Holiday stitching is a favorite for cross stitchers of all level, and this book focuses on festive patterns worked on perforated paper. Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions guide stitchers of all skill levels through exciting and unique holiday decor items. From tree toppers to ornaments and candle wraps to advent calendars, this book will have stitchers creating for the Christmas season all year long. Annie’s is part of the third-generation Muselman family business, founded in 1925 and long known for original craft designs including crochet, knitting, card making, paper crafts, beading, sewing, quilting, and needlework. Annie’s books are sold through independent retailers and major chain stores worldwide. They are headquartered in Berne, Indiana. Cross-Stitch Christmas Creations Festive Perforated Paper Designs By Annie's Annie's Copyright © 2014 Annie's All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-57367-589-5 Contents Pattern Services and Revisions, Introduction, Advent Stockings, Festive Friends, Chevron Christmas Trees, Falling Snowflakes, A Set of Santas, Nativity Silhouette Candle Wraps, Merry Christmas, Angel Tree Topper, Christmas Memories Frame, Elegant Ornament Trio, Christmas Motifs Explosion, Holiday Card Duo, Peppermint Gingerbread Cottage, How to Stitch, Special Thanks, CHAPTER 1 Advent Stockings Designs by Christy Schmitz Skill Level: Confident Beginner Materials • 24 (5" × 5") pieces 14-count white perforated paper from Wichelt Imports Inc.® • Four skeins each The Gentle Art Sampler Threads • Four skeins each The Gentle Art Simply Shaker Sampler Threads • Size 24 tapestry needle The Gentle Art Sampler Threads DMC® Alternatives Listed in Parentheses * 0190 (936) forest glade / 0920 (598) tropical ocean @ 0940 (3808) island blue # 0390 (498) buckeye scarlet [??] 0180 (471) spring grass The Gentle Art Simply Shaker Sampler Threads DMC® Alternatives Listed in Parentheses • 7054 (blanc) chalk [??] 7074 (469) chives Stitch Count: 42H × 36W each Design Size: 3" × 2 5/8" each Instructions: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Backstitch over one square using one strand 0190. Finishing Materials & Instructions: Four 8½" × 11" pieces coordinating cardstock Two 8½" × 11" pieces coordinating scrapbook paper 22" × 28" frame 22" × 28" piece poultry fencing Coordinating spray paint Staple gun 24 small wooden clothespins Acid-free glue stick Advent fillers (small candies, slips of paper with winter activities) Trim each stitched piece to one square from stitching on all sides. Using one trimmed piece as a template, cut 48 pieces of coordinating cardstock to same size. Glue one piece of cardstock to the back of each stitched piece; allow to adhere completely. Glue a second piece of cardstock to the back of one pieced stocking, gluing only around the edges and bottom. Leave top open. Repeat for remaining stockings and cardstock pieces. Spray-paint frame; allow to dry completely. Staple poultry fencing to back of frame. Insert advent fillers into stockings. Place stockings on poultry fencing and clip in place using small clothespins. CHAPTER 2 Festive Friends Designs by Sharon Pope This whimsical trio of holiday friends will take center stage on any tree this holiday season. Bold, vibrant colors and adorable characters make these fun to stitch, and quick finishing instructions will have them hanging on your tree in no time. Skill Level: Beginner Materials • Three 6" × 5" pieces 14-count white perforated paper from Wichelt Imports Inc. • One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss • Two spools Kreinik Very Fine Braid #4 • Size 24 tapestry needle DMC® [??] 350 coral, med. [love] 817 coral red, vy. dk. [??] 957 geranium, pl. 956 geranium a 209 lavender, dk. [??] 208 lavender, vy. dk. [??] 907 parrot green, lt. G 906 parrot green, med. ~ 519 sky blue [??] 518 Wedgwood, lt. @ 517 Wedgwood, dk. ( 436 tan 3 435 brown, vy. lt. [??] 433 brown, med. • blanc white µ 415 pearl gray z 414 steel gray, dk. # 413 pewter gray, dk. * 310 black / 742 tangerine, lt. 4 741 tangerine, med. Kreinik Very Fine Braid #4 ss 032 pearl Stitch Count: 56H × 42W each Design Size: 4" × 3" each Instructions: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Backstitch over one square using one strand 310. Work French knot where • appears using two strands of floss and wrapping floss around needle twice. Work straight stitch (ss) using two strands of floss or one strand of very fine braid unless otherwise indicated. Straight Stitch (ss) Instructions: 032 stars 956 scarf fringe on Penguin 906 scarf fringe on Snowman 433 Snowman's arms 208 scarf fringe on Reindeer French Knot Instructions: 906 fringe on Penguin and Snowman scarves 208 fringe on Reindeer scarf Finishing Materials & Instructions: Three 4½" × 3½" pieces apple green cardstock Three 10" lengths ¼"-wide white grosgrain r