Back last year …. A few months before Christmas … I had this idea of an embroidered Opening Christmas Tree decoration. I had made a fabric version of it years before and even ran a workshop on it. The original kit came from Pinflair, and I spoke to them about my idea of doing an embroidered version of the tree. The fabric trees were lovely to make and really did make a stunning centrepiece on the table over the Christmas period.

So … I put pencil to paper and came up with a few sketches …. Simple fir branches and baubles using simple embroidery stitches and metallic embroidery thread on a lovely linen to create something special.

I finished the embroidery, made up the tree sample while taking photos of each step. I then wrote the pattern, got it proof read and tested to see how easy it was to follow. I then shared the photos on Facebook to gauge on how much interest there would be in making the tree and having kits available to purchase. The next step was to get in touch with the fabric wholesaler to see about getting in the linen fabric. With 6 weeks to go till Christmas, I thought there would be time enough. I had ordered (& received) all the precut board templates to make the tree. However, the colour that I wanted for the tree was not in stock in the UK warehouse and needed to be ordered from the States which meant a delay. It finally arrived 2 days before Christmas, which was seriously too late for last Christmas. Lesson learnt. I guess it really is important to plan Christmas makes well in advance.

So, the templates and other pieces for the kit were put on hold. Christmas 2022 came and went, and no one really wanted to start making up Christmas trees in the spring. I decided to put the kits, etc aside until the autumn and launch them at the Quilt Fayre last week. It seemed the ideal time to launch the kit as I was also launching the Santa Sacks and my other Inktense Christmas designs then as well.

I made up the kits with four different colourways. The colourways refer to the colour of the baubles on the tree branches – 4 different colours of metallic thread. There is Red Copper, Bronze, Silver and Gold. My sample was made using the Bronze metallic thread.

The kits include 19 page tutorial with step by step instructions and colour photos to make creating your tree easy,  the precut board templates to make the tree, shirting and gummed paper tape for assembling the tree, wadding, washable stabiliser for the front of the linen to show the embroidery lines, linen fabric, ribbon hinges and the embroidery threads for the embroidery. All you need to provide is the bookbinding glue and fabric for the internal/trunk of the tree.

This tree really is such a special and stunning addition for your Christmas décor and will be lovely to bring out each year and fill with chocolates or sweets.

I guess the hardest choice is …. What colour baubles will you choose for your tree …. Or what fabric will you choose for the interior of your tree ….

So, with Christmas being only about 100 days away …. Now would be a good time to purchase your kit and you will have enough time to make your very own opening Christmas Tree to adorn your table this year….. These kits are limited ….