November 2001 Block

"Redwork Snowman"

8½" x 8½"block
( 9" x 9" unfinished)

1. Tea-Dye Muslin for the background. Cut a 9" x9" square of plain muslin or unbleached cotton. In a soup mug or a small pot pour about 2 cups boiling water, add two tea bags and the muslin. Allow to sit until cold or overnight. Remove muslin and rinse in warm water until water runs clear. Hang to dry or iron dry.
2. Using a regular lead pencil and a light box or by taping the pattern onto the window with the muslin over it, trace the design onto the fabric.
3. If you wish to use the traditional Red for the whole design it is DMC #304 then using a straight or stem stitch and one strand of floss follow the line drawing. If you use a variety of colours on the embroidery, use a double strand of white as it will show up better than a single. The eyes and mouth are done with french knots and the pine bough needles are done with the daisy stitch. If you want clearer stitching instructions you can go to www.StitchGuide.com or most craft magazines have a page that shows the steps.
4. Personal Enhancements are encouraged for this block so that it has your own special touch. Therefore, feel free to change the shape of the buttons, add twig arms, eliminate or change the position of the pine bough. Also the greeting above the snowman can be any "Seasonal" type greeting that you like, simply reprint the letters instead of Peace on Earth. Happy Xmas, Season's Greetings (in your language of origin) Happy Day, Snow Day etc.