FOR THE LOVE OF SAMPLERS...

 It's been a while, March flew by and I think April is going to fly by as well...I have been in a sampler mood...I usually don't have many WIPS and like to finish what I start, but I have fallen in the proverbial "rabbit hole"! 

The first sampler is the "1854 Isabella Johnstone Sampler".  It is a reproduction by Needlework Press and was first published in Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly.  I had seen one of my favorite floss tubers finish and frame this piece, and I fell in love with it.  I am stitching it on 28 Count, Fawn by PTP fabrics using all DMC.  The pattern calls for 28 count and luckily, I had a large enough piece.  I love the mottling in the fabric.  I did make one change...I used DMC 612 instead of the called for 613 for the numbers.

And as one of my favorite floss tube stitchers, The Contented Stitcher, said...lets face it...this sampler is all about the cow!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+contented+stitcher

This pattern is still available at some cross stitch shops, but fortunately, I have just about every SANQ magazine in my stash!

Next, is the "Noel Sampler" by Brenda Gervais.  I have loved this design for so long..but I gotta tell you...stitching that house took me forever!!  I still do not have mortar in completely! It's a pretty good size sampler.

I am using 32 count Zweigart, Winter Moon.  I am also using DMC floss except for the white.  For that, I am using silk floss by Dinky Dyes, in Natural.  

My smaller finish is by Blackbird design.  "In Full Glory" is in their Sweet Land of Liberty book which is a reprint.  If you love patriotic designs that are slightly muted in color, you will love this book!  I used 32 count Korte, by R&R Reproductions. I'm going to make it into a pinkeep for my patriotic dough bowl.  

I just have to share this little card my grand daughter made for her mom, who had been very ill this past month but now is on the mend.  I just thought it was cute how she made everything rhyme.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!