On the Last Day of Christmas

I finished this pretty design by Hermanson Hardanger, from the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments:

I used hardanger fabric instead of linen, and green pearl cotton instead of metallic braid.  You can't really tell from the picture, but the backing felt is dark green.  It's a little too big to be an actual tree ornament, so net year it will go up on my wall of Seasonal Stitchy Goodness.

Needlecases

I've been working on Linda Abel's Heirloom Hardanger Needlecase for a number of years, and today I finally finished it:
I made a few changes here and there, including using different colors. I made only one pocket, on the left, because I wanted to leave more space on the right for a second needleflap (underneath the flap is felt, to hold needles). For the cover of that second needleflap I cross stitched a Bible verse about sewing, which seemed to suit the old-timey sampler feel of the first. The far right is blank, for now. I can use it to hold pins or threaded needles. I could attach a third needleflap, or a button or ribbon to hold scissors. In the meantime, the felt will hold my regular sewing needles, and I'll put my oddball needles (self-threaders, two-eyed needles) in the pockets.

This is part of my "set" of needle books. For tapestry needles, a kit I picked up in England:

For chenille and embroidery needles, crewelwork scroll pattern of my own design (the original case, with a dragonfly not of my design, disappeared in my old house, grr):

For quilting and applique needles, a design from American Patchwork and Quilting: