Something new, something old, and something strange

Here is the my new reproduction sampler, Jane Hopkins 1801.  She was stitched on 35ct. Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works.  I think I was drawn to the somber verse, and then to the contrast of the sweet row of flowers at the bottom.  I really wanted the pretty parts to stand out, so I did something that I haven't done in a very long time, and that is stitch the model with two strands. The verse, small alphabet, and all eyelets are done with one strand. 

 

Threads needed are: WDW's Sweet Potato, Crescent Colour's Wisconsin Woods and Black Coffee, and Flax, Antique Rose, Apple Cider, Picnic Basket, Otter Creek, and Old Red Paint from Gentle Arts.

The stitch count is 149w X 146h

Now to the something old.  Um, that would be me since I celebrated another birthday on St. Patrick's Day.  Actually, that's beside the point, and the something old is really this darling little shoe.  I saw it in an antique shop, and it had to come home with me.  I love the little black button enclosure.  When you see it again, it will be re purposed as a pin cushion.  I've got plans.

This is the strange.  We had a winter storm roll through last Sunday. 

It hailed! 

It's kind of pretty on top of the grass.

My poor birds were hiding for cover when the white stuff was coming down. 

Jane Hopkins...past and present.

Jane Hopkins was 13 years old in 1801 when she stitched her sampler.  While still in excellent shape, with no missing stitches,  her bright colors have faded.  I bought her unframed, so was easy to see what she originally looked like on the back.

I stayed true to the colors she chose, but I opted to go with over dyes.  The antique was stitched on a 25ct coarse linen, and I chose 35ct Mocha from Weeks Dye Works.  The chart should be available within the next couple of weeks.

My Carolina gal pal, Faye sent me this pair of project bags.  Aren't they awesome?  They are perfect for me.  I love the red, the contrasting prints, and the sweet little bird on the zipper.  Thank you, my friend.  They are already holding a new sampler.

We are enjoying some beautiful weather here in the desert.  March is one of my favorite months.  The citrus trees are blooming, and the air smells wonderful.  The geckos are starting to come out to sun themselves, and the doves are making making nests in my hanging basket's.  Spring is in the air.  We have had guests visiting from the Midwest recently, and it's always such a pleasure to share the beauty of Arizona with them. 

Attention Mary Roe stitchers

There is nothing like designing needle work to remind me that I am only human.  There is a small omission of a letter on the rice stitch mounds on some of the early charts that are out there.  Going forward it has been corrected.  The three rice stitches above the "E" section are to be stitched in color "B".  You can see the slight color change, but I forgot to draw the line and write in the letter...sorry.

In other news, I will be headed back to Myrtle Beach for the PALS Stitching at the Beach retreat in Oct.  It will wonderful to see old and new friends.  Hope to see you there.