Be Mine Garland

It's Day 4 of the Papertrey Ink Countdown and I've got a new stitching die for you today. In keeping with the love theme for December, there is a large size primitive heart shape for all your crafty fun. Today I've made a felt garland to take the place of my stockings on the mantle when I take them down after Christmas. Best to be prepared.

This makes me happy just looking at it. I've cut out seven of the Primitive Heart Stitching Dies in shades of Pure Poppy, Hibiscus Burst, and Raspberry Fizz felt and backed them with the ultra stiff interfacing by Pellon that I like to use on my projects to keep things economical.  I used the Cross Stitch Alphabet Dies to create my message. By using the full six strands of floss, the letters really stand out. Sew Stylish Alphabet 1 is a good option here as well.

I ran a long piece of floss through all the hearts to connect them, placing wooden beads in between. I was fixated on the wooden beads for some reason. Even made a special trip on a Saturday to town to pick some up. I just wanted the contrast between the wood and the felt, the roundness of the beads and the bottom point of the hearts. Just have to go with it sometimes.  Chase the muse.

On the ends, I have loops from the Stitched Garland Die, which is still available in the Beaded Holiday Stitch Kit.

On either ends, I've stitched a floral accent from the Floral Cluster 1 Die. Flowers for Valentine's, after all.

Also, we got our dies a bit late this month. To make quick work of the garland, I went with a bias stitch instead of a running stitch. Cut the work down by half.

For the heart that serves as the spacer between the words "be" and "mine", I've used the Valentine Stitching Dies (released a few years ago) to add a set of crossed arrows. A heart button finishes it off.

Thanks for joining me today. Hope you are enjoying the countdown. Primitive Heart Stitching Dies will be available on 12/15/15 at 10:00 PM EST at www.papertreyink.com.