Cross Stitch Samplers

Quaker Bluebird Sampler

2012-01-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

During this past Christmas I stitched this Quaker Sampler. It is called the Quaker Bluebird Sampler by Willow Hill Samplings. I stitched it on 30 ct linen with sampler threads. I love the variation of colors when using sampler threads. This was a joy to stitch on a larger thread count. Great project!!

Quaker Bluebird Sampler

Long Overdue Update

2012-01-12T17:52:00.002-05:00

It is hard to believe that I have not updated this blog in nine months . I am flattered that I have so many followers and that I get emails on my work. Thank you!!

Of course, I have been crafting. There really has never been a time when I have not had a craft project to work on. During this year I have cross stitched, knitted, crocheted and quilted. I am currently teaching myself to free motion quilt. That is machine quilting on my home sewing machine. It is a very difficult skill to master. I am making significant progress. I thought this would be a good skill to have under my belt for baby quilts and lap quilts from all the reproduction fabrics I love.

Here is an afghan I crocheted in the early summer of 2011. It is called Tuscan Throw and the designer is Treva McCain. I used Hobby Lobby yarn in an off white. Hobby Lobby is my local craft store. This is a soft, sturdy and inexpensive yarn. I really enjoyed this project. It looks very old fashioned and lacy. I think it would be a great wedding gift.

I will show you my free motion progress and the adorable cross stitch sampler I am working on very soon..

Dutch Treat Table Topper

2011-04-17T18:24:00.001-04:00

Every Spring I take out my Sampler Dutch Treat Table Topper. I love this project. It was sewn with Caron Watercolors...heavenly. Yes, I would really like to stitch another one sometime soon. Problem is deciding which one!!

Been very busy with work and home, no real sewing these days.

Enjoy!!

Sampler Dutch Treat Table Topper

Stacy Nash Class, More of Jane Baxter

2011-04-12T10:21:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, April 30 I am taking a class at my LNS, Three Sisters Needlework and Antiques here in Knoxville, TN with Stacy Nash. I am really looking forward to this class. I have completed the cross stitch sections and we will complete in class.... At first I didn't like the Autumn (rose) overdyed floss, then I realized that this project needs the variation of colors to differentiate the flowers. Great designs!! I added the little blue bird on the tree.

Here is my progress on Jane Baxter. This is a wonderful sampler to stitch. From the pattern to the silks to the linen, this project is a winner in my opinion. Again, notice how I stitch all over the place, never really completing a section until I go back to the beginning...kind of strange.

Enjoy!! Thank you followers I am glad you enjoy my blog.


Jane Baxter, Needlepoint Silk, LL Vintage Luna 40 ct

Permin Sampler 1749 Dug Out, Dusted Off

2011-04-03T16:28:00.000-04:00

I dug out Permin 1749 and dusted her off and put her on my mantle. I had put her under my bed because I got tired of looking at it. Now, I am in love with this sampler again. I stitched this on 36 count linen with my all time favorite Gloriana Silk. The sampler, linen and silk were wonderful. This was a joy to stitch. Here it is in blue.

here is the frame....which is perfect for this sampler.

I am continuing on Jane Baxter.. Enjoy!!

Very Small Sampler

2011-03-30T18:35:00.000-04:00

Here is a very small sampler that I completed. The pattern is Milady's Needle. It is was part of a pattern, but I am not sure what I will do with my sampler. These small patterns are so much fun to stitch.

I also want to share this great blog I found that pictures gorgeous flowers in jugs Sherrie . Wow!! Sherrie, those photos have my head spinning with ideas for keeping fresh cut flowers in my home this spring and summer.

Jane Baxter 1824 Current WIP

2011-03-26T13:53:00.004-04:00

Here is what I am working on. This is Jane Baxter 1824 by Primitive Traditions on 40 ct. Luna with Needlepoint Silk. This sampler is beautiful and a joy to stitch. I look forward to the evenings so I can relax with this project!!


Jane Baxter 1824 Primitive Traditions 40 ct Lakeside Linens Luna Needlepoint Silk

Lovely French Samplers and Linen Stains

2011-03-21T09:37:00.000-04:00

Did I tell you how much I love French Samplers.

Here is a French sampler that I completed about 5 years ago. I saw this sampler in a book and just stitched it from a book, no chart. I have had it rolled up in a white cotton pillowcase and I noticed that it is already getting dark linen stains. Isn't that strange. Only 5 years... I spend lots of money on fabric to look old and yet when it gets old by itself it annoys me!!

Here is the linen stain going on top of the cross.

I love this little sample, done on linen with silks.

