always wanted to try a slate frame!

     312

313. What a gorgeous frame, it’s a work of art! My favorite project is a Halloween quilt I made a few years ago. There are hand embroidered center squares of fun Halloween characters, framed with a log cabin pattern in adorable Halloween fabrics. I’m always so excited to put it out in October.

     313

314. My favorite project was a needlepoint kneeler that I did in honor of a grand lady. The needlepoint was a dandelion. I remember Beekie dropping to her knees in the garth of the cathedral to pluck the dandelions. I was so delighted when this was one of my choices.

     314

315. Probably my favorite project was a needlepoint rug with a dragon theme. It looks fairly Chinese. I’m fond of biggish projects in anything I undertake, needlework or not.

     315

316. So far I have done a few smalls in the Halloween theme in cross stitch. Currently I am doing a canvaswork scissor holder and am enjoying it. Stitching takes a back door this month til the cards are out and the last remaining Christmas presents are made. Yesterday was lotion bars and today I will finish sewing the rice hot bags!

     316

317. My favorite project is usually the one I am working on. I am often surprised that I can be creative. I don’t think of myself that way. However my most sentimental project was a quilt that I made with the imput of my son. He did not do any of the sewing, but he did help select the material and aid in the placement of the blocks. I called it “The Night Sky”. It makes me smile to think of the time we spent collaborating on this quilt.

     By the way, I am new to your newsletter, but have use your embroidery videos many times. They are great! Thanks.

     317

318. Without a doubt it is the “Wren”by Jenni
     Adin Christie. It has shown me so many new skills and helped me broaden my needlework horizon. I went to my first ever out of state class for 4 days.! In pain due to injuries but would do it again as she has helped me look so much further. Good help for a relative novice, I will always treasure “Mrs Wren”.

     318

319. Tough call!!!! The most well received was a sampler of Latvian motifs I did for my mother. The most fun to stitch was a complicated crewel piece I did for my sister. My favorite for me is whatever my current project is!!!

     319

320. My favorite needle work project has to some embroidery that I did as a seven year old as it started my life long enjoyment of all things stitchy!

     320

321. My favorite all time needlework project is a hand towel that I stitched in a class that I took in Funchal, Madeira. Our teachers could not speak English I could not speak Portuguese ,but words were not a barrier to the language of hand stitching. I worked all week on a hand towel that it took them 3 hours to stitch , and their work was perfection! I will always hold these women in high regard, for their tremendous skill and willingness to share their knowledge with us.

     321

322. My all-time favorite needlework project was a chatelaine that I designed for myself in Brazilian embroidery. It has all the elements that I love: tiny bees and a beehive, swirly Elizabethan motifs, and lots of beads. I finished it my very own self, too, and it turned out well. Finishing is such a challenge: the sprint at the end of a marathon! Thanks for this opportunity.

     322

323. Have been doing tambour and this frame would be fantastic to work with. Love how smooth and a good size to work with.

     323

324. Thank you for your giveaways. This year I am buying a slate frame if I don’t win one. I have a balsa wood one that is useless, but at least I finally tried to set one up.

     It is hard to think of what my overall favorite ever embroidery project is, so I think I will go with 2. The first is a stumpwork Rose that I worked from Inspirations magazine last year and made into a broach for my mother. I liked it so much, I made a second for a church, and intend on making more and branching out into other types of flowers and threads.

     The second is a tiny 2×2″ embroidery that I did a long time ago. It is a copy of a little woodcut by Rockwell Kent of a tree growing out of a dead stump. I copied it myself and got to experiment with stitches and what worked and didn’t. It was one of the first things I ever designed myself and I still love how it turned out.

     324

325. I have made many things that I love, but one of the most recent ones that I am really proud of, it is the ring pillow that I made for my niece’s wedding using Victoria Sampler pattern: Heirloom Wedding treasures, #8 in hte series, and of course I used her kit. It turmed out absolutely gorgeous.

     325

326. My favourite needlework is a series of embroidered Canadian wildflowers done in cotton and silk flosses on wool coating fabric. Loosely base on drawings from a Peterson Field Guide.

     326

327. My favourite project of all time (well, so far) is an Indigo Rose design: Brittany’s Quilt. I loved stitching it and now it hangs on my bedroom wall. It’s one of the first things I see each morning and it gives me such a lot of pleasure.

     327

328. Its hard to remember all the projects I’ve stitched. I started stitching when I was 16. That’s 44 years I’ve been stitching. A couple years ago I embroidered a pair of birds for a gift. I really enjoyed stitching them because I was using my Mums old silk embroidery threads that I inherited from her. They turned out beautiful.

     328

329. My all time favorite project is either my cross stitch Rose Window or the frame that has multiple small projects in it which includes brazillian, needle painting, stumpwork, petite point, hardanger and cross stitch.

     329

330. My project that I enjoyed stitching the most has been a design by Di van Niekerk which is a sampler of silk ribbon stitches, embroidery stitches, and stump work. I did sneak in some Brazilian embroidery on the sampler also. It was a project that kept me interested in learning new aspects of embroidery while allowing me to use different techniques which I would not have tried otherwise. The slate frame would be perfect for my next project from South Africa.

     330

331. Over the years, I’ve had many sentimental projects that I loved, but my favorite has been a counted stitch on linen of a law enforcement hat and belt, including handcuffs, baton, etc. – all the equipment they have on their waist. This was a surprise gift for my husband when he retired from the force and he loves it.

     331

332. My favorite needlework project was a goldwork & silk shading carousal horse. It was a class through the RSN and my first exposure to gold work. It’s currently framed & sitting on my mantle.

     332

333. I just had my favorite needlework piece framed. It is called “Berry Bramble”, designed by Celeste Chalasani. It is a stumpwork piece, with three-dimensional strawberry, raspberries, blueberries, and flowers on a trailing vine. It was fun to stitch, and is a beautiful piece!

     333

334. My all time favorite needlework was a snarky quote from my favorite movie made up in fancy stitches and colors. Silly but still a favorite of mine.

     334

335. My favorite project was a reproduction 18th C Ladies pocket. Done on linen with wools and silk. I still use it whenever I do 18 th C living history events. A slate frame would have been useful. I faked one with a picture frame.

     335

336. I have done many projects that I absolutely love….that’s the reason, tight? However, an embroidered cross stitch piece that I did for my “adopted” parents ( a college friend’s real parents) when they retired and moved to AZ is probably #1. My sense of achievement was so huge and seeing it displayed in their new home gave me such satisfaction!

     336

337. My 3 granddaughters, ages 7, 8 & 10 and I embroidered an advent calendar this year. We just finished ! We spent many happy hours together as they learned to embroider and sew on buttons. This was definitely my favorite stitching project ever as I felt so blessed to be able to pass down my love of stitching to 3 of those I love most.

     337

338. You sure don’t ask easy questions.

     My all-time favorite needlework project that you ever stitched would be a victorian santa that I made for my FIL.

     338

339. My all time favourites are the birthday cards I stitched for my mum each year. When she died I found them wrapped in tissue and tucked away in a drawer. They bring back lovely memories.

     339

340. Long ago, I did a counted crosstitch picture for my husband’s office- it had the phrase, well known, “all creatures great and small- etc. with a series of wild and tame animals and birds all around, framing the full phrase. It was my first linen project. He is now a retired veterinarian and the picture hangs in our home. I loved doing it- the animals look so lifelike!

     340

341. My very favorite piece I’ve done is a stumpwork piece called “Little Quail” designed by Lynn Paulette.

     341

342. My all time favorite project was making Christmas stockings for my nieces. I made them when the girls were young, and they display them to this day.

     342

343. Every project I do is my favorite, at the time. I haven’t made anything yet that stands out more then the other. I do several crafts so I don’t do a lot of any one. As I do more advanced projects I enjoy them more but my first ones also hold a special place because of what I learned with each one.

     343

344. My favorite project was stitching and constructing “Home Sweet Home”. The project was so fun because there was so much variety on the stitching. Constructing the house was a challenge since I had never done boxes!!

     344

345. My favorite piece was done years ago for my aunt. I don’t remember the name of the design nor the designer but it was a large piece that featured Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy by an old fashioned drum, in front of a window. My aunt never had a Raggedy Ann doll when she was young as money was tight. She loved this piece, done on linen, and even took it to the nursing home when she could no longer live on her own. Because this piece meant so much to her it meant a lot to me, too.

     345

346. When I was in junior high my grandmother taught me to stitch I did a piece of two peacocks that I thought turned out very well my grandmother thought it was beautiful ! I am still stitching to this day

     346

347. For me it was a canvas work piece for the RSN Certificate with tutor Tracy A Franklin. I used more than twenty diagonal, upright, tied and crossed stitches to build up texture and interpretation. It was hugely satisfying.

     347

348. The needlework I most enjoyed was the Saint Marks Cross I did for my mother and stepfather. My mother had set up a missionary church in Missouri and when it opened my Stepfather did a stained glass to hang in the church. It was beautiful and I felt they needed something at home to remember it so I adapted it to embroidery. It hung in their den until they both passed away. Now I have a rememberace of them . If you would like a picture let me know.

     348

349. I had a great time working on a piece of a cat sleeping on a quilt in a window surrounded by plants. It had surface embroidery, stump work, woven details and other techniques that I was trying for the first time. Had a ball and it was very satisfying.

     349

350. My favorite needlework is alway the one I’m currently working on! I love embroidery. It’s a very zen experience for me. I love all the gorgeous threads ; all the colors and textures. It’s heaven!

     350

351. My favorite embroidery projects come from your online projects, Mary. From turkeys to coloring book designs to Christmas trees, those have been my favorite. I’ve also enjoyed immensely Trish Burr’s book, Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners.

     351

352. This is a touch question, actually. I get attached to all my projects! My fav right now is a counted cross stitch of a globe cactus with embroidered lettering that says “can’t touch this” though.

     352

353. My favorite stitched project is a large airplane I cross stitched for my husband.

     353

354. I have 2 favourite all-time embroidery projects…so far. They were so enjoyable to stitch that I didn’t want them to end!

     They are:

     ‘Wild Rabbit’ by Tanja Berlin
     ‘French Rose’ by Trish Burr

     By the way, Mark’s slate frames are lovely. I am using one right now on a project and it was a much faster set-up than a regular slate frame.

     354

355. My favorite stitching project was a class project from Betsy Morgan. Her instructions are so clear and complete and it is a wonderful design of a children’s toy chest.

     355

356. My favorite needlework project that I have stitched so far is The Nestlings by Bev Tully featured in Inspirations magazine. I loved using all the fibers to create the nest.

     356

357. My favorite thing to stitch so far was a cross stitch of the Mater Dolorosa.

     357

358. Needlepoint crayola box completed while rocking my little girl…..a long time ago. I have just started doing embroidery.

     358

359. My all time favourite is a cross stitch called Santa’s Reunion. It is of 13 Santa’s grouped together, all shapes and sizes and differing costumes. It’s on my wall at all times. It’s such a happy piece.

     Karin

     359

360. My favourite project has been The Queen’s Treasure Chest by the Cat’s Whiskers Design Studio. I really had to think about this…I enjoy stitching all of my projects. Of all the things I have done this one is sitting out for me to see and walk by everyday.

     360

361. Growing up in England in the 50s, we learned needlework in elementary school as well at home. At the age of 8 the first item we learned to embroider was a pajama case. It had large cross-stitches on the sides to hold the sides together, but the best part was embroidering our first initial on the front flap. This was the very first thing I had with my own ‘S’ which meant it was my very own, and my two younger sisters couldn’t have it! They made their own cases later when they were old enough. I have embroidered many more complex pieces since then, but this pajama case was so special.
     Susan

     361

362. My favourite project was made 30+ years ago. I was working as a US Navy corpsman and on night shift in the emergency room. I stitched a needlepoint of a sunroom corner filled with potted plants including 3D ferns. I added 4 small pieces that had plants shown in the large piece. It was a Christmas gift for my sister in her new home.

