A Finish! - Blackbird Designs Stitch Along

I have finished the sampler from the Blackbird Designs Stitch Along. (See previous post on this subject!)  It was fun to do something different and re-ignited my interest in cross stitch. 

So here is the finished sampler.  Love the color combination and I only changed a few parts of the design.  Originally the antique sampler said "her Sampler 1796".  I personalized it with my name and year.  I also decided that preferred lavender rather than blue for my name and date.

I also used a Smyra stitch rather than the eyelet stitch the pattern suggested.

I did raise the last number on the date, like the original piece.

I do have a collection of antique samplers.... Two is a collection, isn't it? LOL

And I have made a few myself.  Yikes - this is practically an antique itself! (made in 1981 before I was married.. or quilting.)

But the weekend was not totally devoid of quilting.  I felt some patriotic inspiration on Friday and put this little wallhanging together that I am calling Flag Day.

Happy Stitching

Deb

Stitch Along with Blackbird Designs

I've been enjoying working on this stitch along pattern from Blackbird Designs.  The pattern is available on their blog and is a free download.  The pattern is based on an antique sampler Alma purchased recently.  You can see the orginal here.  You will see why I was so excited to start this little jewel.  I have never done a stitch along, in fact I have not done cross stitch (of any significance) in 20+ years.  However, I love samplers... I love Blackbird Designs.. so I joined in!  Are you beginning to realize it doesn't take much for me to jump into projects! LOL

The four-sided stitches were new to me and a bit challenging.  Not because they are hard to do, they just take a lot of time compared to a cross stitch.  I am working this on 28 ct. linen, over two threads, with cotton floss.

I find it this to be very relaxing and a nice change of pace from my quilting projects... not that they are being ignored!  It also is easier on my hands. 

Here is my current progress on this little sampler.  I started this the first week in May.  I took the suggestion of Carol over at The Polka Dot Chicken and used a smyrna stitch for the larger alphabet rather than the eyelet stitch the pattern called for. You can't see it in this photo, but I liked the raised stitches.

 

I am looking forward to moving onto the floral border and the numbers.  I also want to personalize it in some way - just haven't decided what that would be...  a different color thread?, a different stitch?  Any suggestions from all you stitchers out there?  I am sure you are much more experienced with cross stitch patterns than I am!

Happy Stitching!

Deb