Rachel Ellicott 1827 Sampler Finished

2011-03-15T14:11:00.004-04:00


Here is Rachel Ellicott from R&R Reproductions. This pattern is OOP. I stitched this sampler on 32 count Lambswool linen with DMC and Sampler Threads...

I am anxious for Spring and this sampler gives me that Spring feeling. It also matches my antique bowl that I bought a few years ago when I lived in Florida.

The verse reads:

Almighty power whose tender care did infancy protect. Let riper years thy favor share, and every step direct.

This beautiful sampler is held in the collection of the Sandy Springs Museum in Maryland. Rachel came from a prominent Quaker family who were mill owners. This sampler exhibits the Westtown School influence with the exception of the forget-me-not border.

Not my usual 40 ct style sampler. Nevertheless, I love it.

Enjoy!!

Cardan Antiques Philadelphia Botting

2011-03-13T07:33:00.000-04:00

I was able to view the Philadelphia Botting completed sampler by Cardan Antiques at my LNS. It is stunning... simple yet elegant. Guess what? I will be starting this project as soon as I finish Rachel Ellicott.

Carriage House Samplings Stocking

2011-03-08T08:49:00.001-05:00

Here is one of the projects I have been working on. It is an unfinished project that I started a few years back. I stopped working on this project because I don't think I can finish it. I have no problem on the sewing machine. The problem is the curves along the bottom part of the stocking. I plan to finish the cross stitch part soon since I just have a little bit left. I was originally going to give it to someone else unfinished, but NO ONE needs another unfinished project lying around!!

I am also working on Rachel Ellicott from R&R Reproductions. It is an older pattern. I am working it on 32 count cashel linen and a mix of Sampler threads and DMC. I am so enjoying this product. The 32 count is a joy to work on compared to my standard 40ct. This pattern is spring-like to me. Enjoy!

Be Kind and True

2011-03-03T07:20:00.001-05:00

Here is a sampler from Blackbird Designs that I stitched a few years ago. I love this sampler. It was stitched on a larger thread count than I normally stitch on now and the linen is just perfect. Boy, would I love to get my hands on a linen like this now!! It is called Be Kind and True and I do believe it is OOP. I keep this sampler in my kitchen though I do rotate samplers. Enjoy and I hope you find some time to stitch today.

Stacy Nash Pears & Strawberrries Bag

2011-02-27T08:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I finished the Pears and Strawberries Sampler Bag by Stacy Nash. I stitched mine on 40 ct linen with DMC. The linen was so silky and wonderful to stitch on that I wish I had written down the name when I bought it. I was inspired by a completed sample in my LNS. The sample in my LNS was made into a sweet pillow and was heavily distressed. It is gorgeous..

Here it is finished.. I lined it completely. It was certainly not an easy project to put together since I didn't read the directions or have a template since mine was smaller than the suggested 32 count. Nevertheless, I was determined and I am pleased with the results.

The red fabric is cotton from a leftover project and the brown fabric is a wool blend that I recycled from a pair of pants I bought at Goodwill for $2.

When I showed it to my husband after it was completed. He said it is the perfect size for a sandwich!!

Next I will finish Sarah Woodham. I have an hour left on her.

Enjoy.

Elizebeth Bechtel DONE

2011-02-23T07:46:00.007-05:00

Elizebeth Bechtel is finished. I stitched 10 strawberries in queen stitch and completed some other motifs. I was happy to initial and date this project. It was sitting around for two years incomplete. Queen stitch is very time consuming, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. Here you will see the red strawberries and in the bottom picture you will see beige ones also.

Besides sewing, another passion of mine is the outdoors. Most days I go to a park or greenway to walk, but my favorite thing to do is hunt out beautiful areas on sides streets or in farmlands. These are pictures of a farm near my home in North Knoxville that I visit frequently throughout the year. I was there on Monday. This farm is beautiful and in season you can pick fruit. I just enjoy walking and enjoying nature....and look what I found in the back of the farm:

Enjoy!!

Unfinished #2 - Aires of the Green

2011-02-20T17:19:00.004-05:00

Thank you for your kind compliments. I normally read your blogs in Google reader so I don't always comment. However, know that I am always inspired by each blog. I am sure that alot of readers are reading in Google reader also...

Here is Aries of the Green unfinished. This is such a sweet sampler. I don't really have a lot to do on this one either. It is stitched on 40 ct with DMC. This is a must to finish soon. I put it down because I didn't like the way the sheep were coming out on the bottom. Now that I look at it again, the sheep are fine!!

