I adore samplers! Many years ago I did quite a bit of counted cross stitch. Recently I took it up again. I was hesitant because, let's face it, the old eyes aren't what they used to be. But the ladies at the cross stitch shop assured me that I could do it, and they showed me how. This time I am stitching on linen, which scared me, until they told me to count over two threads. Whew! So I decided to give it a try. Now I am focusing on samplers. The design above was a free design shown on Barb and Alma's blog. You may have to scroll way back to find it. They recommend that you stitch in the name of a loved one, and I thought that was a sweet idea, so this one has my grandmother's name and birth year on it.
I showed this sampler in progress quite a while ago, and I finally finished it, and I love it! This one is in the Blackbird Design's book, You're Invited. I am feeling very proud of myself, and I haven't gone blind. Yet. I made this sampler in remembrance of my little baby, Mary, who died on the day she was born. The sampler gives the year, 1976, and a heart for love, as well as a butterfly, which is a symbol of eternal life, and "Forget Me Not". These items were all on the original design and all very appropriate. To me, this sampler is a reminder that she was here, though briefly.
I took my work to the cross stitch shop here in town called Dying to Stitch. They have a framing service and Patti did a beautiful job framing them for me! I am delighted! Browse around their website for a glimpse of some lovely samplers.
I know I promised my new wool pillow, etc., but that will have to wait until next time. I am way too excited to get my samplers back from the shop all framed up! I just had to share that today!
11 comments:
Marcie, the samplers are beautiful, especially Mary's. But how can you see to do it?
Wow Marcie - what a beautiful way to remember your baby girl. 1976 must have been a tough year for you - I can't imagine.
What a lovely tribute.
Lovely work Marcie - what a special tribute to Mary - your sampler is beautiful and very touching. Thanks for sharing!
Are you using a magnification light or something to see better? This is my problem. I love counted cross but have pretty much had to give it up bz of my eyes. I also work on a computer full time reading and editing documents so my eyes get worn out pretty fast! Any hint would be appreciated as I'd love to at least finish the last project I started a few years ago!
Cindy
Fantastic Marcie!!! I love samplers too!!
You did an excellent stitching job on your samplers. I am very attracted to vintage look samplers. I did some counted cross stitch last winter after a break of many, many years. My first time on linen also. Hard on the eyes but I didn't go blind either! LOL!
Great job, Marcie!! I used to do a lot of cross stitch, then found quilting. :)
Aww, this is so sweet and makes me cry. Endless love, *karendianne.
Marcie - your samplers are beautiful. I love all the personal symbols in the piece for your daughter. I'm a quilter who has recently gotten back into cross stitch and I really enjoy it. I think it is good to have different kinds of crafty endeavors to feed the soul.
Happy stitching.
I'm with you on the eyes thing! I am near sighted but usually wear my computer glasses and it is hard to know where to hold the darn handwork so I can see it :) Cross-stitch was my first love and it can capture me easily--"just one more row", I'd say, late into the night...
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