     362

363. I’ve started so many things, and all are my favourites at the start. Lol. But I have only finished a fraction and out of those, I think my favourite was a counted blackwork unicorn by Dragon Dreams. It stitched up so quickly for a gift.

     363

364. What a lovely frame! And a difficult question. I’d have to say it’s a needlepoint pillow I did about 20 years ago, a beautiful rooster that I did and still do love. And it’s one of the small handful of needlepoints that survived my now adult dog’s puppy years. Sigh. Thanks for the opportunity!

     364

365. My all time favorite stitching project is, of course, whatever I’m working on at the moment. And at this moment, I am working on the blocks for a large Christmas crazy quilt. It has beads and fancy threads and whatever embroidery designs I can think of to do. I’m loving the work, and I hope to love the finished project some day.

     365

366. Honestly, my favorite needlework project is usually the one I’m currently stitching. I just love the process so much, the meditative quality of needle slipping through fabric, the feel of the threads on my fingers, seeing the picture emerge from the 2-D of the chart to the 3-D on my frame, feeling the snip snap of a quality pair of scissors (I’m a scissor-holic) as I cut threads. Everything about needlework is fun and magical for me. Thank you and Mark for the generous give-away!

     366

367. My all time favorite is as varied as the number of works in progress that I possess! From day to day the vote for ATF changes with the memories associated in the stitching and giving of finished projects. How could I choose only one?!

     367

368. Although I have stitched some nice surface embroidery as gifts and some for personal use, my all time favorite is a small T-Rex for one of my grandsons. He requested I stitch it to his favorite blanket. It is not my best stitched piece but his delight in the final project is what has made it my personal favorite!

     368

369. My favorite project I would have to say was a stump work Christmas ornament that was in the inspirations magazine . I love doing stump work.

     369

370. Oh my gosh, a Mythic Crafts Frame is literally the #1 item on my embroidery wishlist. My all-time favorite needlework project is the first needle painting I ever did: one of Tanja Berlin’s pansies. I was (and am) SO PROUD of that piece.

     370

371. My favorite to this day was an Erica Wilson crewel embroidery kit that I used on a small footstool.

     371

372. My favorite ever is…the next one. That’s what keeps me coming back to it!

     372

373. I have 2 favorites I’ve ever stitched. My butterflies from high school, where I took a coloring book page and stitched each butterfly as a type of surface embroidery sampler on satin.
     The other was my Cavern embroidery: 3rd photo in. \\https://www.facebook.com/NeedleArtsMagazine/photos/a.918433241516048.1073741826.436393419720035/1142830585742978/?type=3&theater

     It was so much fun, mainly because I made it up as I went. It’s very small, but lots of stitches, beads and crystals. I had a simple line drawing, and just went for it. FUN!!!

     373

374. My favorite needlework project was a large sampler from Williamsburg which still hangs proudly in my living room. I also dearly love a Santa portrait I did on tiny linen, using silk and gold thread.

     374

375. What a wonderful giveaway! I think my favorite project I ever stitched was my first wedding gift that I made using your stitch combinations alphabet. I was so thrilled to see the project come together, and it was so much fun to customize it to the wedding colors and flowers of my friend.

     375

376. My all-time favourite is a Hardanger bookmark shaped as an acorn. It took ages to finish, with virtually every sliver of original fabric covered or removed. I am very proud of it.

     376

377. My very favorite project: Three pillows, size 15″ x 18″ of 3 cactus flowers, prickly pear, cholla and clarit cup for a bench in our bathroom. The designs were taken from pen & ink with watercolor drawing I did a few year earlier. They are very colorful and bring a smile every time I enter the room. I drew the outline on canvas and did an outline stitch around, then I used my needle brush ( I call this needle painting) to first bring out the shadows and then fill the petals. The background is in two shadow of light blue sky intermingled in Parisian stitch.

     377

378. My favorite has been the ecclesiastical machine Embroidery that I have done for my Parish- amices and palls plus several lectern frontals

     378

379. My favorite project I ever embroidered was a tablecloth that I completed when I was a
     young newly engaged girl. The tablecloth has been long ago worn out as we have been married nearly 60 years.

     379

380. I have one of Mark’s s;ate frames and it is wonderful – thanks Mary! Who ever wins will be very lucky. I wanted to give my endorsement for Mark’s frame but don’t include me in the draw.

     380

381. Is it possible for this project to be in the mythical future? So far I’ve only finished a couple samplers, so I could pick one as my all time favorite, but I prefer to believe there are better things on the horizon. 🙂

     381

382. My all-time favourite porject is hands-down the cross stitch border I did on my Mom’s saree. The pattern was simple but beautiful, uninterrupted vines with leaves and flowers: 6 inch thick design in red, green, yellow and blue along both long edges of the 6 yard beige chiffon saree. This was my first ever foray into cross stitch. It was a long process and extremely fun, relaxing and fulfilling. It took me about a year to finish with 1 to 2 hours a day when I was in school.
     -Manasi

     382

383. My favorite needlework project? I immediately think of the Proper Stitch Sampler from Darlene O’Steen. It was my first counted-thread embroidery project. I had dragged my feet when considering to stitch samplers because, in my ignorance, I thought they consisted of cross stitches only. I love band samplers because there really is no way to become bored.

     383

384. My most favorite needlework project was weaving the fine linen for a wedding handkerchief. This was not to be any ordinary handkerchief–it was to be used by my son’s bride on November 18 of this year. After the linen was woven, I made bobbin lace for the edges and sewed it on. After that I embroidered her first initial “A” in cream and light blue using whitework technique. Very pleased with how it turned out and she was very much touched.

     384

385. My all-time favorite needlework project – that’s a tough one! I think it would have to be a large gold and silk letter J, from the Sajou 612 booklet you’ve talked about before. It was my first real experiment with goldwork, and I love it!

     385

386. My favourite is an icon image of Christ in silk shading, goldwork and some beading. It took a long time working on and off but when I am feeling a bit down, the image lifts me. I also admit to feeling proud that I managed it and it spurs me on to try other techniques.

     386

387. My favorite needlework project has to be Marilyn Leavett-Imblum’s “The Quilter.” The color and shading in this piece is just stunning. It took a while to stitch, but it was worth it!

     387

388. I spent about 3 1\2 years making Karen Kay Buckley’s Magical Mediallion Quilt for my king-size bed. Hand-appliqued and hand-quilted….lots of little stitches and over 1200 pieces of applique in this quilt. Although it’s showing signs of use, it still makes me smile and is my favorite project ( so far :))

     388

389. My all time favorite project is not completed yet! It is Theresa Wentzler’s Peacock Tapestry. It is my first big project and even though it is not finished (yet) I still love it so much.

     389

390. My favorite stitched project was a sweet crewelwork picture of a mother in a rocker with her baby, with a poem about how babies grow up so fast, and housework can wait. I gave it as a baby shower gift to one of my friends.

     390

391. A few years ago I cross stitched a pair of loons on oatmeal 14 count Aida cloth. My husband made a curved frame for it and it hangs in our living room. It’s quite simple, very minimalist, but when I look at it, I can almost hear the loons’ call. I love it!

     391

392. I love this question as it has me thinking about past projects. I think being a “favorite” has to do with whom I made it for. When I think about the project I think about the person who inspired it. My mother-in-law loved precious moments so I made her a wall hanging. It hung next to her bed for thirty years. Now with her passing, (she made 100 years), it has returned to me. When our daughters went off to boarding school I made them little hangings of family sayings. When we moved to the mountains we raised chickens and pigs. I did chicken and pigs. Birds, I can’t get enough of birds….
     But to pick a favorite…. It is my Doberman Pincher that I gave to my friend and breeder Eve. I designed it from start to finish. I take extra pride in this project as it truly is “my” project. Not someone else’s design. I dream about it and I know I’m not done with it yet. Next I want to fabric collage the pattern and see where that takes me.
     Thanks for asking.

     392

393. I had a kit sent to me by my friend who lives jn Western Australia of an Elizabethan Pin Wheel worked in Australian threads. It was a joy to work.

     393

394. my favourite project was finishing off a beautiful crewel picture which had been begun by a friend’s great aunt. I felt so privileged to be able to complete it and remain in awe of the extraordinary skill of the ladies from that era

     394

395. Hi Mary,

     My all-time favorite piece was one I finished just a year ago … Elizabeth Almond’s “Save the Stitches” project. It took me over three years to complete it because of it’s size, but it was such fun to work on, and I certainly learned lots about blackwork.

     Thanks for another wonderful opportunity to win!!

     Sandra F.

     395

396. My favorite project is probably my first – cross stich on an apron that I sewed when I was about 12. It is special because I completed the apron and the cross stitch with my grandmother, who was a talented crafter. I learned a love of knitting and needlework from her, although her passion for sewing apparently skipped this generation.

     396

397. So far, my favorite project was a White Ermine Moth from one of Jane Nicholas’s books. As soon as I discovered Stumpwork, I’ve been obsessed and love stitching insects! Can’t wait to make more!

     397

398. Oh, that’s a hard question. I’ve done a lot that I love. I think my favorite one is the quilt I did for my son. It has twelve block I embroidered. It took a long time but it was so fun to do.

     398

399. My favourite embroidery was a Goldwork Peacock that I stitched for my daughter in law, Heather. It was my most challenging project to date, but the struggle was well worth it just to see Heather’s reaction when she received it.

     399

400. My most favorite embroidery are the 7 very special embroidered Christmas stockings I did for each of my children.

     400

401. My all time favourite project that I have stitched is a petite point Madonna and Child piece . Sometimes our projects become very special to us because of what is happening in our lives while we are stitching them. This is the case with this piece! It fills my heart! Thanks Mary for all you do for us Needleworkers! Cheers! Pat

     401

402. My favorite embroidery project is a sampler I made 41 years ago, when my son was first born. Alphabet, numbers, a variety of stitches … and right in the center is a doe lying down. I think it was a Family Circle magazine pattern. It was meant to be a large wall hanging (and, as such, it hung in my first living room for a long time), but several years ago I made it into a pillow that now resides on my bed. Every time I see it I think of my son and that first sweet year of motherhood.

     402

403. I love slate frames. I am still doing my favorite needlework project. Morning Glory and Bamboo from “Painting with a Needle” by Young Yang Chung.

     403

404. Thank you in advance Mary and Mark for this wonderful opportunity. My all time favorite piece was a simple spray of cherry tomatoes cross-stitched on 24 count Aida. I worked the stems and leaves first and then the tomatoes from the bottom to the top. It was like watching the tomatoes ripen under my needle. I also love the hexagonal crazy quilt blocks I have designed and made for my story quilt “The Princess of the Pond”, for which I have also written the story. This quilt and book is to be donated to our local children’s hospital to be used by the caregivers to send the children to a fantasy world for a short time.

     404

     1. I’ve been reading the previous comments and it has brought to my memory so many of the other pieces I have worked up in my embroidery career. BTW, I just took a close look at those tomatoes and realized it was on 32 not 24 count.
        Best regards and luck to all, Brenda C

405. WoW! Would love to win one of these, thank you for this amazing gift.

     405

406. My favorite needlework project is my only needlework project so far….a wool pin cushion with two cherries and leaves embroidered in wool.

