Stitching Memories — Christmas 2023
Another Christmas has come and gone, and I couldn't wait to share with you the custom cross-stitch pieces I created for my girls & husband this past holiday season. For the second year in a row, I made a special, handmade cross-stitch gift for each of them - and included one for my other-half, too.
I’m so happy I was able to continue this new tradition from last year, and it was so much fun coming up with something that would bring both of my girls joy (as well as be meaningful for my mister).
Animal Crossing House for My Oldest
For my oldest daughter, who loves everything about Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I created a piece featuring a little house from the game. It also included a character representing her, standing infront of a pear tree along with some purple mums flowers—all of which are items that tie into her specific island. The piece is stitched on 18ct (to make the whole thing smaller) and framed in a 3" embroidery hoop, which perfectly captures the charm and detail of this lovely little scene.
Here's a closer look at some of the details in the stitching:
Cookie for My Youngest Animal Crossing Fan
For my youngest daughter, I stitched a character named "Cookie" from the same game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Cookie is her absolute favourite villager—a cute, pink dog character wearing a teal dress. I based the design on a drawing I found online (that I wish I had a reference for, but I can't find it again!). Seeing how much she adores Cookie, I knew this would be the perfect choice for her Christmas gift.
Here's a closer look at some of the details in the stitching:
That's No Moon! - A Special Stitch for My Husband
I couldn’t forget my husband this Christmas! He has worked so hard these past 6 months and so I wanted to make him something special, too.
Being a big Star Wars fan, I wanted to make him something that expressed how much I love him in a way that tickled his fancy in a fandom-themed way. I chose the blackwork pattern called "That's no moon!" from WordsandSaucery and stitched it on black Aida (groan) fabric using DMC variation floss. It turned out to be a perfect mix of geeky and heartfelt, and I'm thrilled with how it came together.
Let's get up close with the details in this piece:
The Reactions That Made My Christmas
Both my girls absolutely LOVED their cross-stitch gifts. My youngest squealed with delight at "Cookie" (She had just said "goodbye" to Cookie on her island and had some regrets about it). My oldest's reaction to her Animal Crossing piece was just as good though. Since she’s special needs, her gift responses are usually very honest, and she's never afraid to let me know if she’s not interested in something. After opening the box, she proudly showed her sister and wanted to then instantly play ACNH again. Haha!
My husband is super supportive of my cross-stitching shenanigans and thanked me before commenting I had done an excellent job of stitching his piece in secrecy. Lol!
Continuing this handmade Christmas tradition has brought me so much happiness, and I’m already looking forward to working out what to make my girls (and maybe my Husband again) for next year!
Do you handmake something special for your loved ones each year? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
If you're curious about my stitching journey or want to see what inspired some of these pieces, you might enjoy checking out my "Survived 2020" cross-stitch pattern here, which I used elements from for my oldest's house piece. You can also watch my FlossTube #63 episode, where I shared these finished pieces, or head over to my Request a Quote page if you’re interested in commissioning a custom stitch piece for yourself or a loved one! page!
