Holiday ornaments are among my favorite projects to design and stitch. They’re usually small, quick to stitch, lovely colors and lavish textures. And, I can finish them myself!

We are partnering with Shining Needle Society to offer a special ornament project, Midnight Elegance. This started with a different intent, but as I designed and stitched I realized that even though the stitches are relatively easy, it’s complex enough that the project would be an appropriate class.

What will you learn?

• How to interpret a complicated pattern to make it simpler
• Working with different textures
• Techniques for starting and ending threads
• Finishing a flat round ornament

Midnight Elegance is about 4″ round, stitching on 18 ct. white mono canvas, with DMC cotton flosses, Rainbow Gallery Silk Lame’ Braids and Rainbow Gallery Petite Very Velvet. We’re offering the project in three different color ways: Midnight (as shown, with blues, greens and golds), Traditional (red, green and gold) or Elegant (gold and silver). Or, you can probably come up with a color scheme from stash, and stitch more than one!

Students will need to supply 2 pairs of 8″ stretcher bars, tacks or staples, scissors (for threads and metallics), laying tool, magnification and lighting if needed.

Kit contents:

• 8″ x 8″ white 18 ct. mono canvas with taped edges
• DMC cotton floss and Rainbow Gallery Silk Lame’ Braid and Petite Very Velvet
• Needles and instructions

At first glance the ornament looks pretty simple, but finding your way through the snowflake pattern can be confusing – it was for me! Other stitches include twisting stars, sprat’s heads, eyelets, Hungarian and mosaic with Smyrna crosses, and French knots.

Important class dates:

Now through November 25, 2024 – Registration open

November 25, 2024 – Registration closes (we will use the time between the close of registration and start of class to order supplies, kit and mail)

January 7-31, 2025 – online class (3 weeks, one lesson per week); live Zoom sessions Tuesday at 10 a.m. Central

January 31, 2025 – class officially ends, but the classroom remains open indefinitely for questions and follow-up.

As always, you have lots of options for this class!

• Complete kit (canvas, threads, instructions, needles, SNS fee, postage): $107
• Instructions only (provide your own canvas and threads, instructions will be mailed, SNS fee and postage): $65
• Instructions with canvas (student provides own threads, canvas and instructions will be mailed, SNS fee and postage):$75
• Extra Supplies Kit (Canvas and threads for stitching multiples, available only with purchase of another complete kit): #$42
• Optional finishing kit (two mounting board rounds, DMC floss and Silk Lame’ Braid for cording, backing fabric): $18

Choose from three different color ways: Midnight, Traditional or Elegant (outlined above).

Class includes a dedicated groups.io classroom, weekly lessons, Zoom sessions and face to face time for questions. Zoom sessions will be recorded and added to a private showcase for class members, including demonstrating the finishing process.