Nicole, you have inspired me on this one... Okay, here is Hannah Pepper. This is not my sampler. I do own the Finelines magazines where this sampler appeared and even the notes from way back in 2002. The suggested fabric is LL light examplar. Is this the thin fabric? I really prefer the thin fabric. Also, how do you think this sampler would look on LL "vintage" light examplar. I really think this sampler is just beautiful. If I can find the right fabric it will be on my short list of projects to do.

I am digging out those unfinished samplers and this is the year to finish them or sell them on ebay!!

Enjoy!! My next unfinished is a beauty and I don't know why I put it down. I will post photos soon.

Elizebeth Bechtel Unfinished

2011-02-16T07:44:00.005-05:00

I have been really enjoying looking at all the unfinished samplers on various blogs. Nicole's blog is full of gorgeous unfinished samplers. Nicole I would love to visit you and stitch some of these with you!!

I don't have a lot of unfinished samplers but I sure do have a few. Elizabeth Bechtel is one. Though it looks complete, I need to stitch 6 strawberries in Queen stitch. I did stitch one of them yesterday, so only 5 to go. This sampler was done in silk and I absolutely love working in silk. I must have put it down 2 years ago. I need to check it carefully as I don't remember what else is not done. This sampler is from Essamplaire. This came as a kit, but I changed the linen. The linen I chose is a little flimsy.

Spring Sampler Carriage House & Update on Sarah

2011-02-13T16:11:00.010-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day. Here is a picture of my heart wreath that I hung in my kitchen for Valentine's Day.

Here is my progress on Sarah Woodham. The one over one for the prayer is going very slowly and it is very tedious. Nevertheless, I am continuing working on this sampler. It is the only sampler that I am working on now. I am not very orderly when I sew, a little here and a little there.

The above are photos of my completed the Song They Sang by Carriage House Samplings. Done on 40 ct linen with DMC. Oh, I did change the color on the large flower and maybe some other small changes.

Enjoy!!

Bo Peep La D Da

2011-02-08T09:53:00.006-05:00

Here is Bo Peep by La D Da. This is such a sweet, little sampler and I loved stitching it. I never had it framed. I thought it would make a cute pillow for a younger girl. I stitched it on 40 ct linen with DMC. Oh, take a look at the fabric on the last photo. I have plans to integrate this fabric into a summer quilt soon. It is called Evening Mist! Enjoy.

American Quaker 1803

2011-02-04T18:07:00.004-05:00

The above are photos of American Band Sampler Quaker 1803 from Scarlet Letter. This is a great sampler and I enjoyed stitching it.

I started stitching the words on the Sarah Woodham sampler. Now I am beginning to see an end to this project. Not that I need another completed sampler, I'm just getting ready for something new and different.

Ann Sims Sampler

2011-02-01T19:37:00.006-05:00

Here are pictures of Ann Sims Sampler by Homespun Elegance. I bought this sampler as a kit from Homespun Elegance. The photo on the website looks like a red house. However, if you buy the kit the house will be a reddish brown, leaning more towards brown. I really enjoyed stitching this sampler and I love how it looks now. The frame is also distressed with lots of wood dents.

I am working on Sarah Woodham in the evenings. I generally work on just one sampler at a time unless I get very bored or frustrated.

Sarah Woodham Progress and Rit Dye

2011-01-30T08:51:00.007-05:00

Here is my progress on Sarah Woodham. It is slow going but beautiful. I am really enjoying this sampler. I may not be saying that when I get to the 1/1 on the prayer. We'll see.

What is this mess??

I decided to dye my own linen for Elizabeth Sheffield. I went into my linen bin and pulled out a 36ct linen that was to yellow for my tastes and this project. I picked up Tan Rit dye and used one plastic tsp with warm water and stirred vigorously to incorporate all the dye. I did not want red or yellow spots on my precious linen. Guess what? It worked perfectly. The shade of linen is now perfect for this project, nice vintage pale brown. Easy, simple and economical. If only dying my hair were so easy!!

Enjoy!!

Welcome Home Elizabeth Sheffield

2011-01-27T19:57:00.004-05:00

Today I had a chance to visit my LNS Three Sisters Antiques and Needlework (soon there will be a link to the website) and immediately fell in love with Elizabeth Sheffield by Scarlet Letter. There was a completed reproduction by a local needlework artist hung on the wall that caught my eye. All I can say is WOW!!! Thankfully they had a pattern to sell me. The picture does not do this gorgeous pattern justice. I plan to use a 36ct linen and DMC for this project. Perhaps if you call the shop they will have a copy of this pattern for you also... SAL anyone?

Sarah Hartley 1827

2011-01-25T08:05:00.006-05:00

Here are photos of Sarah Hartley 1827 sampler by Historic Stitches. I completed this sampler in 2009 and just had it framed. I really love the innocence and simplicity of this sampler. I used DMC and 40 ct linen. There is a lot of one of one in the peach flowers that I carefully stitched one over one.

