Christmas Goodness 2010

A while back, it occurred to us that 8-bit video game graphics from classic Nintendo games would translate well into cross-stitch, which the Partner-in-Crime totally geeked out over. I have been a cross stitcher for over 20 years, so I figured I had the skills needed for such geekery.

Plus, when we mentioned this fact, that classic video game characters translate well into cross-stitch, to a certain brother-in-law of mine, he also totally geeked out and said, "You could totally do Mega Man!" Score! Christmas gift idea!

So, the Partner-in-Crime took some screen shots of Mega Man from his emulator and we charted them on graph paper. I matched the colors to some DMC embroidery floss and used 14-count Aida fabric in a light blue-green color (I don't remember the exact name of the shade). After stitching Mega Man in three different poses, I cut them apart to make them into patches. We used some basic quilter's cotton for the backing, fused some lightweight interfacing to that, and then did a tight zigzag stitch (like a satin stitch) to finish off.

For more nerdy stitchery info, we have found Sprite Stitch to be an invaluable resource!

For the second crafty Christmas gift, I made a Tiny Tote for my little niece who recently moved very far away to Arizona. A purse was one of her wish-list items, so I hunted around for a cute pattern and decided to go with the "Tiny Tote" from Sew What! Bags by Lexie Barnes.

I picked out a cute corduroy print for the main bag and some pink cotton for the handles. I also added a pink cotton lining to the bag, which is not part of the original instructions. I think unlined bags seem unfinished with their exposed seams and adding a lining was an easy addition. The finished size of the bag is approximately 7"x6", which is pretty tiny. I had to keep reminding myself that the tote was for a very small person!

Not as much crafty Christmas goodness this year from the Snicklefritzes, but we had fun with the little bit we did craft!