     406

407. A small embroidered wall hanging when my oldest was born. Had a mother rocking her baby with the words: Quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep, I am rocking my baby and babies don’t keep”

     407

408. Nearly 45 years ago, I stitched a Danish kit that was a cross-stitched floral pillow. It was stitched on off-white wool woven fabric with colorful wool threads in reds, blues, yellows, greens. I had purchased the pattern on a trip to Denmark. It remains an all-time favorite.

     408

409. My favourite needlework project that I have completed is a petit point picture of a mermaid by Melanie Delon.

     409

410. My favorite stitching project is one that I have framed and hanging in my home. The message is “Be Ye Thankful”. I look at it year-round and remember to be grateful each time I walk past.

     410

411. You really ask some difficult questions. You would think it would be easy but each project as I stitch it is my current favorite. Difficult to choose just 1 out of all of them but I think it would have to be a cottage scene with a bridge over a pond with a swan. Just because when I look at it it is so peaceful and tranquil looking.

     411

412. My favorite piece of needlework was a recently finished quilt top of the Ferris Wheel scene from the book “Go Dog Go” that I stitched for my first grandchild. I love that through color and shadow I was able to replicate the depth of the original illustration, and grandson likes to run his fingers over the stitches. His mother, my daughter, loves that I remembered her favorite children’s book and that I added her two dogs to the picture.

     412

413. My favorite was probably a cross stitch project for a friends wedding gift. It took several months because I was going slow so that it would be perfect.

     413

414. My favorite project i ever stitched was Henry the Eight and the Tudors. They were canvases by JP Needlepoint with stitch guides by Amy Bunger. They were challenging to stitch, but the results were beautiful!!

     414

415. My all time favorite is the project I’m now working on.
     It’s a 17th century floral piece in cross stitch. When that’s finished I’m gonna work the tulips, roses and other flowers with stumpwork/needlelace petals and leafs.

     If I’m honest it’s difficult to choose an all time favorite because each piece has it’s own memories and feelings. Sometimes I’ve learned a lot, sometimes it’s just relaxing, sometimes it was a challenge, sometimes it was my first acquaintance but I always love it.

     415

416. Many years ago I made a design that became the face of a clock. I still have it and it still works! I look at it everyday and it makes me smile!!

     416

417. I am quite proud of a stumpwork under the sea themed box I made last year. It had crystals and beads and lots of vivid colors.

     417

418. The Trevelyon Cap course by Kathy fron The Threaded Needle has been and still is my favorite embroidery project. Due to an complete arm surgery I have not been able to finish it, for which I am terrible sorry. Soon I will be able to do so.
     I enjoyed it so much and learned a lot, however my arthritis stopped my completing the work.
     I am hoping to be able to make one of Hazel Blomenkamp’s embroidered creatures.

     418

419. Loved the 50th anniversary sampler made for my parents ten years ago. It was a Just Nan pattern adapted to honor the milestone and one of the first needlework pieces finished.

     419

420. My favorite stitchery was a series of counted cross stitch patterns from around the St Louis area. The series had The Zoo, Union Station, The Arch, Westport Plaza and Main Street in historic St Charles. I have completed the Zoo and the Arch. The frame would be a marvelous help in keeping the fabrics taut, I used just the plastic gripper frames and they tend to come loose very often. Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful prize. It would make my Christmas much merrier if it was under my tree.

     420

421. After watching several videos I decided to try ribbon embroidery. I made a lamb and it really did come out cute. The project also required embroidery which I learned watching Needle N Thread. I was so excited once I saw that I could really do it that I found myself screeching with joy. I live in El Paso, Texas and I wish we had more availability to go to classes so I’ve been very greatful for online tutorials. Anyway, I gave the little lamb which I then sewed on a pillow as a gift for Christmas to my Mother.

     421

422. My own favourite piece is a surface embroidery (done on stamped linen from a kit) of the Canadian provincial flowers that I stitched as a teenager. It was the first larger project I’d ever done, and my mother had it framed for me. It’s been on the walls of our homes ever since, and gave me the confidence to learn more about many different types of stitching in the decades since then and to enjoy both the process and the final results.

     422

423. My most favorite item I’ve stitched is a Sports Sample for my husband. We weren’t married yet, and I did the “four seasons” in cross stitch. We’ve been married 30 years, and it still hangs in his office!

     423

424. I stitched a Mother’s Day card last spring and my mother was touched. What could be better than that?

     Thanks to both you and Mark for the slate frame giveaway. I have one of his frames and it is beautiful. Would love to have a second one so more than one project at a time can get such a nice setup.

     424

425. My favourite project would have to be the three samplers of circles i made for my sister. I used bright colours matching a quilt she had made. It was a lot of fun to make and they turned out to be gorgeous.

     425

426. The most favourite embroidery piece that I have stitched so far is my gold work historic shoe that I stitched at the Royal School of Needlework, at Hampton Court; for my Certificate with Helen McCook, as my Tutor.

     426

427. I did a cross stitch Christmas picture. My 2 small children “helped” with the project.

     427

428. My favorite project is usually the one that I am currently working on. Started one of the Christmas Trees. It is so simple and relaxing that it is truly love it. Might have to do another because it is coming along so fast.

     428

429. That’s easy! I loved doing my crazy patchwork evening bag. I’ve only been embroidering for just over 18 months and this project was so interesting because it made me use lots and lots of different stitches to great effect. I couldn’t wait to get cracking each day and it took me ages because I’m such a novice. By the way thanks for your great tutorials – they were a lifesaver for the project!

     429

430. Beautiful work! I love Mirabilia and Nora Corbett charts for cross stitch. Anything whimsical and especially Painted Pony Design Angels. One of my most challenging was working on a Laurel Burch design as a new needlepointer. I love all the options of stitching that needlepoint provides.

     430

431. My most favourite project was a Arraiolos rug, I designed, chose the colours and love the end result. Although I have already stitched 3 rugs, this one is my favourite.

     If you care to have a look, you’ll find it on this page of my blog – it is the one in reds, greens and off white.
     http://crossatstitch.blogspot.pt/

     431

432. My favorite piece was a bell-pull that my Uncle Vernon designed for me. It was full of French knots, done with crewel yarn. Thanks!

     432

433. Gay Ann Rogers “Ami”

     433

434. My favorite piece was done a long time ago as a gift for my MIL. It was a Dimensions kit, a crewel still life with fruit and an antique coffee grinder and some flowers. It was a real stretch for me at the time and I totally loved doing it and doing it for her. She so appreciated everything I made for her as she wasn’t a stitcher AT ALL!!! 🙂
     It still hangs on the wall in their dining room.

     434

435. Hello Mary; thank you again for hosting this special Christmas series of give-aways! Hmmm, I think my favorite project that I have stitched is the Berry Bouquet design by Debbie Kelley. It was my first “advanced” project that I completed and I get so many complements on it. The berries always look refreshing, no what time of year it is!

     435

436. The project Im most proud of is
     the Di Van Niekerk book, “Ribbon
     Embroidery and Stumpwork”.
     I saw the pattern at my quiltshop
     and had a challenge learning
     all the different stitches as Id never
     done stumpwork or silk ribbon
     embroidery before. I was fascinated
     by all the techniques and I love small detail work. I had it professionally framed and it hangs
     in the dining room over the buffet.

     436

437. My favorite design is any design from Lavender and Lace. I have stitched up several and currently keep them for myself–I just hate to give them away.

     437

438. Wow. To win a slate frame would be beyond my wildest dreams. My all time favorite needlework piece I have stitched is Elegant Evantail by Kay Stanis. It is an extensive silk and metal piece that is beyond beautiful..

     438

439. Very favourite sewing was a Chasuble & Stole for my daughter when she was prorated. I also made a teddy bear with an exact Chasuble & Stole in miniature. I also learnt how to do some simple macrame knots to produce tassels on the bottom of the teddybear’s Stole with 14 knots to remind her she was ordained in 2014. The pictures down the front of the Chasuble were copies of individual parts of the 6 churches that she would be serving. The front was produced with modern techniques and the back had the same pictures produced in a more traditional way. Loved it. Thanks for the memory.

     439

     1. There is a mistake in the comment – it should have said ‘when she was Priested’ not ‘protated’ – predicted text isn’t always the best.

440. My all time favorite project was making my daughters prayer shawl. I had always wanted to try stump work, so I made flowers of Israel for her. It was a true labor of love and I’m so proud of it.

     440

441. Would love to embroider one of the tiny trees on the lovely slate frame. Have the happiest of holidays!
     Gayle

     441

442. All time favorite needlepoint so far has been a Raymond Crawford cardinal I made as a gift. Loved the painted canvas and how nice it worked up

     442

443. My all time favourite would have to be a Hardanger sampler from about 12 years ago. I loved doing all of the six panels, one of which was a little house that I grew rose round the door in x stitch. I also used a variety of “soft” colours on the different fillings. Lovely to look at and such a great reference tool.

     443

444. It truely is hard to pick one project. I love making new birth samplers and wedding samplers.
     After those I have some cute “bee” works. I collect bee skeps and enjoy decorating with my needle work & quilts.

     444

445. I made a set of dishtowels with a vintage redwork design of bluebirds in a nest for my beloved Grandmother who loved bluebirds. On Christmas, when she opened up the neat little bundle tied with vintage grosgrain, her eyes flooded with tears. Though this was a relatively simple project to complete, I will always consider it my favorite because of the joy that it brought her- and to me!

     445

446. Good day Mary,
     This frame is gorgeous and Mark a true artisant. Presently I am stitching Midnight Meander from Hazel Blomkamp which is quite a challenge but ohhh so beautiful although I have to say that my favourite of all has been the fox from Millie Marotta’s colouring book inspiration came with Jessica Grimms embroidered version. To this day I am thankful to your review posts on these, you have triggered my passion for needle and threads hahahahaha thanks to your generous partners and to you for hosting these give away!

     446

447. My favorite project to date was a Brazilian embroidery heart in which I learned the technique and used it as a tool to quit smoking since I needed to use both hands. I have it hanging in a frame on on my wall and I am still smoke-free to this day. It has been 8 and one half years!

     447

448. My all time favorite needle piece would be ‘Walkabout’, a wool appliqué piece embellished with embroidery, beads, ribbon, velvet etc. featuring edible insects of Australia. Investigating stitches to use introduced me to many embroiderers via the web including Mary, her vast stitch dictionary and fabulous videos

     448

449. It would have to be our wedding candlewick piece. When we married I was firmly in early American style. 34 years later, it’s still up. My style is more mid century modern, but my husband refuses to get stuck in a style, so everything fits well.

     449

450. Years ago I did a medieval lady with a grey afghan hound. This was in cross stitch on 32 count. Took quite a bit of time to complete. I doubt if my eye site would allow me to do this project again. Thanks again for the opportunities this Christmas season.

     450

451. Thank you so much, Mary, for the time and effort you take on your blog. It is a fantastic reference for all things needlework and I have learned so very much in the years I’ve been reading. It is always difficult to pick a “favorite” – but the first thing that came to mind was Teresa Wentzler’s Egyptian Sampler. It was a joy to stitch and I still smile when I look on it every day in my home.

     451

452. My best needlework project is a hardanger oval frame piece to decorate the top of my small sewing basket-so pretty! Thank you, Susan

     452

453. The first piece of Elizabethan embroidery I designed myself .loved doing it .

     453

454. I would love to win the slate frame and needle minder. I often use scroll rods and would appreciate the opportunity to try something new. Thank you for your generosity in offering the giveaway.

