Festive Boutis: Rondes de Noël

Boutis Napkin Rings

Just in time for Christmas……….

Quick to stitch, easy to assemble, these festive little Christmas accessories will add fun and sparkle to any Christmas table.

Traditionally, mid November was the time my daughter and I would kick-start the Christmas season with a day of chopping and mincing generous amounts of dried fruit that would then be soaked in a lovely aromatic brandy and be allowed to macerate for weeks before it would be used in the annual Christmas baking marathon to come. Since moving away from a large extended family, needs have changed and baking marathons have given way to other creative preparations. Of course, in the home of someone committed to needle and thread, stitching will be part of the pre-season hustle and bustle.

So instead of a home baked fruitcake gracing the dessert table, I have started this year's celebration by creating 4 new napkin ring patterns that will add fun and festivity to any table setting.

If napkin rings don’t suit your style, maybe a beautiful keepsake bookmark, something that will be cherished year after year, is more appropriate.

All four designs are included and available for purchase as a PDF pattern in my Etsy store.

Also included is a 23 page manual that will walk you through every step of the process, from prep to finish, with detailed instructions, diagrams, photos and a complete supply list.

The technique for this project is simple, straightforward and fairly quick and easy to stitch and assemble, both for a beginner or a seasoned stitcher.

Whether you choose to make napkin rings or bookmarks, the framing fabric you select will personalize the project to reflect your own taste and style. Will you choose an elegant, classic look with a quiet linen frame? Or does a border of bright, jewel tone colours suit your party mood? Mix and match to suit yourself and have fun exploring the options.

As time for these kinds of projects is limited for all of us, starting a collection by making a few every year may be a more realistic goal. Start a collection of napkin rings for friends and family that you can add to from year to year. Or include a bookmark with a special book you will gift to someone. Enjoy the of adventure of learning a new technique while creating a keepsake momento that will be cherished for years.

If you are looking for a little quiet time while the “busy”ness of the season descends, consider a brief escape by stitching something lovely that will become a traditional addition to your festive table. Pattern and instruction manual for the napkin rings/bookmarks are available in downloadable PDF format on my Etsy site at SeamsFrenchBoutisque.

If you don't have easy access to the supplies required, I also have a limited supply of harder to find boutis specific materials. Please contact me directly via email (see “Contact” above) or through Etsy at: SeamsFrenchBoutisque.

If in the US, individual supplies may be purchased through Averyclaire Needlearts on Etsy.