In preparation for the holidays
Its official! This is the last month of 2007. What a year and how fast it 
passed on. Seems quite like a blur to me and I do wish that time would go just a bit slow so I can enjoy every moment.
Well, my tree is the first item to be up for the holidays. It is not completely done yet but I’m getting there. Part of my decoration is to come up with something different and worthy of giving my appreciation to all my friends around the world. This has sort of become a tradition for me and for all my friends. My gift to all for their continued support throughout the year. For the longest while, I had absolutely no inspiration and I was chewing my nails to the point I had none….believe me it can happen to all of us. Must be something to the effect of writer’s block! LOL.
Then it hit me! Create a design that can be used in multiple ways. It should have a winter theme and ofcourse non-religious. What better idea than a snowflake! Playing with the idea I started sketching and visualizing what other ways could the snowflake be used. Hoop size was most important as I wanted all friends regardless of their maximum hoop size for the machine, be able to use it. Stitch count was another issue, so it had to have low stitch count.
Stitching out my first sample, I realised that the pattern was perfect to create a larger snowflake, corner design for table mat, napkin or even a neckline and also perfect for lace doilies to spread around the house. Not only that one could easily convert the colors to their decor and be able to use the design throughout the year and not just at holiday times.
My concern came when I created the large ornament from combining four of the smaller ornament pieces. The stitch count went up considerably and ofcourse the hoop size went up to a 5×7. But the large ornament being almost 5″ in diameter does make an amazing statement on the tree.
However, one can combine four of the smaller snowflakes to create a larger one if necessary so that did give me some hope as these gift designs are for all.
Now how to use the designs. Somewhile ago on the AEC Yahoo list, we had a napkin swap. The napkins were from http://www.allaboutblanks.com and are of the highest quality. I had purchased quite a number thinking I will use them some day. Well, the day was today. Along with the napkins I had also purchased a table cloth. Happy with my find, I started to plan how to best use the design so they would give a festive look to the dining table.
The dining table is my very last item to decorate but I do plan ahead in how I will decorate. I decided to go ahead and create several coasters and then create a corner design with three snowflakes so they would decorate the edge of a napkin. The coaster is similar to the large snowflake except it does not have a little loop for hanging.
The three snowflakes made into a corner were perfect for creating a small runner for the center of the table, actually I think I will make a few more of these runners as then I can place platters on them. The table cloth so far is plain but I may yet come up with some way to decorate. After all….I do have about 20 some days yet!
My main concern came when I had to apply fabric to these open airy lace designs. How does one attach them without making the design 
look funny. Looking closely I realized that the perfect stitching line was created for me via the designs. All I had to do was to stitch down the center of the design. Looking at the arrows, one simply zigzags down the middle and then once the lace is attached to the napkin corner, one can either use BoNash to adhere the edges to the fabric or use a tacking stitch now and again by machine. I used BoNash. I have talked about this produce before and believe me it is amazing. What a wonderful job and no mess at all.
For the table runner, I did things a bit differently. The lace panel was 
stitched out and joined using zigzag stitches. I used the corner design to create it. It took eight corners to create the runner. Once all the corner designs were joined together in creating the shape, I then washed out all the wss. Btw, I highly recommend Water soluble vilene for stitching out any freestanding laces. Not only it is a much stronger stabilizer than any of the plastic types, but it is also very reasonably priced. There are many brands out there in the market and various prices. Personally I purchase mine from http://pointetopointe.com (Ella Roof) and with a width like 54″ to 90″ I have to admit that it is the most reasonable and affordable price of wss in the market. Another product that is similar is by HCTW and it can be purchased at any Wal-mart.
Pinning the joined lace panel to the fabric I started stitching in the center of the panel first, down the center of the snowflakes. 
As the snowflake branches are not very wide, you may need to adjust the width of the zigzag to be about 1.2mm and lenght about 3mm. The idea is to simply join the laces to the fabric without the joining being too visible. You definitely do not want to create a satin stitch by having the stitches too close together hence longer 
zigzags.