     454

     1. Forgot to name my favorite project – Lavender and Lace’s Angel of Love.

455. My favorite all-time project was a cross-stitch kit of a cottage exterior, dressed for Christmas, with about a billion french knots on the roof for snow. It was a lovely design – Creative Circle, I miss you! – and I displayed it proudly the Christmas after it was finished – 1983. The next summer we moved to Germany (Army family) and our crates (our household belongs) got wet, then sat in a very hot warehouse for a couple months as we were on emergency leave back to the States (my FIL died) and then had to look for housing when we got back to Germany. That lovely piece of embroidery was totally ruined by mold. A good few other things as well, but it’s the kit that I remember. I kept it a few years, but nothing I did removed the black, and I eventually threw it away.

     455

456. My favorite needlework is a crewel picture of a cornucopia with squash, grapes, etc., fall vegetables. I ‘m pretty sure that the pattern was an Erica Wilsom. I made many of her patterns at the time when she was so popular. The picture of the frame looks so beautiful and I’d love to be picked.

     456

457. I have never used a slate frame and would love the opportunity. Thanks for all the Christmas goodies in your giveaway. Even if I don’t win anything it is great to see the products and learn about the companies.

     My all time favorite stitching project was. 36 in bell pull. It was my first opportunity to learn hardanger and to live with feat of making the first cuts into the fabric as well as the way to fix when my scissors went a little toooo far. I gave it to my mother for her birthday. I get to see it many times a week when I go visit her.

     457

458. Thank you for the chance to win! I think my all time favorite stitching projects are the two matching cross stitch pieces that depict a set of two young girls, one blond and one brunette. It reminds me of when my daughters were young, but also of my dearest friend! =}

     458

459. My favorite piece of stitching was the blackwork owl I stitched last summer at the Royal School of Needlework.

     459

460. I think my all time favorite that I stitched has to be a 16×20 wizard and dragon cross stitch. It was on Black Aida and it was heavily stitched—from one to three threads, metallic, blended colors—oh my! I had a light underneath the frame so I could see the holes better…took a long long time. But it was a labor of love, my son loves his dragons—still does LOL I know for sure I had 3 errors in it—creative elements LOL I’m not sure if there’s more my son’s 43 and he does cross stitch too.

     460

461. My cross stitch Tudor Angel. But now that I am delving into surface embroidery I hope to have many more favorites.

     461

462. My favorite is a 12”x18” picture of 4 gnomes (very real looking, not garden statues) with 4 medicinal herbs. I didn’t know I was able to do such good work until this embroidery peice, so that might be part of why I thought of it, but also I just love the scene.

     Thank you for such a lovely giveaway. All my digits are crossed!
     Seek peace,
     Wendy

     462

463. Hi Mary! What an awesome prize 🙂
     One of my all time favorite projects was to stitch up a poem that my mom wrote. I stitched up three of them (roughly 8″x 11″), one for my mom, one for my daughter, and one for my sister. Unfortunately, I have yet to make one for my own home!
     Merry Christmas!

     463

464. My favorite is the Stitcher’s Prayer, not for its beauty, but for its motto:

     “I pray that, risen from the dead,
     I may in glory stand,
     A crown perhaps upon my head,
     But a needle in my hand.”

     I give away nearly all my work, but that one stays with me.

     464

465. I did a crewelwork piece with gorgeous irises many years ago that always made me smile when I looked at it. Over the years it disappeared (in a move, I think) but I realized that was okay as I had gotten the chance to make and enjoy it for years. It also meant that I could create another piece to cheer me!

     465

466. A long row of Amsterdam houses in blue cross and back stitch. Complete with endless little windows, balconies and elaborate roof decorations it looks fabulous!

     466

467. My favorite piece is the wedding wreath. We have been married 34 years. I Brailizan Embroidered the heart-shaped Wreath with my husband’s name and mine to show my love for him and my love from this craft. It came out gorgeous and we both starred at it and he said, “I love You and the work you do with embroidery!”

     467

468. My favorite crewel piece is one by Phillipa Turnbull that was featured in Insiration magazine a couple years ago. I learned a lot from doing this piece. She used many stitches. Some of which were new to me. It’s framed and on my bedroom.

     468

469. What’s my all time favourite needlework project that I ever stitched???
     This HAS to be my Emmie Bishop sampler – it had a huge variety of stitches; it took me years to complete because I was learning so many different techniques. When finished, I decided this was going to be an heirloom item: I had it framed with Museum quality glass, Museum quality material throughout. It is quite large once framed, and it has a place of honour in our dining room.

     469

470. The needlework item I am most proud of is an Irish linen baby dress incorporating miles of hemstitching, original embroidery design of bullion roses, eyelets and filet embroidery. I learned the techniques from Mirella Aroyo in classes taken at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion. I’m glad I undertook it while my eyes and fingers were still young!

     470

471. My all time needlework project is The Old Man of the Sea, a head portrait of a fisherman that looks so much like my husband. I always enjoy looking at it and it has a prominent place in our house each time we move. It reminds me of our connection to the sea as well as the many years it took me to finish. I finally finished it when we were teaching in an isolated logging camp in Southeast ALaska and I was sitting on the beach watching mostly all of the kids in camp playing in the water. I had lost the directions and was putting the final touches on the old man’s ear….it certainly isn’t perfection, but always brings back memories. That is what makes it special…the love that went into it.

     471

472. My favorite piece is a cross stitch kit by Thea Gouverneur of a cat’s head. It’s all in shades of gray and black – about 20 different ones – and although it was a reals challenge, I refer to it as my masterpiece!

     472

473. Stitcher’s Christmas #4 Give-away

     After 40+ years of stitching, choosing a favorite needlework project is a daunting challenge. Many have captured my heart, some have confounded me. One of my most recent projects has truly delighted me at every stage, however – The Mellerstain Firescreen from the Crewel Work Company. It is a reproduction of a 19th Century Scottish design featuring two wonderful parrots, woodland animals and leafy vines.

     When I read your story about Mark Harris and his beautiful craftsmanship, I knew he was the artisan I wanted to design the firescreen frame that would hold my finished embroidery. He is completing that project for me now, and I can’t wait to display the finished masterpiece in my living room.

     473

474. My all-time favourite stitching project was a needlepainting adaptation of a photo that I took in Bayeux 2012. The photo of a little creek running through the colourfully planted parking lot near the city is a constant reminder of a fantastic trip to learn needle lace in Normandy. I worked in a variety of threads from cotton and linen to silks to get the different textures of the flowers and leaves and I even used some textile paints to highlight the reflections in the water. As I often worked on it in public, I had many people come up to see what I was doing; one woman even pulled it from my hands to inspect it more closely. After it was framed and I went to pick it up, a customer in the store refused to believe that it was an embroidery and not a photo.

     474

475. I made a picture of a starfish that had a variety of stitches to give it texture. It not only was pleasing to view, but it had a great texture also.

     475

476. My all time favourite (so far) would have to be the Roses and Antique Lace stumpwork and goldwork piece by Alison Cole. I was fortunate enough to do a two day class with her in Auckland, New Zealand last year and now have a new addiction, along with all the other needlework addictions I’m acquiring!! Upon final completion, I could not believe that I had created something so sumptuous and beautiful. I look at it most days and it inspires me to give other things a go and also make me proud of what I have achieved.

     476

477. I think it is difficult to choose the most favorite needlework project I have stitched, but I will name Beginner’s hardanger by Marion Scoular, which I made into a pillow. I used Watercolors overdyed thread which was a challenge, but I am proud of the result.

     477

478. My favorite stitching project of all time was two old world santas on navy even weave. I completed then while I was in college and the were auctioned for the local fire department

     478

479. My favorite piece of all time has to be Lizzie’s Losenges, an Elizabethan sampler designed by Melinda Sherbring. New stitches, wonderful design, great stitch!

     479

480. My favourite thing I’ve stitched, I think is Mary Hickmott’s Hellebores. It is stitched over one on Congress Cloth and I know the border is exactly right.

     480

481. My favorite embroidery project that I have done was a set of four pictures depicting the four seasons. I did this as a Christmas gift for my mother.

     481

482. A plastic canvas bag in shades of late 1980s neon that I made for my mother for Christmas. My ten year old self thought it was the *height* of tasteful. What my poor mother thought of it remains, to this day, a mystery, but she used that bag for many years and waxed poetic about its beauty when it was unwrapped. It was the first project I ever stitched entirely by myself. I planned it, I bought my supplies with my own allowance and I stitched it from start to finish…and had it done in time for Christmas!

     482

483. My favorite needlework project was a communal tapestry of Alice in Wonderland, which was a project we did in 1965 in our 5th-grade classroom, managed by our teacher, who was a lover of Erica Wilson crewel embroidery. She drew Alice: blonde hair adorned with barrette, wearing white blouse in blue jumper, sitting in a field with grass, thistles and other flowers, a rabbit. Each student chose a character, which we drew and embroidered on a square approx. 6×6 inches, which ultimately bordered the large center piece of Alice. I made a mouse-and-teacup square, but my greatest memory revolves around Alice, which a friend and I worked on more than anyone else. We spent hours and hours chain and split-stitching! The finished piece was exhibited at the British embassy in DC, then hung in our school square for many years. I am grateful to our teacher for offering us a unique experience, teaching us (boys and girls together) a skill, entrusting us—a roomful of 10-year-olds—with creativity and artistry, inspiring a lifelong interest. We created a beautiful timepiece, which is “mine” only in the memory of my experience.

     483

484. I loved to work on my small projects (magnets, towels, pillowcases, etc) that I hand stitch, adding beads and special stitches, and give as a special thank you to friends and family.

     484

485. I made a tree skirt for my sister, stitched entirely in rayon. I used nativity patterns.

     485

486. Hi Mary,
     Thank you once again for organising such a wonderful give-away. My all time favourite was embroidering my daughter’s wedding veil. She is our butterfly girl and her veil needed butterflies! The actual embroidery was very simple, just outlines of varying sized butterflies using one strand of silk for the small ones and one strand of metallic and one strand of silk for the larger ones, but it meant so much to both of us.

     486

487. These questions are HARD! Pick a favorite? Wow! I really have to name a few- my hardanger Welcome for my daughter and sister – and a wool piece I did last year for Thanksgiving

     487

488. My favorite embroidery is a Christmas table cover I embroidered over 30 years ago.
     It has 4 Christmas scenes based on the night before Christmas story and is embroidered using different stitches. I have embroidered many other items since then, but it is my favorite.

     488

489. My all time favorites are the 3 birth cross stitches I have done for my 3 grandchildren. I now have 2 more I need to do.

     489

490. My all time favorite thing I have stitched was a hardanger doily. I used pale blue motifs on off white linen. I think it was stunning. It is a gift fr a family members birthday.

     490

491. My favorite project is a needlepoint designed by Carroll Lake and Michael Boren, the Church on Spilled Blood from St. Petersburg, Russia. It was large and complex, and when I signed up for the class I was sure I would never finish it, but the instructions were so good I got it done in 4 months! I would love to have this gift of the slate frame and needle minder for Christmas! Thank you, Mary!

     491

492. Oooo, I would love that slate frame, as I am going to venture into goldwork for the first time soon!
     It’s hard to choose my favorite project, although I do have things that I have enjoyed making more than others. I guess I would say that it would have to be the “Box of Days” that I constructed as a response to a challenge issued by my chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America. We were given a pack of hand-dyed wool pieces, buttons, beads, and a yo-yo, and told to make something. I used the pieces and other materials to embellish an oval box, with depictions of the four seasons on the sides, and a multi-branched tree, flowers, and pond on the top. It really stretched my creativity, and I would like to revisit the project sometime in the future.

