Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking

I started this shortly after Christmas last year and finished it a week or so before Christmas.  I pulled together a bunch of things from other patterns.  The goats at the bottom don't really fit the theme, but they are a nod to our goats, Billy and Aberforth.

Black Dress

Frabjous made this Burda pattern last Christmas, and I liked it enough that I decided to make something similar but in black. Black is not the best color on me, but I wanted to have a black dres for occasions that demand something more somber.

  I found Frabjous' tips really helpful and learned how to balance darts and how to reinforce the corners in the sleeves.  I also interlined with with silk organza.

One thing I did differently was to add an invisible zipper in the back and baste the front shut.  It's easier, and I won't have to worry about gaping.  I also changed the sleeves to elbow length so I can wear it year round.  Additionally I raised the neckline.  I prefer my necklines much higher than Burda tends to design for.  I can see from the picture that I need to figure out a better way to raise the neckline.

I started it almost a year ago, and when I tried it on, I discovered that it was way too big in the waist, so I had to take it in. Hence the pins on the side.  I can also see from the pictures that I should have done a better job pressing it.