Once the laces are joined to the fabric all around, trim away the excess fabric about 1/2″ away from the stitching lines. Fold back and steam press the fold. Now you can easily either fold the fabric onto itself again one more time and then hand tack of tack by machine. Another option is to use BoNash or any double sided adhesive strip.
This same method can be applied to necklines, hems of wearables etc. And the effect is a very soft yet very delicate looking edging.
The collection of designs are just about finished and I’m just now putting in the final touches and waiting for all testers to report in. Hopefully 
I will upload the designs to my website soon. Meanwhile, here is another great idea to get going for the holidays…appliqued ornaments on stockings, sweatshirts, shirts, etc… The designs are free on my newsletter yahoo group: http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/sadiasdesigns The applique ornaments is actually a lesson I had started working on for my Forum members (Embird Studio) and I think the possibilities are so great with the idea that I decided to give something fun to my newsletter members.
Off I go to make and finish more stuff for the holidays and ofcourse to finalize my gift for 2007 for friends all around the world.
The snowflake designs are absolutely wonderful, as with anything you do Sadia.
Thank you so much and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Just downloaded your 2007 snowflakes gift. Thank you so very much. They are beautiful. Will have a bunch made for next years tree. Have a wonderful holiday. Dee
Love the new snowflake designs. Thank You. Also your explanations and the way to do a continuous border is great! I think I might be able to do that if there is the little extra placement there.
Thank You again and the Best To You and Yours From Ours.
Sadia, Thank you so much for your generosity. I love every design I have of yours. They always turn out beautifully.
I wish you Peace, Love and Joy
Thank you Sadia for your lovely Christmas Present. I hope that you have a wonderful 2008.
Judy
Thank you Sadia for your kind and thoughtful gift of snowflakes. They are so versatile and your instruction page is awesome. Have a holy and happy holiday. Carol
What wonderful ideas and gifts you give us. I love the snowflakes. Thank you so very much. Blessings always.
So very beautiful! Thank you so very much
Dear Sadia,
Thank you for the beautiful snowflake design and the added bonus of various ways it can be used. Your designs and instructions are always perfect. At the end of the year I anxiously look forward to your special Christmas Gift. Your gifts are never disappointing and always the best!!! Wishing you love, joy, and peace as we celebrate a very special season. We love you!!!!! Doris in Tn.
Thanks for the snowflake designs . Cant wait to get started on them, So many different ways to use them.
Thank you so much for the lovely designs. I am continually overwhelmed by your enormous talent and even greater generosity. I hope you have a beautiful and blessed holiday season.
Sherry in Auburn
Thank You for the beautiful snowflake set……also for the wonderful instructions that are so easy to follow….
Have a wonderful and joyous holiday, and a better New Year!!!
WOW!!! Sadia!!! These gifts are super! They’ll be used year after year. Thanks so much. Lois
Thank you so much for the snowflakes they are wonderful.
Dear Sadia,
Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. The designs you have shared with us are first class and hard to beat. You are so good to us and may God Bless you this Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas, Roxanne
Thank you for these snowflakes and suggestions for their use…..Wonderful! Wonderful! as is with all your designs.
Thank you, Sadia, they are really lovely! Hope your holidays are wonderful.
Thank you Sadia for the snowflakes and the ornaments.
Like all of your designs, they are beautiful. You have such a great talent. Best wishes for the holidays.
Mimi
Sadia, Thank you for the lovely designs, you are so very generous. Everthing design I have embroidered of yours turns out so lovely. Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas Season.
Thank you for the snowflakes. Going to try them out today. They look great
Thank You so much for your gift. What a wonderful Christmas gift.
Krys
Thank you, Sadia, for the beautifyl snowflakes and the design ideas…Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year…Patty
Thank you for the lovelee desgns and Mary Christmas to you .