     492

493. My favourite piece of needlework ever was the first piece I did that wasn’t just cross stitch; there was queen stitch and other speciality stitches. It led me to explore other stitches and other technics. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of the designer or the name of the pattern (it was a long time ago) but it does still hang on my wall.

     493

494. > What’s your all-time favorite needlework project that you ever stitched?

     This is such a difficult question! I think my favorite project I’ve yet completed was a baby blanket for my niece with the star field from the time she was born.

     494

495. Any project I actually complete is my new favorite!

     495

496. My favorite project was a series of mandalas I used to practice different stitches. They all came out really pretty.

     496

497. I made a baby quilt with very subdued blue and white colors. I embroidered nursery theme pictures in the white blocks

     497

498. My favorite piece, for now, is a silk and goldwork Tudor Rose that was the first thing I stitched after several years of not being able to because of a series of strokes. (around the time you were doing the Mission Rose, but not of that design) I finally got a medicine that controls the tremors and will stitch as long as I can because it could change in a moment for any of us.

     498

499. Merry Christmas Mary!
     Of course I love all of the embroidery projects that I have stitched; how could it be otherwise? The one piece that is my favorite is my Nicola Jarvis bluebird (that’s the piece I would take with me if my house were burning down!). Thank you so much for your website-I can’t count the times you have come to my rescue with your tutorials and advice. Reading your blog makes me feel like you’re sitting in my kitchen with a cup of tea and having a good chat! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

     499

500. I just finished up one of my favorite embroidery projects – Christmas ornaments! I got happy with the bead embellishment too because, well, what’s Christmas without some sparkle? I’m just starting on another project for a gift, we’ll see if I finish in time – an embroidered rendition of a photo of two doggies, pets of a friend. One of them is a black lab, and he’s black all over so that should be interesting!!

     500

501. It’s the Matryoshka doll I’m working on right now. She’s vibrant with lots of floral designs and about 6” tall. Can’t wait to get it finished and framed

     501

502. My favourite project is a Ukrainian Whitework piece using Gay Eatons book as a guide. I was fortunate to take a class with Gay a few years ago. Sadly she passed away this year, this piece will always remind me of happy times at the Wanaka Embroidery School

     502

503. Been seriously stitching for thirty-five years. So there are many projects I loved. My favorites are Christmas projects. They are so colorful and cheerful. Of those, the Nora Corbet reindeer really stand out. Always hate to put them away after the holidays.

     503

504. My favorite project was a thread painting of a landscape. I stitched it with out pattern and creative abandon!! I learned a lot from the sewing and the creative possibilities of needle and thread!

     504

505. My daughter asked me to do a Sunflower. I have loved doing this for her.

     505

506. My favorite stitching project was a small realistic wild rabbit hiding amongst some small desert flowers. I really enjoyed that project and how it turned out.

     506

507. Hard to pick a favorite. But Mine is an older Shepherd’s Bush design called
     Harvest Moon.
     It was so much fun it seemed to stitch itself.

     507

508. My favorite needlework piece – to date – is the Essamplaire reproduction Maria Antoni. It is a Mexican Sampler with beautiful colors stitched in ver a Sore. The light plays on the stitches, there are a variety of motifs, bead work, etc. Everything to love and a beautiful piece when finished. Very good instructions as well.

     Thank you for the fun of a give a way

     Lois

     508

509. My all time favorite project was Nova by Ginny Morrow. I absolutely loved every single stitch and hated when I put the last stitch in.

     509

510. Favorite project:
     Lizzie-Kate “My Secret Garden”.

     510

511. How could one choose an all time favorite? If I absolutely had to choose (for the sake of the contest ;)) I would have to say my current project: Embroidered tees for my brother, sister in law, and two baby nephews.

     The project itself is nothing crazy but the fact that I can give something hand made to my loved ones for the holiday is such a joy.

     Happy holidays 🙂

     511

512. My favourite completed project so far is a sampler of surface embroidery which includes flowers and insects. Fun to do and exciting to see them develop and emerge off the linen.

     512

513. Thank you Mary for this gorgeous giveaway!
     My favorite project (it is difficult to choose!) was a little sampler that I cross stitched many years ago as a gift to my dear Mum.
     Have a nice day!
     Warm regards from France
     Ghislaine

     513

514. My all-time favorite needlework project are the Christmas stockings I made for our daughters.

     514

515. There have been many ‘favorite’ projects, but my favorite designer for cross stitch is Pamela Kellogg and one of her pieces – a cat I call Patrick stands out in my mind as a favorite. I’ve just recently finished Katarina from Trish Burr and it challenged me and I just love the finished project. Have used some of the older frames where you sew the piece on, so would enjoy seeing the difference with these frames, should I be drawn to win – and I love the magnetic needle minders.

     515

516. Boy, this is my all time favorite give away. I’d have been happy with gift certificate from Mark! Let me just wipe the drool off the screen….

     I love all my projects. Each one has taught me something new. So far my favorite has been a book I made to honor my sister, who passed away. The book is full of things I haven’t embroidered on before, screen, cork, silk chiffon…and it has calligraphy and watercolor.

     I started it to deal with my grief. Now I’m going to submit it to the SF School of Embroidery for their Multi Media Challenge.

     Thanks Mark and Mary.

     516

517. These slate frames look so beautiful. My favourite piece was Memories of Solar Flare by Ro Pace, I loved the threads, the stitches and the finished result.

     517

518. My favourite needlework project would be a set of four Canadian scenes in petitpoint on fine gauze which I made for my daughter about 40 years ago- a bit fine for me now, but I still like to look at them and remember the challenge. I would be delighted to receive the slate frame made by Mark and his wife. Thank you to them for offering this prize. Evelynne

     518

519. Tropical punch canvas work piece. Thanks for the give away.

     519

520. I have not completed it but my favorite piece of needlework that I’ve stitched on is the Jane Bostocke Sampler. I love the history and all the stitches used to make this antique sampler.

     520

521. As a fairly new stitcher, I have not completed very many projects yet. My favourite so far is a Christmas stocking with skating penguins on it. It is hanging for the first time this year.

     I am also just starting to accumulate the necessary stitching supplies and would be thrilled to win the slate frame in today’s giveaway.

     521

522. I am in the process of making a Sunbonnet Sue quilt with 24 embroidered blocks for my granddaughter. I am over half way through and LOVE making the designs on Sue. She is doing different little girl things like holding a puppy and chasing a butterfly. Just reminds me of my granddaughter. I love this project because it will be for her and it is so lively and bright.

     522

523. The favorite needlework project I have stitched til now is Gay Ann Rogers Queen Elizabeth.I have been enamored of Queen Elizabeth I since college, so bringing her to life with embroidery was a work of love. I also learned a lot as the project includes black work, pulled thread, bargello, and bead work.

     523

524. I have never worked with a slate frame, and would love the chance to work with one of these lovely heirloom frames 🙂 Thanks so much for the giveaway! My favourite project is usually whatever I’m working on right now LOL Can’t beat that New Project Enthusiasm 😉

     524

525. I love needle work projects. My favorite needle work was a beautiful and tiny, blue and green dragon smelling a snapdragon. It turned out wonderfully! I would love this giveaway! Thanks!

     525

526. Oriental Splendor-Lena Lieu -Dimensions Gold Kit – absolutely stunning when I finished-have had numerous complements on it.

     526

527. That is a beautiful frame. I would love to have it for my current project, a fairly large sampler.

     How to choose a favorite project–what a hard question. I think I will pick my pair of Mary Fry butterflies. It’s in my favorite technique, mixed media, and includes blackwork patterns done in color and surface embroidery. I took it at a Valentine seminar years ago AND finished it right away! Not an addition to my collection of UFOs!!!!

     527

528. A goldwork Rose and bee on red silk that I made into a coin purse for my sister.
     Thank you for the opportunity and best wishes for the season and the coming year!

     528

529. My favorite project is a crewel house and garden scene, originally from McCall’s magazine in the 30s? McCalls updated the threads in the 1990s and used Caron overdyes. Lots of different stitches used. You want to step into the picture.

     529

530. I think my favorite embroidery project of all time is actually my current one, which is a large advent calendar. I’ve been making slow progress on it for the last year and a half, and I’m almost done with the front sides of the ornaments (fronts are Christmas-related shapes–birds, ornaments, nativity figures; back sides are just numbers, and will go much faster.) I’ve used a little bit of silk ribbon, learned a few new stitches, and will eventually add some beads and spangles in a few spots.

     530

531. My most memorable item I have made is my embroidered sampler patchwork quilt. Each square was embroidered with flowers and each one was different. It took some time to finish but each block was a dream to do as I was able to use (and experiment) lots of different embroidery stitches. I am also able to look at it everyday on my bed as a reminder of my days sitting with my needle and thread!

     531

532. My favourite piece so far is a countedcross stitch of Shakespeare’s plays characters. It’s a simple piece by Bothy Threads, and the characters end up looking a little flat and two dimensional, but that’s why I like it: all the players in Shakespeare are so multifaceted and have so much depth, it’s amusing to see them a little cartoony, stripped of their context. It reminds me how just words on a page can create such vivid pictures!

     532

533. Thread painting blanket with Jenny McWhinney – colours designs and delightful personalities in her characters

     533

534. My favorite project is a flower wreath motif from Yumiko Higuchi’s ‘Zakka Embroidery.’ It was meant to be a quilt square, and it was both fun to stitch and satisfyingly beautiful.

     My computer gave me an error, so if this turns out to be two comments, I apologize.

     534

535. My favorite stitched piece is my 3D garden. I stitched the base on canvas then stitched the gardens along with a water fountain and brick walls.There’s insects, flowers and vegetables. I used things I found at a dollar store such as Chinese knots for pumpkins and a shell for a snail!

     535

536. My all time favourite embroidery project is a successfully completed needle painting (designed by Trish Burr) of a European Kingfisher. I just love kingfishers!

     536

537. I have a few favourite items, but I think my very most favourite is a panel I stitched for the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry. It is the panel about Culross, and it’s historical trading links, with the palace and garden surround by smaller motifs. Having stitched two panels for the Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry, and been involved with The great Scottish Tapestry I was asked to stitch the Culross panel. I visited the local primary school (41 pupils) and they each stitched as did each member of staff, including the ancillary staff. That was a super day, the children had no inhibitions. I also belong to the National Trust for Scotland Needlework Group at Culross and all the ladies there added their stitches and those from the various craft groups I attend, and last but not least my family, even the grandchildren who here 3 and not quite 1 ( she had needle put in hand and guided into place) at the time, to put their stitch in history. A slate frame like this would have been such a help.

     537

538. Hi Mary, my all time favourite needlework project that I stitched a few years ago, was two panels of Japanese Embroidery. These two panels formed part of a group project (of eight panels) showing dancing fans with designs reflecting the four seasons. My panels represent summer and took over 200 hours to work. The panels were shown for the first time in the World Exhibition of Japanese Embroidery held in Cambridge, UK. I would love to win the frame that you are offering as I like working with slate frames and so am keeping my fingers crossed.
     Barbara

     538

539. My favourite project was my first or nue piece – a picture of Marilyn Manson. It began a love of the or nue technique, and was the first piece I entered in the national embroidery exhibition in New Zealand.

     539

540. Oh, Santa! What a glorious present to find under my tree!

     Hands down, my favorite project was the stockings I did for everyone in the family. All needlepointed . . . . . . When I was young and too dumb to know they were too hard to do for a beginner. . . . . . So I did them. . . . . . Like I often do when I see something new.

