Christmas Break

My Christmas Break has finally begun. I don't have to go back to work until January 3rd! That's next year!

This past week I've really been feeling the itch to stitch. Check out how much I've done on Cider House Garden- in just the last three nights.
Sunday night I completed the trees on either side of the house and began backstitching the house itself. Monday night I finished the back stitching and began working in earnest on the orchard behind (above) the house. Last night I almost completed the orchard. I still need to backstitch and add beads, but I always wait until last to complete any beeading.

The trees on either side of the house are probably the most tedious part of the piece. There are lots of quarter stitches, floating stitches, color changes, and intricate backstitching. But I really didn't mind. I just turned on some Criminal Minds re-runs and enjoyed the process.

I think the finished trees are very striking and really add to the overall effect of the piece.

Tonight I plan to finish backstitching the orchard, and move on to the bottom where I still need to add the pumpkins to the greenery below the fence and backstitch the title. Then all I'll have left is the border. I'm starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel!

In other news, the Burda cover dress is all cut out and ready to be assembled.

I didn't get it done in time for the Christmas party, but I certainly plan to have it ready to wear when I go back to work after the holidays.

So what are you working on in these last couple of days before Christmas?