Currently I am working on Sarah Woodham I am using Sampler Threads and DMC on 40 ct linen. Pictures will be posted shortly.

2011-01-20T14:06:00.004-05:00

Here is Sarah Pain 1754 by Scarlet Letter. I stitched her on 36 ct Barn Owl Linen with DMC. I did have to adjust the peach color but otherwise this sampler is stitched as directed. Not a favorite, but I do like it. Also is a little drawstring bag that I made for my older sister's 50th birthday. I plan to mail it to her with a gift certificate next week. It was a very easy project to do.

Jane Brown 1831

2011-01-17T07:19:00.004-05:00

Here is Jane Brown 1831 from Amy Mitten Designs. I loved working on this project. I started it on a Mother's day a few years ago. Amy Mitten silks are so wonderful and the colors are vibrant. This is one of her antique reproductions or as she calls them "forgery". If I could I would stitch all of her forgery designs.

Praise Sampler

2011-01-13T09:39:00.004-05:00

Here is a small sampler from Plum Street Samplers that I just recently completed. Despite it being so small it is very detailed. It is called the Praise Sampler. I used DMC and 36 count linen that I had at home. Great sampler and oh so true!!

Sarah Ann Wilcox 1808 Sampler

2011-01-11T10:03:00.004-05:00

Here is Sarah Ann Wilcox 1808 sampler by Handwork Samplers. I completed this sampler a couple of years ago. I loved stitching this sampler, especially the people. If you look at the left fruit bowl of the bottom you will notice that one of the green leaves is missing. This really annoys me and I plan on fixing this. Great sampler!! This one is in print and ready for you to stitch too.

I am working on a small sampler from Plum Street Samplers that I bought at my LNS last week. I hope to be finished with it within the week. I will post it then.

Samplers Completed

2011-01-08T14:45:00.006-05:00

Here are some of the samplers I have completed over the years:

This is Margaret Gibson by The Scarlet Letter. It is a reproduction sampler. I used both DMC and over dyed floss on 40 ct linen. This sampler is hung in my home in the entrance way by the front door.

This sampler is Abbott by The Scarlet Letter. I used overdyed floss and an evenweave cream linen. This second picture show the intricate detail of this sampler.

This sampler is Rachel Hyde from Threads of Gold. I love this sampler. I used DMC and 40 count linen. This sampler is on my fireplace mantle.

All of these patterns are still in print so you can stitch them if you want to.

I have many samplers completed, that I will share with you.

Today I am working on a small sampler, nothing to detailed, because I am not feeling very well today. Enjoy!!

Red & White Samplers

2011-01-04T07:30:00.006-05:00

I have completed many beautiful reproduction samplers over the past few years. Here is a completed, framed sampler. The pattern for this sampler was sent to me by Anne better known as Tempus Fugit

Anne has inspired me greatly over the years. Thank you Anne. I keep this small sampler in the kitchen and look at it often. I used Gloriana silk thread and 36 ct linen. Anne has also inspired me to begin this beautiful sampler, LE MARQUOIR DE BEAUMONT. Very French, very gorgeous...

Initial Pin Cushion 2011

2011-01-02T08:52:00.004-05:00

I stitched this initial pin cushion in an hour this past week. This pattern is in Garden Club by Blackbird Designs. I used 32 ct linen and overdyed floss that I had. I really like how it turned out. I also made another one for my older daughter that I plan to sew into a drawstring bag for her birthday on the Jan 13. I can't believe she will be 15 already.

I have been working steadily on Selene. I am learning so much as this is my first applique project. I am mastering those deep inner curves. I should have made an overlay. This small quilt will very primitive looking. I am considering doing the big stitch quilting technique on this quilt.

Blogging Again 2011

2010-12-31T08:24:00.005-05:00

Happy New Years!!

I hope everyone is well.

I have decided to blog again in 2011. Of course, I have been busy sewing over the past year. I have taught myself to quilt and now I am learning how to applique. Both of these crafts are very enjoyable to do yet a little difficult to learn.

I am currently working on Selene by Dawn Hesse of Linen Closet Quilts

This applique quilt is done with one layer cake of Luna Notte fabric by Moda. I am enjoying the process, however, the small narrow part of the inner green leaves is tricky.

I have found some techniques that work for me.

I am also enjoying Garden Club by Blackbird Designs which I received for Christmas. I have done two of the small initial cross stitch projects. Which I will post later. I plan to begin the front cover applique quilt as a BOM next month.