Winter Lights Candles and Flames

October 10, 2025, 8:54 am
Filed under: ANG Central Jersey Chapter, Winter Lights by Jennifer Jennifer Riefenberg

Jennifer Riefenberg put together a lovely design in Winter Lights. I am glad I left the candles and flames for last.

Once I got 3 magnets positioned on the canvas properly for Candle 1, I was able to park needles/threads alternating from the laid foundation thread to either one of two cross stitches. It took some concentration.

I learned how to compensate a Rhodes fan on Candle 2.

Candle 3 (on the right) is my design because I trimmed, burnt, and over trimmed the piece of mesh tubing Jennifer provided (what’s left is shown in the border of the canvas on the left). And, truth be told, I tried using it but I didn’t like the mesh anyway (did I burn it accidentally but subconsciously on purpose). So I improvised and mimicked the crosses of the mesh and love it. I placed 4 strands of Sulky Holoshimmer 6017 vertically in the center and placed 2 long strands of Tiara T117 on each side. Then, I criss-crossed twice with Petite Treasure Braid PB10 and once with 2 strands of Sulky Holoshimmer 6017.

The little dimples make Candle 4 interesting.

I also love the center Candle 5 even though it took 2 tries to get correct. I was off one canvas thread in the 5th of the 10 paths.

Jennifer is correct to suggest laying, couching, laying, etc across Candle 6 so you can see the holes as you stitch. That’s probably true whenever couching.

Offset crosses in Candle 7 were something new to try.

I figured out how to compensate a Waffle Stitch for Candle 8.

And, oblique crosses finished up Candle 9.

The outlining of the candles and flames were stitched as the Phillies went up in flames exiting the playoffs with little offense and a ridiculous blunder. Finishing this lovely design was the highlight the day!