Keepsake Stitches

Samplers

My Samplers are original designs worked in Counted Thread Embroidery on linen. I like my samplers to reflect the look of antique samplers and use overdyed threads to give the samplers an antique quality. Sometimes the linen is tea or coffee dyed for more of an antique look. Anytime I have used a special technique on a design, that information is included in the publication along with the chart(s) and stitch diagrams. When you have a sampler framed either by you or a professional, have a pocket put on the back of the sampler. Place the following items in the pocket: the chart(s), an index card with holes punched in it to add pieces of the thread and a note with a little history or story about the sampler, yourself, with your name and date. What a wonderful way to pass on our legacy.

	Eggstra Special Sampler Model stitched on 32-ct. Belfast, Bo Peep Pink Design Area: 7 1/4"W x 7 3/4"H Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads and DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss Mill Hill Beads, #2019, Crystal Honey This beautiful sampler uses 19 different specialty stitches. What a perfect gift for a new born baby's room or a great piece to add to your spring or Easter collection. This sampler can be framed, used as a footstool cover or made into a pillow. Start stitching on this piece as there will be a mate to follow this one.
	Little Foxes Country Retreat Sampler Model stitched on 32-ct. Cornsilk, Lakeside Linens Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads and DMC 6 strand Embroidery Floss What a joy to create this beautiful sampler and to share the story as to the inspiration for this piece. We take a number of camping trips during the summer and we like to visit old historical villages, mining towns and watch for wildlife. The buggy in this sampler was found in Roseberry, Idaho, along with lots of antiques and historical buildings. I will be doing more samplers from my stash of Roseberry photos in the near future. The two foxes visited us on a recent camping trip where we were off by ourselves. One evening we discovered one of the foxes curled up on the patio next to our trailer like a little sleeping dog and the second fox watching her little one nearby. My husband grabbed his camera and the two foxes began to follow him. He took photo after photo and we enjoyed them playing in the grass and dandelions for several hours. Each evening we were there, the foxes would come to visit. I am including some of the photo images taken during this trip so you can enjoy some of our experience. This sampler uses 37 different specialty stitches and 45 different colors of overdyed floss. The publication includes all graphs and stitch diagrams.
	Among The Cornflowers Model stitched on 32-ct. Antique Ivory, Belfast Design Area: 11 1/4"W x 11 1/2"L Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss and Needle Necessities Overdyed Floss Framed by: The Frame Garage, Eagle, Idaho There are 31 different specialty stitches used on this sampler. Stitch diagrams are provided for all stitches. This sampler is my reminder of the plantation homes still found on the coast of South Carolina. The trees on each side of the house are filled with apples and a fresh basket of apples has just been picked. The sheep roam freely about the grounds and the bluebirds on the fence sing their songs for all to hear. Bunnies are nestled and jumping about in the flower garden and the squirrels and bees are busy with their tasks amoung the surround of Cornflowers. You will want to add this special sampler to your collection.
	Quaker School Girl Sampler Rendition Model stitched on 28 ct. Antique Dyed Quaker Cloth Design Area: 7 1/8"W x 13 1/8"L Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads Framed by: The Frame Garage, Eagle, Idaho There are 9 different stitches used on this sampler. The strawberry border and the floral motifs are typical for a Quaker sampler along with the birds, the alphabet and numerals. Instructions are provided for antiquing the linen. The overdyed threads used on this design also give it an antique quality.
	The First Robin Sampler Model stitched on 28 ct. Ivory Quaker Cloth Design Area: 6"W x 16 5/8"L Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, Needle Necessities Overdyed Floss, and DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss Framed by: The Frame Garage, Eagle, Idaho There are 24 different stitches used on this sampler. Why the title "First Robin"? Winter seems so long even though it isn't as harsh here as other areas of the country, but when the first robin appears in February or March, it is hopeful that spring will arrive soon. There is a robin motif used at the bottom right of the sampler along with the other wildlife in our area. The floral, fruit and acorn borders depict other seasons we experience in our area as well.
	Joyful Gathering Sampler Model stitched on 32-ct. Cream, Belfast Design Area: 4"W x 6 1/8"L Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads There are 15 different stitches used on this sampler. The linen was coffee dyed and the instructions are included. When working this design on 32-ct. linen, it will fit into a 5" x 7" purchased frame.
	Welcome Backyard Visitors Model stitched on 32-ct. Antique White Design Area: 9 1/2"W x 7 1/8"H Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss and Needle Necessities Overdyed Floss There are 17 different stitches used on this sampler. Keep in mind that you could frame this piece or use it on a footstool.
	Sampler Flower Garden Model stitched on 36 ct. linen Design Area: 4" x 4" Thread Used: DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss There are 18 different stitches used on this small sampler. This would also finish into a nice pillow using fabric to frame the design. Note the little bee in the center of the design completely surrounded with the flowers. It is going to be a busy day!
	Garden of Pinks Sampler Model stitched on 32-ct. Belfast, Antique Ivory Stitch Count: 54W x 84L Design Area: 3 3/8"W x 5 1/4"L Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, The Gentle Art Simply Shaker Threads and DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss This design will fit in a purchased 4" x 6" frame. Seventeen different stitches were used in this sampler. This little sampler works up quickly and displays nicely on an easel.
	With Thy Needle...Timeless Model Stitched on 32-ct. Fairy Dust, Zweigart Stitch Count: 33W x 72L Clock opening: 1 7/8"W x 4 5/8"L Clock available from Olde Colonial Designs (battery included) Thread Used: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads and The Gentle Art Simply Shaker Threads What a dear little clock to display on your desk or shelf. It has its own stand on the clock back and can also be hung on a wall or displayed on an easel. Eighteen different stitches are used in this design. A true collectible to pass on to future generations.

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