I decided that I needed little gifts that were light (for mailing) and useful at the same time. I have found patterns for both the Sugarplum Faerie and the Nutcracker Prince.
I have completed two bookmarks so far of my Sugarplum Faerie. Each one will be unique in my choices of floss. I am quite happy with the pattern so that I will not be altering.
These have been so far quick and easy to do. Usually only taking two sittings of a couple of hours. Taking into account that I now have osteoarthritis in both hands and I can do about a one inch square in about two hours.
I have backed them using the same aida cloth and then just used a zig zag stitch on my sewing machine to attach the two sides together.
I found my 'free' pattern at http://cross-stitchers-club.com/. You can join at no charge and you get 20 free points for joining. Each pattern has its own point system this pattern cost me 10 of my free points :)
The pattern unfortunately does not post who created it, so I cannot give them credit for their creation. But the pattern is called "Fairies all round" and it consist of 4 faeries, one each for the seasons. My winter faerie is shown in blue so I changed my flosses to match the sugarplum theme.
My bookmarks are measuring approximately 3"x5" in size.