     When we don’t know what our new project entails, it’s so much easier to get started because we are too ignorant to know that we don’t yet have the skills to do it so we just jump in a go. It isn’t until we meet the “experts” that we find out we really aren’t supposed to be able to do something at that skill level. And we begin being intimidated by projects we’d really like to try. Because someone said we weren’t ready. Sometimes being ignorant is just perfect!

     My FUTURE favorite project ever is the bunad (crewel decorated Norwegian wool dress) that I’m terrified to start. The kit was UBER expensive and since I’m no longer too stupid to know I can’t do it, I’m very intimidated by the idea of actually starting. This slate would make starting it a WHOLE lot easier. Merry Christmas Mary!

     540

541. My favorite project (so far) has been my Jenny McWhinney mouse blanket I did for my sisters 50th. I love the cute little mice ( I did one of Jenny’s designs in each corner) and love working Jenny’s style of needle painting. Every time I stitched it it made me smile and my creativity flowed with the rhythm of the stitching. It still makes me smile when I see it displayed at my sisters house. Of course I was thinking of her the whole time I was stitching it, family etc – so important to me.

     541

542. My favourite project is one that I am still working one – the kind that is a 10 year project. It will be a quilt, the fabric is wool, the design is done in cross stitch, 30 panels, lots of birdhouses and nature, and I love the colours!

     542

543. A large cross stitch triptych of Boasch’s Garden of Heavenly Delights.

     543

544. This is mighty fine give away. Thank you for posting it. My favorite needlework project that I ever stitched, wow that’s a hard one. I think it is a Teresa Wentzler fairy-tale castle which I still have. It was one of those projects that took a lot of time and was rather intricate but the efforts paid off.

     544

545. My favorite all time project was a cross stitch pattern “Mother’s Tree”. I was able to go back 6 generations when Genzia Gravenstein arrived from Germany in 1860 and settled around Leonardville, KS. I don’t have daughters so the next name on it will be a granddaughter ( who at 5 already loves “sewing”.)

     545

546. My favorite thing(s) I have ever stitched are the 2 Christmas stockings that I needlepointed for my husband and I. That was 34 years ago. They happen to be sitting in front of me as I type this and I look forward to seeing them every year.

     546

547. My all time favorite needlework project was a crazy quilt. I had collected fabrics for 10 years, and it took me three more years to sew it. I embroidered free hand a leaf and an insect in each block, but it is so full of stitches that no one notices them until I point them out. I even put poison oak on one block; it has a beautiful leaf pattern. Thanks for this chance to win.

     547

548. Of all of the embroidery projects I have done over the last 47 years or so, I’d have to say my favorite was one of my very first. I covered the back, sides and front of my trusty Levi jacket with a huge pink butterfly, daisies, ivies and lots of decorative stitches. It really set my jacket apart from the Levi jackets of the other teenagers in my school. Though I haven’t worn it it 40 years or so, I still have it hanging in my closet.

     548

549. I did a needlepoint pillow for an antique dragon’s bench while I was living at home my first year out of college. The d u o n

     549

550. My favorite project: a runner filled with fields of colorful flowers using a wide variety of surface embroidery stitches.

     550

551. My favorite project is always the one I’m working on. Otherwise I wouldn’t start it. I’m working on 12 Christmas ornaments/gifts based on a holly and berry design from Thomas Trevelyon’s Miscellany of 1608.

     551

552. Many years ago I made a large modern crewel embroidery of a wind tossed tree, still love the framed piece.

     552

553. Think my all time favorite project was making the October block from a Piecemakers calendar. The twelve blocks were supposed to be one big quilt, but I decided to make them individual wall hangings. The center is a large tree done in embroidery, appliqué, and ribbon work, set on point. The four corners are done in crazy quilting. Lots stitching.

     553

554. My favorite piece that I have ever stitched is Bunny Goodwin’s Told in a garden. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

     554

555. My most favorite project was some poppies I did using felt appliqué, punch needle, and some embroidery threads. I mostly do counted cross stitch and I think I really enjoyed mixing it up on that one.

     555

556. My most memorable stitching piece was a canvas piece called Dazzle. It was by Margaret Bendig. It probably was my third canvas piece. It took me over 100 hours to complete. The end result was worth it.

     I still like my counted cross stitch also.

     556

557. I stitched a landscape of the vineyards below the Wairau Hills, in Marlborough at the top of the South Island, New Zealand and framed it up as a gift for my partner. It was a fun project, representing good memories of our time living there. And I became very experienced at French knots to represent the grapes!

     557

558. My favourite project is always the one I’m ABOUT to stitch! In 2018, that should include my much-anticipated embroidered casket (Cabinet of Curiosities) so I neeedd a fabulous slate frame 😉

     558

559. My first and favorite needlepoint was a “Home Sweet Home” 24×18″ in burgandy and light green! Hangs over my bed!

     559

560. My favourite is a something called : ‘Amsterdam is changing’ or in Dutch ‘Amsterdam verandert’. I enjoyed working on it so much I couldnot stop: when I went off to work I thought, tonight I am going to do a new house or maybe I will do the ferry or…
     I learned something new every day and I used everything I learned in the previous years. It sort of grew under my hands. After I finished , I just did not know what to make anymore. Now I am getting back, but I miss Amsterdam very much!

     560

561. My favourite ever needlework project is a giant cross stitch I did based on the book series “A Song of Ice and Fire”. It features the emblem and slogan of the different noble houses and took almost a year to finish. I’m still immensely proud every time I walk past it 🙂

     561

562. Another great giveaway! Thank you Mary & Mark!

     I think my all-time favorite project – so far! – would be a blackwork piece showing the effigies of a knight and his lady. It was in an issue of Mary Hickmott’s magazine quite a few years ago. (I miss that magazine!) I not only loved the subject matter but I loved stitching it.

     562

563. A perpetual calendar in the form of a bellpull that I searched for years to find. It took a year to finish but I still cherish it.

     563

564. I really love the Baby Birth Samplers that I have done for friends.

     564

565. My favorite was one of my dad’s old work shirts, because it got me started embroidering. He was a firefighter, and gave me and my sisters old work shirts, which we covered in embroidery and used as light jackets. Collar and cuffs, button holes and placket, pockets, back yoke, all of it was embroidered with different colors and stitches.

     565

566. My most favorite needlework project ever stitched would be my daughters First Holy Communion dress. The pattern was from AS&E magazine. White-on-white striped cotton sateen with an artfully tucked and embroidered bodice (originally done in ribbon embroidery but since I didn’t know how to do this, I substituted bullion roses) tiny bead accents and white satin bias trim on the embroidered collar and sleeves and piping where the smocked skirt joined the bodice.

     566

567. Favorite: a red-on-white cross stitch medley of Christmas motifs. Did this about 30 years ago. It was a Friday_afternoons_at_the_in_laws project after the big noonday meal. We would all sit around the dining room table chatting, and my 2-year-old nephew would come sit in my lap and help pull the needle up and down in the design. His initials are on it as co-creator. Now he’s 32, a new father, and maybe this Christmas I’ll give him the picture for their holidays.

     567

568. Wow, a slate frame! I wish I had had one when I made my all time favorite thing – a chasuble for Good Friday for my church. I embroidered the orphrey front and back using silk, velvet, gold cording and threads and beads. It was a 2 year undertaking. Slate frames would have made the work a little easier.

     568

569. Hi Mary,
     I have wanted one of the Mythic slate frames ever since you reviewed them! That’s what I want for Christmas!

     My favorite project was a little “Joyeuse Anniversaire” from the French Needle. I stitched it for my Daughter and Son-in-law this past June for their first anniversary. It was simple and each part of the picture was done with a different stitch. I did go to your stitch videos for help. When it was done, I had it framed.

     569

570. My favorite stitching project was an ornament I made with a cardinal as the main subject. I was missing my grandmother terribly that Christmas, and cardinals were her favorite bird. That little ornament helped me get through an otherwise dreary holiday season, and I still display it every year.

     570

571. I think my favourite piece of needlework was a CQ purse I made for my late MIL. I had made one for myself and she loved it so much I knew I had to make one for her. I like bling, but MIL absolutely adored it. I don’t think I’ve ever made a piece with anywhere near as many sequins, buttons silk flowers and embroidery. It was way OTT, but she loved it, and that’s all that matters. Blessings Lesley

     571

572. Long ago a Cancer astrological sun sign was stitched on the back of a men’s light blue workshirt. Months were spent on it. After school and jobs only offered so much time. It was given to a teenage friend, and its whereabouts is unknown thsee decades later.

     572

573. My most recent favourite ie a bishop style smocked dress, ny forst ever, for my almost teo year grandbaby. Its the first I have ever done & on fabric boyght from her other gran. Its a print og said grandbaby’s dad’s favourite ever toy so should make him happy too. So win, win, win.
     Thankyou all for this chance to win a slate frame!

     573

574. The most exciting piece is my current Joy Juarez Oriental Horse and hopefully I will do it justice.

     574

575. My favorite is the first “big” piece of embroidery that I did as a teenager. It took me years, but I finished it! It now hangs in my entryway.

     575

576. For now, my favorite is Amy Mitten’s Harmony scissors keeper. There are so many wonderful and unusual techniques in a small project!

     576

577. My favorite project is the one I’m working on right now. I’m embroidering the back of a black jean jacket. I’m doing all kinds of different patterns and colors. So far I am at 30 hours and 30 minutes and maybe 1/4 done. It’s going to be awesome (I hope) I’m also going to decorate the pockets on the front and the sleeves. Lots of flowers and patterns. It’s fun. Xxxx

     577

578. My all time favourite needlework project was making a Sacred Heart with gold metal threads and silk threads adding to it pearls and garnets. This little project was placed on the inside of the door of the Tabernacle at my parish church.

     578

579. Goodness, that’s a hard one to answer! Maybe the organza, surface stitched feather? Or was it the Punto Antico mat…or a project from Michelle Mischkulnig’s blog – loved doing that one and loved the result. Or, maybe, the Jane Nicholas stumpwork? Hmmm. Got it! It was the very first piece of goldwork I did; a class and design by Jane Lester. It was challenging but so very satisfying as I had only done cross stitch till then. It is lovely and still hangs on my bedroom wall.

     579

580. My favorite needlework project was just recently completed. It a team project from a Crabapple Hill kit for my niece. My niece saw this Crabapple Hill Kit and wanted to tackle it, but Leukemia got in the way. The Leukemia affected her eyesight so her Mom got a group of us together and we made the wall hanging for her. I did most of the embroidery with some help from my Mother and we are giving it to her this weekend. We are all going to cry.

     580

581. My favorite needlework project ever is a Crsftsman-style Table Runner that matches my home’s colors and decor beautifully. Loved it so much, I repurchased the design and kit again to complete for a friend!

     581

582. I have carried on the tradition of creating needlework pieces for wedding gifts as my grandmother always did. I did a hardanger runner for my cousin that was almost 4 feet long and 18 inches wide. The piece contained many different stitches and was great fun to make. The best part of creating the piece was how thrilled my cousin was to receive the piece and show it off.

     582

583. My all-time favourite needlework project that I have ever stitched is an Elizabethan Box designed by Maree Talbot from Queensland, Australia. The box is a long-term project as it has 9 panels (inside and out) of Elizabethan embroidery. I have been working on it (on and off) for 10 years now and am almost finished my 4th panel. It is a beautiful project that I can gaze at with real satisfaction as the panels grow. It is the highlight of my embroidery journey!

