Oh Christmas Tree

A bit ago I gave a pattern for a blackwork Christmas Tree.

Of course I started the tree before I did the pattern, so It doesn't match.  I finally completed it.  And I HEART it.  I gave it to my mom :)

The best part is that I used my Kreinik thread.  All the metallic is Kreinik and it turned out beautiful.  I enjoy working with the tread.  Everything from the fact that it's in a spool to the different weights.  Love it.

I kinda love the back.

Blackwork Christmas Tree Pattern

At 31 years old, last week, I purchased my first Christmas tree. 
It was on a great sale from Michaels.  With two kids it felt like it was time to start caring about Christmas. 

With that I've decided to make a ornament each year.  Some day I will be gone and what else will my kids have to remember me by but a box of ornaments they will be obligated to keep in the back of the closet.  They don't even like embroidery, but Mom made them.

So, here is the first:  2013

I've started it and will post when finished  :)

My Color Wheel - or - what is Blackwork?

I love color wheels.  And I love embroidery more than I love cross stitch (shhhh...don't tell anyone).

I made this this week.

The hardest part was deciding what pattern to use.  It's faster, and more satisfying than cross stitch.  It reminds me of crochet, as it's just enough brain power to feel accomplished and creative.  But still really relaxing   It feels natural, no real counting. 

Check out my Blackwork Board on Pinterest for a bunch of patterns.

Specs:

14 pt cloth I found at a thrift for 90 cents. SCORE.

Red - 817
Red Orange - 607
Orange - 740
Yellow Orange - 396
Yellow - 444
Yellow Green - 166
Green - 826
Blue Green - 3848
Blue - 3842
Blue Violet - AKA my new most favorite color EVA! - 792
Violet - 208
Red Violet - 3803

Try it out.  You will enjoy it.

Also, check out one of my favorite blogs, &Stitches, for some more info on the technique and a stitch along :)