Set a Beautiful Table Make your table the center of holiday celebration! Stitch a set of stunning poinsettia placemats with matching napkins and coasters, or a simple Christmas tree design to add a personal touch to purchased napkins. Whether you prefer Battenburg linens (creating the lace from our instructions) or a Santa-edged runner, accent the table with surprise-filled Christmas Crackers to make your holiday meal one to remember.

Christmas Tree Ornaments A beautiful tree is the ultimate expression of the joy of the season. Celebrate a handmade holiday with ornaments and embellishments you create. Victorian touches such as cone-shaped cornucopias, tiny angels fluttering among branches hung with embroidered and beribboned ornaments, and smocked creations that will be treasured year after year can make this Christmas season the best one yet.

All Through the House Add a little holiday cheer to every room in the house! Decorate the doorknobs with flower-filled lace pockets, and hang the stockings by the fireside. Tree skirts, a crazy patch bed coverlet, a heavenly array of angels, and a Christmas stocking for every taste will fill your home with magic.

Gifts of Love What better way to say "You're someone special" than with a handcrafted gift? Use heirloom sewing techniques to create a little basket or try your hand at fine embroidery. Make the container special when you stitch our gift bags, and give two gifts in one! "Chocolates" made from ribbon, a lacy vest and a delicate princess lace jabot are gift ideas for all year round.

Children at Christmas The faces of our children reflect the joy of the season. Holiday finery from a lacy collar to a little drummer bear make our children's dreams come true. A soft sculpture Gingerbread House will light up a little girl's face or make a stunning centerpiece for a holiday table. A smocked decorated Christmas tree or jaunty holly leaves fashioned of Ultrasuede are a focal point for holiday dressing.

Smocking Designs Our favorite English smocking designs--many no longer available--feature a cozy winter scene, Christmas candy, star-shaped Santas, nutcrackers, and a delicate holiday bow. Choose your favorite to embellish clothes that even Santa can't deliver!

Learn the basics of shadow work embroidery and smocking with our illustrated instructions. With just a little practice, you can create all the wonderful projects you see.