Sadia, Thanks for your generosity. The snowflakes are beautiful & the ideas you gave us to use them are fabulous. Happy Holidays.
Janet
Thank you for the beautiful lace snowflake designs. I can hardly wait to try them. Have a wonderful holiday. I have marked your site for the future.
Sadia, I just had to write you a note and thank you for this gift and for all
the other gifts too. Your designs are so eye-catching and can be used
in so many ways. You are a very generous person in sharing your time,
energy and talents with us that I can’t thank you enough! Happy Holidays to you and yours. Peggy
Thank you Sadia for the Beautiful Free 2007 gift to us ! It is Truly appreciated ! Marilyn.j.
Sadia, Many thanks for the beautiful snowflake designs and the great ideas of how to use them. Have a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2008.
Vonnie
Thank you so much these designs. they are wonderful. God bless
Thank you for the snow flakes my sister is making a snowman quilt that is a snow globe scene and these will look good on it
Thanks so much you do so much
Billie
Thank you for the snowflakes, I can’t wait to stitch them out! Have a wonderful holiday.
The designs are wonderful and I sure enjoy reading your blog everytime it is updated. You make these designs come to life! Thank you!
thank you for your lovely present to all ofus—-ty grace
ty so much for your lovely present—doesn’t seem fair you give and we don’t except for saying thanks
grace
Sadia,
Thank you so much for the wonderful gift, I will use them often, The first will be to decorate napkins for our grand daugher’s napkins , a Christmas gift for her first Christmas in their new home. I know she would like to thank you too.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks again.,
Linda in Al. , USA
Sadia,
Thank you so much for the wonderful gift, I will use them often, The first will be to decorate napkins for our grand daugher’s napkins , a Christmas gift for her first Christmas in their new home. I know she would like to thank you too.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Linda in Al. , USA
Sadia, Thanks for the free snowflake designs. I remember well the napkin swap as I was in one of your groups. I received your wonderful poinsettia and then purchased the CD of them. I just took out my napkins today Before I came here and have stitched out 4 more of them with plans to stitch at least a 1/2 dozen of each type. Have a wonderful Christmas and blessed 2008. Beth in NJ
Thank you so much, Sadia, for the beautiful snowflake designs. I love reading your blogs and seeing the pictures you post. Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to share with us! Karen M
Well everyone has said it, so well, again the designs utilizing the snowflake is such a generous gift to us all. Coming up with a theme that fills many occasions is just another talent of yours. We are blessed to have you inspire us to keep on sewing and just have fun! Thank you!!
Happy Holidays!
Nutmeg
Sadia. Thank you so much for these beautiful designs. I know that I will use them a lot. I love snowflakes. Have a very Merry Christman a wonderful New Year. Vickie
Must say I was surprised to read,”of course non-religious”.
WOW!! This IS a religious time for Jews as well as Christians.
I have many friends of numerous other religions,BUT we all respect each other and our Faith. It truely hurt to think you might think less of me because I am Christian.
Lovingly
Reta Sihto
p.s. I think it was the “of course” part that was the ouch.
Reta, I’m afraid you read it and took it the wrong way. I was respecting every religion by not making it “specific”. There is no malice meant in that comment simply a sense of understanding for all. There are many holidays that are happening at this time of year for many religions and in no way did I want to only give the gift for any one. Your further comment regarding “thinking less” is irrelevant as no such indication has been given except by you in your interpretation. Hugs, Sadia
I was so busy in December that I’ve only today had time to look at and download your beautfiul snowflake designs. They’re just lovely! Thank you so much, Sadia, for such a generous gift. Glad I have a lot of time to stitch these out before next winter’s celebrations.
Thank you Sadia for another beautiful holiday design. The snowflakes this year were a lovely addition to my holiday cards which I sent all through the U.S. Your earlier gifts of the angel holding a swag of flowers and the floral cross have been stitched out and sent in many of my get well cards to friend. Recipients always are amazed at the beauty of your work. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your wonderful talent with all.