French Mango Monthly Pattern, December 2022

Hello and welcome!

Here is the very first in the series of the monthly patterns I am going to offer you from now on!

If you are this side of the “door” it is because you have purchased the pattern or subscribed to The French Mango Monthly Pattern.

The name is pretty boring and definitely lacks in originality. The truth is that I have been over thinking this for far too long and I have a tendency to do this as a way to procrastinate, and procrastinate I could not do or you would have received Christmas patterns in January. So this is the name. for now. I may change it someday.

So here is as it goes.

Below you will find all the links and info that you need to complete these 3 Christmas ornaments and if you are good at picking your project regularly you will have them ready on your tree before Christmas!

Think of the lovely compliments you are going to get on Christmas day when your Aunt sees them and asks “oooh these are lovely, where did you get them?” and you will proudly reply “these were made by moi!”.

Remember if you have subscribed through my Substack newsletter you have access to a private chat via the app which is now available on both iOs and Android and where I will be dying to see your work, but also I want to hear from you if you have any issue, struggle etc. I am here to help you!

So without any further ado, I give you the 3 Nutcrackers ornaments…

Have fun and take good care of yourself,

Peggy x

Click on the images to download and print the patterns

List of recommended supplies

You will need 14 count Aida Fabric like this one. You can find roll or sheet of different sizes in craft store or online please refer to the patterns to estimate the size your need.
An embroidery needle
A pair of sharp embroidery scissors
Thread – please refer to the color references on the patterns if you wish to follow the same.

To assemble your ornaments

A cloth to use when ironing
You need some craft fuze like this one to provide some rigidity to your ornament
Some heavy duty wonder under to fuse the backing and the stitched fabric
Some heavy felt or similar to add an extra layer. It is not entirely necessary but it is useful.
Some ribbon
Anti Fray Glue like this it appears necessary

Tips to get started with cross stitch

Cross stitch is very simple however there are some things that you need to remember in order to simplify the process and to help you get a beautiful finish.

Here they are:

★ It can be very tempting to start stitching the first stitch of the first line and to keep going. Doing this makes it really hard to estimate how to center your pattern.

Before you start, take a look at your pattern and figure out where the center is (follow the arrows on the pattern) then work your way around from there.

★ Make sure you use the holes in the fabric to keep your stitching regular. One square on your pattern represents one square on your fabric.

★ Pick a direction for your first and second stitches and avoid changing and mixing them or your finished result will look messy.

How to assemble your ornament

★ Set your iron on hot and dry

★ While it is heating up, start trimming around your fabric but be careful to leave a good margin around it. Don’t cut around the shape just yet as it makes fixing the craft fuze easier.

★ Cut a piece of craft fuze slightly smaller than your piece of embroidered fabric but make sure that it covers the whole stitched area.

★ Turn over your stitched fabric (have the back up) and place the piece of craft fuze, shiny side down over it. Be careful with this, otherwise you will fuze your clothe rather than the stitched fabric.

★ Place your clothe over them and slowly heat it up with your iron. Do it for as long as it is necessary and make sure to keep moving your iron slowly so that you don’t burn anything.

★ If you want to have a stiffer fabric, repeat with a 2 piece of craft fuze.

Applicable if you want to add a final layer of felt

★ Finally fix a piece of heavy duty wonder under (shiny side facing down on your fabric) the same way as you did with the craft fuze.

★ Leave it to cool down completly once this is done and then trim the fabric closer to the edge.

★ If you feel like your fabric is fraying too much use some anti fray glue all around which should dry clear.

★ When the fabric has completely cooled down you will need to peel off the back paper of the wonder under and place your felt fabric over it.

★ Make sure you cover it with your clothe again and iron to fuze it all together. Felt fabric has a higher melting potential so you will need to be careful with your iron.

★ once this is cold to the touch you will be able to finish trimming the fabric properly and you will be able to stich your ribbon.

Et voila!