Geeky Christmas QR Cross-Stitch

Back in October, I read on Epbot about a project Jen did mixing cross-stitching and scannable QR codes (Quick Craft: Geek Stitch). I loved the idea and decided to make something similar for my dad (a geek who loves his iPhone and all the apps), but for Christmas.

Finished Christmas QR Cross-Stitch

I found a QR Code Generator, entered the phrase I wanted (Joyeux Noël!) and used the jpeg that was generated for me to make my pattern in Excel. I also looked through Google Image for some Christmas-y border ideas. The border design changed throughout the process though because time was running short and I needed to finish. Which I did, just in time.

Framed Christmas QR Cross-Stitch

My dad's reaction was perfect: when he unwrapped the frame, he took out his iPhone, scanned the code and then burst out laughing. He kept on saying how cool this was and that it was definitely going on the wall of the family owned Auto Repair Shop. Even my mom commented on how nicely done my stitches were (and this was my first cross-stitch project).

This was my most time consuming project for this year's Handmade Holidays challenge (a personal challenge). But it was my favourite one!

Patchwork Table Runner

This is another one of the gifts I made this Christmas (how many am I at now?). This table runner was for my aunt and uncle who often give me gifts from Pier 1, so I was aiming for an "Ethnic" feel similar to what is sold there.

I cut 108 squares of various leftover fabrics (test me, I can tell you what project each of them came from), 5 cm x 5 cm (plus 1 cm seam allowance all around). I assembled strips of 6 squares, then sewed all the strips together.

The biggest problem I had was with the different levels of stretch each square had, since I used a variety of leftover fabrics including stretch velvet; I couldn't make my squares match up between strips.

Nonetheless, I made my entire table runner. Then I bag lined it with black cotton (another leftover). To make the patchwork hold nicely with the lining, I sewed a straight line of gold thread down each strip.

Finally, I hand sewed trim all around. The trim in question was tablet woven by yours truly usung 14 cards and a small tablet weaving loom. In fact, my loom only makes trim 150 cm long, so I needed 2 lengths to do the whole edge of the table runner.

I gave my gift to my aunt and uncle on New Year's Eve (they have their annual New Year's Eve bash on December 31st) and I do believe it was appreciated.