     583

584. My all-time favorite needlework project (it is hard to choose only one!) is probably the two flower girl dresses I made for my two oldest (at the time, only) granddaughters for my son’s wedding. The yokes and sleeves consisted of strips of white batiste alternating with white lace. All strips were separated by entredeux. The batiste strips were hand embroidered with yellow bullion roses and green leaves for the six year old and with yellow bullion rosebuds and green leaves for the three year old. It took over 100 hours to make the two dresses.

     584

585. My favorite is a cross stitch image of a horse that resembled my real-live horse. Created a “frame” of sorts by using a newly learned craft of hardanger embroidery.

     585

586. I can’t believe that I am admitting this, but I have stitched for 71 years and still haven’t upped by equipment to a slate frame! I would love one for Christmas..and I would put it to immediate use.

     586

587. My favourite stitching is a mother daughter effort. My daughter painted sunflowers on muslin and I embroidered around them. I also did a quick cross stitch that she made ceramic buttons for.
     Deirdre

     587

588. My favorite needlework project was a cross stitched project that I made for my dad. Daddy and I shared the same birth state, so I made a large outline of the state with cities, landmarks, and geographic details. Daddy loved it.

     588

589. My favourite stitched piece is a table cloth I stitched for my Dad manyvyeats ago. It was full of Poppies in each corner, which I thought very appropriate for an old WWII ANZAC.
     This was my first large piece using satin and long & shirt stitch for shading the flowers.

     589

590. Hello All,
     The needlework project I enjoyed most doing was a recent wedding sampler for a cousin whose life has been less than happy. She has overcome serious family and health issues so when she said she had found her perfect match I wanted to wish them something extra special. I found the chart Happily Ever After, a simple motto that said exactly what I wished for them. While it isn’t dramatically big or ornate, it epitomized, for me, exactly what they should have in their life together.

     590

591. I am currently stitching “Ivory Blush” by Judy Dixon. It is the most beautiful piece I have ever done.

     591

592. My absolute favorite project (so far) was the first crewel project I ever attempted. I was just finishing my first semester in college as a Biology major and by Thanksgiving I needed Something To Help Me Relax. I had been embroidering since 5th grade and I saw this beautiful Tree of Life kit by Georgia Bonesteel and promptly feel in love. It was probably way above my level of expertise, but I persisted and learned a lot of new stitches and techniques. And they actually worked!!! Unlike some of my chemistry experiments. By the end of Christmas break I had a gorgeous, finished Tree of Life. Then my mother, who thought embroidery an utter waste of time, demanded that I do one for her, which she had professionally framed and prominently displayed. Because of what I had learned from the first attempt I was able to personalize Mother’s version, and so the learning from the Trees of Life continued!

     592

593. My first one was my favorite because my grandmother started it.

     593

594. My favorite stitching project was a crosstitch of my grandparent’s farm house that I had made into a pattern from a photo.

     594

595. What’s your all-time favorite needlework project that you ever stitched?
     – the Christmas Stockings that I stitched for my step children, their spouses, and my grandchildren

     595

596. Many projects stitched over the years have given me much pleasure….both the doing and end result. Recently I have stitched samplers for my grand-daughters ; an alphabet animal sampler and an EF 1864 sampler. One said ” I will have this for my children ” and the other ” when I look at it I ‘ll remember my 5 th birthday”.
     Happy stitching and thanks.

     596

597. I completed a skirt and jacket in 4H when I was probably 13 or 14. I embroidered flowers and vine on the pockets of both the jacket and the skirt. It was a cream colored material and the embroidery was in brown.

     597

598. Mark’s frames are beautiful in concept as well as in actuality and would be a wonderful addition to my tools, particularly since I have arthritis in my fingers. His roller bar innovation would make it much simpler to set up, and from the looks of it, less painful.

     I have recently returned to handwork of all sorts – knitting, sewing, embroidery, and the like. Retirement gives me more time to do the things that I haven’t had the time or focus to do for many years. I love getting back to needle arts with all its colors and textures. My former projects were many years ago, but I have a project in mind that is a combination of positive/negative design, paintstiks, and embroidery. I don’t expect it to happen overnight or be easy, but it will be a challenge that I want to tackle.

     598

599. “What’s your all-time favorite needlework project that you ever stitched?”

     There have been many, but all time favorite is a Bible verse embroidered with an illuminated first letter. It was worked at a time of great stress in my life, and to meditate on the words while stitching with beautiful antique silk threads brought much comfort to me.

     599

600. My most satisfying needlework projects ever were the christening gowns for my grandchildren. Joy in every stitch!

     Thanks for this generous giveaway!

     600

601. It’s hard to choose just one. I think it would have to be a drawn thread project I made for my sister from this book
     https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Drawn-Thread-Embroidery/dp/1844482421/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512766630&sr=1-2&keywords=drawn+thread

     I think it could be the one on the cover, but there were a few in there that were similar, so it might not be the exact same one.

     601

602. My favourite piece of all time is the crewel work piece I did in 2015 for my Royal School of Needlework Certificate. Its design was very personal to me, each element representing one of our cats. The elements in the tree of life in the design were those cats who had shared our lives in the past and who had passed away, whilst the flower growing on the hillock represented, Lewis, our tabby cat who was very much alive and on terra firma with us. Also on the hillock was a lion who represented the Lion of Whipsnade, a white chalk lion carved in the hillside of Whipsnade Zoo on Dunstable Downs in the Chilterns near our home. Our cats ashes are scattered on the hillside and we like to think the Lion looks after them. Lewis’s ashes are there now as well and the Lion is watching over him too.

     602

603. My favorite project was my daughter’s ring bearer’s pillow for her wedding. I later took it apart and had the top if it framed with a picture of them in the middle where the rings had been.

     603

604. I have many favorites but one I particularly enjoyed stitching is called “Frankie” designed by Michael Boren. It’s done on canvas and is full of interesting stitches that are fun to do.

     604

605. My favorite needlework design that I stitched in 2003 is called “And They Sinned” by Vilma Becklin.

     605

606. My absolute favourite project to date was the blue “red work” snowman table runner that I made for my Mom for Christmas in 2015. It was fun, frivolous and just perfect for the Mom “who has it all”.
     Thank you so much for all your help and inspiration in every embroidery project that I have tackled since I found your website in early 2014.

     606

607. Would love one of these frames!
     My favorite needlework project is the Grazing Sheep from Rowandean. It was so much fun using all the different threads & seeing it coming to life. I haven’t been able to trust anyone (including myself) to frame it but it hangs safely in a closet ready for when the time is right.

     607

608. My favourite needlework project was my first completed work. From a workshop with Jenny Adin-Christie it is a book cover depicting a lakeland scene of Beatrix Potter’s farm.

     608

609. I am a papermaker and I collaged scrap paper together and embroidered over top to make a beautiful hinged box. Inside are dimensional scenes of frogs from a children’s book.

     609

610. I was very pleased with myself when I finished this project, actually three. Over my bed, I have a large rendition of a matted and framed Scottish Thistle, and to the two sides, also matted and framed smaller different types of Thistles. San you tell I’m very proud of my Scottish heritage. With my Scottish cousins, and there are many, I am now the Matriarch. I visit when I can, and the budget allows.

     I would love to receive one of your Christmas offerings. I so enjoy your online column, and have learned quite a bit from it.

     610

611. It is whatever project I am currently working on which happens to be a drawstring beaded bag designed by Sherri Jones & entitled “To England, With Love”. I am loving every minute of it!

     611

612. An all time favourite is very difficult to choose as I like stitching many different techniques of embroidery. Blackwork Journey, by Elizabeth Almond, for the variety of patterns and designs.

     612

613. A counted cross stitch of the words Walk in Love .It was my first cross stitch and very ambitious of me. Made a mistake in the count didn’t want to take out so had to constantly adjust my count .No one can see it but me.Turned out nice !

     613

614. My favourite project? Such a difficult thing to answer! I guess beacause it’s Christmas, and because I’m looking at it right now, I’d have to say a very fine Santa Claus cross stitch which I completed when my children were babies. It always brings me joy to bring it out each December and reflect on all the Christmas’s it has seen.

     614

615. I have wanted a slate frame for some time now but not sure how to choose. In addition I have not been able to afford a good one.

     615

616. My favorite project was a Minnesota loon in water, left and right side straight angle, with the
     Minnesota wild rice framing the loon on the top and right side semi circular. I did this on light blue, with
     the darker blues forming the water and tans/greens for the rice. Of course the loon was blk/wht
     with red eyes. I cannot remember who was the artist, I bought the pattern at a craft fair just
     because I love loons and this one looked like he would entertain me with his call and laugh at
     any instant!

     616

617. A pansy by Trish burr

     617

618. What a gorgeous frame. OK, my favorite piece right now is the Mirabella angel I stitched to honor the 9/11 victims. It is hard to choose just one but the angel was a true labor of love.

     618

619. Wow Mary, that’s a hard one. As I sat here thinking about it, with projects whirling through my mind, I settled on our first Christmas with both of our children. I had smocked both of them coordinating outfits. The material was a dark green and it had little tan Christmas Teddy Bears scattered on it. I smocked a plate that had Christmas Teddy Bears in a row with geometric designs over and under them. I think my mind stayed on that project because of the year leading up to it. Our son had been born in March. He had pneumonia by the time he was 3 weeks and it just went like that from then on until our doctor discovered he had a compromised immune system. I spent 6 months not going out of the house except to take him to the doctors to get gamma gobulin shots. I smocked after my little ones were asleep at night as I also had sewed up their outfits. When we took the Christmas pictures my husband and I were both so grateful that we had both of them still. And I thought they looked adorable. He ended up getting pneumonia for Christmas! We still have him. And I am still so grateful.

     619

620. My favourite is a blackwork piece. It’s from a photograph of my daughter, not quite finished but definitely my favorite because it’s my own design. I use it as my “go to piece ” in between other works. Love it.

     620

621. My favourite stitching project ever is a Trish Burr Chriztmas Wreath I worked on this year as a Christmas gift for a very special friend. Worked in single strands it was a far cry from my usual wool embroidery but I enjoyed working on it and was very happy with the results.

     621

622. I have done so many FAVOURITES it is hard to decide what is my all time favourite. I adored doing “Angel of Love” by Lavender and Lace. It was a joy from beginning to end and I was introduced to beadwork. I love the Mythic Craft range of frames and would dearly love to have one, the ease of setting up is a huge attraction.

     622

623. I haven’t done anything significant recently but when I had more time I did a lovely embroidery embellishment on my hand knitted sweater. Really got to start prioritizing my free time and get back to my needle work.

     623

624. Definitely my hussif. I designed a hussif to hold all my tools for Embroidery. Each component has a Brizilian Embroidery design on it. It is made with wool fabric and the inside lining is silk.

     624

625. My all time favorite project that I have stitched was a pair of snow people with turkey work. It was lovely. My daughter has it. My neighbor wanted one.

     625

626. My very favorite project is a needlepoint stylized floral wall hanging I stitched in the early 80’s. I had it framed and it is proudly displayed in my living room.

     626

627. I completed a large colorful needlepoint canvas that came with a title “Sol e Mer”. It showed a bird filled sky blending into a fish filled ocean!

     627

628. Wow looks beautiful, would be most happy to receive this

     628

629. My all time favourite was a cross stitch of the sea that I lost in a house fire. Never found the design again but I still remember it clearly and that was 30 years ago.

     Thanks for the opportunity to enter your giveaways

     629

630. This is an easy one for me to answer. My favorite piece that I have stitched is called Mogul Medallion, design by Jean Taggart. It is my favorite for several reasons. First, it is the most technically challenging piece I have ever done, with many small sections of the laid filling stitches for which Jean is known and an or nue border. I learned so much from it (it was a workshop that Jean taught for my EGA chapter). It came out pretty good if I do say so myself; I won best of show for it at my County fair. Lastly, it has an emotional connection for me as working on it helped me get through the grieving process when my mother died. It was so therapeutic to focus on something that needed my entire concentration.

