While re-organizing my cross stitch patterns and going through bins of “stash” last weekend, I came across this:
This is the left panel of a 5 panel nativity scene that I started back in 1993. WOW! I remember that I had to do this piece twice. I chose some fabric to do this shepherd boy on and when I went back to get more fabric for the next piece, that fabric had been discontinued. WHAT?? So I purchased all of the fabric for all 5 panels, all of the krenik threads and specialty threads all at once. And here it is 18 years later and I still don’t have all of it finished. I do have 2 other panels finished:
I loved stitching this one. All of those different threads. And just look at those little tassels! So cute! And this next piece I finished about 3 years ago:
This is a nice colorful piece and I love the angel. I just hope that when I get it finished (and I will get it finished) that the special frame kit will still be available. When I finished the angel piece above, I was told at my LNS that she could still get the frame kit. Another project on my long list of projects to finish.
My Time Stitching 
wow that like something I have seen before, oh yeah it that I have one of those panels done LOL. I just want to say what a amazing job you are doing .
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Awwww. Thank you. Yep, it is just like the one in your avitar! I have been hoping to dig mine out ever since I first saw your avitar. I know I have asked you before, but are you planning on completing the set?
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This is incredible! I’m enjoying seeing all of these treasures you are finding in your ‘stash’!!
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Thanks. Wait until you see what this piece is supposed to look like when finished. So beautiful. It is moving up the list of things to be finished.
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I just found this post 🙂 I have been working on mine for 13+ years — it is a big one — but yes I also love the camel – and I had to do the left panel like 3 times because that dang tree had too many empty spots for leaves effect 😀 but I now have 4 panels done and am working on the center and last panel – I knew if I started there that would be it LOL I have the center star and two angels done in the center and working on the Holy family now — I really do want to finish it this year before Christmas 🙂 Have you done any more on this one since your post?
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That is great Debbie. Sounds like you are on your way to a finish. I have not stitched anything on this in such a long time. But it is on my list of things to get finished. I’d love to see yours.
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I just found your response – 😛 — I will try to post pics later tonite 🙂
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Debbie, I have not done any more stitching on this piece. I am so happy to hear that you have been working on yours and are on the last panel. You have to feel a great sense of accomplishment to get this far on it. I am routing for you to get it finished this year. I have so many projects I want to get finished, that I am afraid this one is not going to get done this year either. But seeing your post may just lead me to get it out and work a bit on it very soon.
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Has anyone done this all as one big piece? I think I want to try that.
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That is a good question, Lisa. That would be awesome to do all on one piece. You do have to share if you decide to do it. I would love to see. I have still not done any more stitching on mine, but I have been getting others done. Thank you for stopping by and commenting 🙂
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I know this is an old thread but I just wanted to jump in and say that I know folks that have completed this. I’m currently working on the shepherd and it’s going very fast. After that I only have the camel left. I started in the middle and then moved out. The first three panels are all framed and hanging in my living room.
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That is fantastic, Susan! You will be finished in no time. Maybe this is the year that I get back to mine. Thank you for visiting 🙂
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Susan – we have completed the whole project – it took many, many years. We did not order the kit frame, but are framing it. Our framer is wondering what the measurements are around the top part of the frame. I am unable to find anything on the net.. Are you willing to share your measurements on the frames you have completed? Thank you.
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Ok, I hope this helps and I’m including my email if you want to ask more questions. On the center panel the across the top, measuring on the outside of the frame, it was 9 3/8”. Then the angled edge is 7”. I don’t know the degree of angle. The sides from the angle is 23.5”. Across the bottom is 19 3/8”. Sew pie @ Aol dot com. No spaces.
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I would love to see a picture of anyone’s completed project. I am going to attempt to complete the ones that my mother started a few years back.
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Hi Teresa. Unfortunately, I have not stitched any more than is shown here on my blog. It is still on my list of projects to complete. Good luck with yours. I know it will be beautiful when finished.
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There is a set of pictures at http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/3372050
How sweet of you to finish your mother’s project! how is it going? What panel are you working on?
I’d like to do the center panel and maybe have the holy family done by Christmas. But I prefer to start at the top and work my way down. Angels and the Star would be great for Christmas. But perhaps I should start with the left panel–Shepherd Boy.
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I was glad to see this thread! I bought the patterns almost 30 years ago. I am buying the supplies and gearing up to do it!
I have dreamed about it forever and am finally able to get started! (My family is grown.)
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That is great, Susie! I’d love to see your progress. One of these days I will get back to mine and finish it. It is a spectacular piece. Enjoy!
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I have never done a project with 1/2 stitches before. What direction do you make them? The same as the first cross or the same as the top cross? I would think the top cross? Suggestions?
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Hi Susie, I don’t have any hand dyers to suggest but I know they are out there. I know of someone who stitched it on dark blue. It was lovely but I wouldn’t want to do that. I did one project on black and it was difficult to see well. Finished it but never again. LOL
As for the half stitches. I had forgotten about those. Mostly they are used to indicate shadows at the bottom. So if you look a the chart and the symbol looks like this / you would stitch only 1 leg of the cross stitch and it would go from top right to bottom left. If the symbol is \ then same thing, stitched from top left to bottom right. Just be consistent. You are only stitching 1 half of the cross stitch.
I hope this helps, I don’t have the chart or the stitching in front of me.
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I started a closed facebook group for people who have finished the nativity, who are working on the nativity, and who hope to work on the nativity in the future. We are having great discussions. I’d love it if others would join us.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Nativity.marbek.serendipity/?ref=share
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Thank you, Susie. I would love to join this group. Hopefully it will give me the inspiration I need to get this project finished Thank you for the invite 🙂
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