     630

631. So far it’s been a set of bookmarks (starting small here) for my family as Christmas presents. I find there are lots of projects on the go, but it felt great to start and fully complete a project and be happy with it enough to give it away.
     Thanks for the give a way – the frames look lovely.
     Kathy

     631

632. My favourite is a still life stitched in Gobelin stitch. It has 124,500 stitches and I loved each one.

     632

633. I think my favorite finish is actually my husband’s favorite finish. It’s Martina Weber’s (Chatelaine Designs) Medieval Town Mandala. A close second is Lady of the Flag.

     633

634. I’ve never tried a slate frame and would like to do so. My favorite piece of embroidery is usually the one I am working on. I am currently working on a crazy quilt Christmas stocking that includes embroidery and ribbon embroidery.

     634

635. A crewel embroidery picture “Snow White” that I embroidered for my daughter and it hung above her bed for many years, still in my possession .

     635

636. My favourite embroidery is, An English Country Garden Queen size quilt. I’m on my last block the cottage & garden centre. Designed in Qld Australia by Leslie & Kevin McConnell 2013. Faeries in My Garden

     636

637. I think my favorite embroidery was a large tablecloth and 10 napkins. It was a Phaltzgraf Christmas design called Winter Berry. It took me about 9 months to finish it. I embroidered it for a Christmas present for a dear friend. She collected all the dinnerware in that pattern. So I thought she should have the linens to go with them. It was a labor of love and worth it all to see her face when she opened the box. I would do it again for anyone to see the pleasure they receive from a special gift.

     637

638. Hi Mary,
     Thank you for organizing a Stitcher’s Christmas. My favorite project I’ve ever done was a 34×42 inch baby quilt done for my niece, the first girl child in her generation.

     638

639. So many projects and many unfinished. It is hard to choose just one. Of my completed ones I think a thread painted needle case by Catherine Howell would be my preferred, but I gave it to my sister when her husband passed away and don’t get to see it all that often.

     639

640. When I was 21 all the girls wore short shorts. Well I copied a doily that my mother’s, mother embroidered and did the pattern exactly like she did. I never embroidered before, but I figured them all. It was a bunch of different flower. It fit perfectly on front right side of leg. They were jeans. Well my mother hated them so on a time I went to stay a few days away she put them in the trash. I was so mad,hurt, and cried. She didn’t realize where I got the pattern.

     640

641. My favourite project was a tablecloth that I designed and stitched as a wedding gift for a very close friend.

     641

642. My favorite piece was a scene from Alice in Wonderland. It went to a friend who had a new baby. Now that I think about it, I might draw that pattern again and rework it for myself!

     642

643. I once stitched up some blackwork ornaments, but instead of using black thread, I did them in red and green to keep with the Christmas theme of them. I even attached some gold tiny beads for added sparkle. Gave them to friends and got many compliments on my stitching. I thank you Mary for giving us the opportunity of winning.

     643

644. My favorite needlework project hangs above my sewing machine,
     “She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.” Proverbs 31:13″ surrounded with sheep appliqué.

     644

645. I have started stitching a Jane Nicholas project called Shakespeares Flowers. I have six done of the 12 and love the tiny intricate work with her designs. Thankyou for this opportunity Mary, look forward to your posts in my email each morning.

     645

646. I think my favourite project was when I played with sashiko stitches. But it’s difficult to settle on only one!!!

     646

647. My very favorite piece ever stitched was from a designer Diane Evans from 1996. It included cross stitch, pulled stitches, stem and lazy daisy stitches done in burgundy and navy. Love love love it. Shows off a lot of effects…impressive if I do say so myself. LOL.
     I think Tanja is so gracious to be giving away such an awesome gift. Thank you.

     647

648. My favorite needlework project that I have worked on has been an embroidery one of snowmen for the cold January and February days.

     648

649. Hi Mary! Thanks for being everyone’s secret Santa! My favorite project I’ve done is a reproduction sampler from The Examplarery, Ann Bowers. I smile and sigh with contentment each time I look at her.

     Thanks for the chance!
     Mary Flynn

     649

650. No question. Long ago [like 40+ years ago], I recreated an antique Harper’s Magazine cover in needlepoint for my mother’s birthday. She loved it; *loved it*. It was a first effort for me and the positive encouragement her enthusiasm gave to me fueled a life-long love of all things needle and thread. ♥

     650

651. what a fun thing to do!!!!
     My favorite thing to do is Halloween in Needlepoint!!! Love all the wild threads for hair, witches and wonderful boots. Love all the colors of the lime greens, wild oranges and purple. Probably is the painted canvas of 5 wonderful witches all dressed up for Halloween.
     Thanks S. Vadset
     ndlenana@frontier.com

     651

652. My very favourite piece is one of the first crewel embroidery kits I ever stitched. There were black and yellow birds sitting on a tree with berries and leaves. The design was simple and elegant.

     Although I was inexperienced, some of the elements looked a little dull to me so I stitched more interesting stitches. I entered it into a local show and much to my surprise won a certificate. The entering was the important part – it took courage on my part as did altering the stitches. Because I altered the kit, it was very much my work and I am very fond of it.

     652

653. My favourite needlework project I’ve stitched would be the Secret Garden Hummingbirds from your website Mary. I loved the challenge, I loved the colours and now it hangs on my wall in my needlework room. To be truthful I enjoy everything I stitch! A slate frame from Mythic Crafts would be wonderful as I don’t have one and I’ve admired his beautiful woodwork since you first mentione his site.

     653

654. My all time favorite embroidery that I did was a reproduction of a 11th century silk and gold lion embroidery. It had been the first time for me to use gold wrapped thread outside of a sampling of stitches.

     654

655. The next project is always my favorite.

     655

656. My favorite all-time project was a pair of Christmas stockings in counted cross stitch for my 2 young nephews. They were also the most complex project ever with many, many colors. I added blending filament and Whisper for snow and Santa’s bead & fur, respectively. The first design was Santa, sleigh, and reindeer above a tiny village below. It came from the book The Stockings Were Hung & was titled To All a Good Night. The second was a band sampler of Christmas motifs adapted from a couple of patterns.

     656

657. Because I’m new to embroidery as of 5 months ago I have not done many but I have wonderful ones waiting to be stitched. Of the ones I’ve done and garden sampler that I am about half way done with is my favorite. I am making it my own by doing the stitches I want to do, instead of an outline per say that they want me to do. I am learning so much. Doing the turkey stitch for the bunny tail was a favorite. I have learned so much using this site. Thank you.

     657

658. It would be Sensu , my phase 2/3 Japanese embroidery piece. There were so many different techniques in it and it took me 2 years to finish. I walk past it every day and think “Wow I did that”.

     658

659. Mary, thank you to you and Mark for this exciting opportunity. I have never used a slate frame and find the prospect quite tantalizing. Meanwhile, the question is tough for me—I have been embroidering for many decades and all my projects seem to be clamoring in the background with hands raised, “Choose me, choose me!” So…I will spin the dial and go for a picture I designed for my sister nearly twenty years ago. She had just redecorated her kitchen and had put up a very pretty wallpaper border. I took a leftover chunk of it on the sly and created a picture from ribbon embroidery and beads and threads that closely coordinated with the paper’s bird nibbling on a bunch of grapes, with vines and leaves all around. She has moved twice since then but always finds a place somewhere in her home for that bit of work, and I still smile whenever I see it. It wasn’t my lengthiest or most complicated project, but I think I surprised myself with its outcome and it remains a cheery little hoopful of joy.

     659

660. My very very favourite piece is a design by Australian designer Catherine Howell, Flemish Flowers, taken from the paintings by the old masters. It took me 3 years and 4 workshops $A1000 worth of hand dyed silk, wool threads and ribbons it was a challenge and a joy to work and now hangs proudly over my fireplace.

     660

661. My favorite cross stitch was one of three black cap chickadees. I really enjoyed that one, seeing the birds appear as I stitched.

     661

662. I have enjoyed embroidering many projects but two that stand out are a Hardanger Needlebook class which holds my many needles and an Elizabethan Sweet bag. This was also a class and holds my embroidery tools.

     662

663. I have done many embroidery projects but the best were the projects were for my daughters bedrooms and bathroom. Flowers, animals, fairies, all so they would grow up looking at needlework everyday. Happily, they both embroider, knit, crochet, sew, and appreciate the time and energy to create.

     663

664. What’s your all-time favorite needlework project that you ever stitched?

     Most of the projects I’ve managed to finish have been cross-stitch kits that I did as gifts for my mum – she has a little collection of them on her wall! But possibly my favourite is my epic French knot project – even if’s not quite finished yet! I like watching my tide of blue washing slowly over the pale gold silk I chose for the background.

     664

665. My favourite project was a cross stitch pattern I designed for my friend based on his games

     665

666. My absolute favorite was a goldwork project I did at an EGA seminar in Richmond of Virginia creeper ivy.
     I loved that it included multiple colors of metal, as well as different types of metal. Also there were painted leather leaves and stumpwork leaves that were goldwork too.
     Wow is all I can say.

     666

667. My favorite completed needlework project is a needlepoint kitten who looks just like my kitten. Well, now he’s a cat but he still looks like the needlepoint.

     667

668. My favorite piece was of a cat lying in a wicker chair with blooming geraniums on the floor around the chair with a spider plant hanging over it. It’s very old, probably from the 80’s but I loved the picture and I loved stitching it.

     668

669. Natural materials make tools so much more beautiful.

     669

670. I have a question: why is a slate frame called a slate frame? Am I missing something obvious? Where does the slate come in? Thanks!

     670

671. My favorite all-time stitching project was my very first. I did two simple animal pictures after basic lessons from my Grandma Lois. When I was finished, she put one in a hoop frame and made the other into a little pillow. I have these to my Grandma Fran and my Great-Grandmother. I have since received them back and treasure them very much.

     671

672. My favourite stitched project of all time has to be my Village skaters from Stoney Creek.

     672

673. My favourite was a decorative pillowcase with a monogram. Maybe it was because of the delicate cold shades of emerald green used there.

     673

674. I did not even have to think about this. It was “The Three Kings”. It was marvelously patterned to cross stitch from a very famous piece. It was probably also one of the most complicated pieces I have ever done. It was on denim linen with all kinds of specialty Threads and beading. I hang it at the holiday season but it hardly seems enough. I look at it now and I can’t believe I made it.

     674

675. This is really difficult, but I’ll say my silk-shaded orange pansy.

     675

676. A cross stitch pincushion, the pattern was really beautifull and it was my first cross stitch project

     676

677. Oh, Goodness, Mary, all of the pieces that I have stitched are special! They are all like babies once they are started; you work to bring them to life. I am afraid that I cannot say that any specific one is more special to me than any other.

     677

678. My favorite needlework project to date would have to be the wedding sampler stitched for my son and new DIL. I stitched Victoria Sampler Garden Wedding Sampler. It was stitched using silk threads and I adjusted the design to match the wedding colors and bridesmaid dress style. The finished piece was featured at the rehearsal dinner and presented to the couple following this event.

     678

679. Wall hanging when granddaughter was born, showing name, date, weight, etc. using a pattern from Inspirations Magazine.

     679

680. my very first project… a small crewel pillow that is right out of the 70’s. It is what got me hooked.

     680

681. So far my favorite project is an entry I made to a contest based on science images turned into art. I based my design on the Dali Atomicus photograph but with a sci