☩ Mary's Sampler is finished! ☩

Plum Street Samplers free SAL from 2013, Mary's Sampler, was a casual stitch along on a Facebook group I am in.  Here is a link to the pattern and color key:

Mary's Sampler chart: https://plumstreetsamplers.com/2013/11/24/marys-sampler-finale/?fbclid=IwAR1CoppH_DPvl5zLFI33bdkgLSPJs-wolYKq4GgR55K7KJLhiRKTe33URhM

COLOR KEY: https://plumstreetsamplers.com/2013/09/29/marys-sampler-part-1/?fbclid=IwAR3VOqSQ42usepWxXL7kxyAsY2ekX9rch-SNzrZhGledezHdjT7C7ZZOe64

I started stitching it Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 1220 p.m.  I completed it Monday, February 21, 2022 at 9:00 p.m.  That was a span of 28 days of which only 20 days I worked on it.

I used Hand Dyed by Stephanie 28 count Lugana in the color "Slate".  The floss I used was DMC 611, 642, 729 and 3371. I used Dye Is Cast Dried Herbs and Weeks Dyed Works Boisenberry for the berries in the border.  Crescent Colors, Sweetest Heart was used for the large flower in the design and Gentle Arts Sampler Threads in the colors Brandy, Shaker White, Wood Smoke, Adobe, Wood Trail and Heirloom Gold were also used.

I really like this design.  I think the fabric choice was perfect for it and showed off the floss colors beautifully.  I think the designer was so novel using quilted stars for the stars in the sky.  I wasn't too sure about her color choice for them but they are absolutely perfect. My favorite motifs are the Mary and Joseph and the shepherd. I found that I loved the Gast color Wood Smoke, it is just a dirty aged white that was wonderful. I don't know how or when I will finish this, but it might make a nice small pillow. I am glad I took time away from Gloria to work this.  I did have some separation anxiety to be truthful.

My substitutions and choice of floss colors and fabric were determined by what I had in my stash.  I have been very conservative in my stashing habit, trying to whittle it down to nothing. The biggest event that occurred as I was stitching this was cataract surgeries of my mother and a very bad snowstorm on February 2nd and again on the 17th which was also ice under the snow.

So this is the accurate and true story of my experience stitching this design.  God has blessed me.

My two current projects progress!

This is Patricia Andrle's "Gloria" as of today.  I have set it down to work on a SAL project.  Glo is just stunning.

Meet Mary's Sampler from Plum Street Samplers.  I am leading a SAL on the Facebook Group "Cross Stitch for Believers in Christ".  There are 7 or so participants in this casual stitch along.  I am stitching this on slate 28 count Lugana hand dyed fabric by Stephanie.  I am using a mixture of DMC, Dye is Cast and GAST floss.  It has been fun, but I am missing Glo!  Separation anxiety, I think.

 

Projects three, two yet to be and one in progress you will see!

Here is how my WIP Gloria designed by Patricia Andrle looks at this moment.  Stitching it is a slow process as every full cross has a blending filament in it.  I try to twist, straighten, drag and position the filament to show on the top leg of the X.  It happens maybe 3 out of every 4 stitches.  I know I say this every time but I love how this design looks as it is stitched.  Somedays I find it a drudgery but most days it is a joy to pick it up.

I joined a Facebook group I really like called "Cross Stitch For Believers in Christ".  It is a smaller group but I like it.  I am not hesitant to show my love of my Father, creator of all that is and will be.  It is a joy to share that with other like minded ladies.  I did jump in with both feet by sharing spiritual free designs I found.  I also have organized a stitch along of Mary's Sampler.  It is a free design from Plum Street Samplers.  There are maybe a half dozen on the group who will start stitching it this Sunday January 22, 2022.  Here is a link and a picture of this lovely design.

Mary’s Sampler– Plum Street Samplers

Here is the link to the color key: Mary’s Sampler Key – Plum Street Samplers

I have also kitted a traveling project to occupy my time while I wait.  My mother is having cataract surgery done on her eyes.  She will have several appoints and I have chosen an easy one color project to work on.  

I will be using Silkweaver's Signature Series 28ct linen in the color "Antique Mauve".  The floss I chose was Nina's Threads in "Old Lace". Love both colors and it should be easy to pick up and put away in waiting rooms.  I have no idea how I will finish it once done but "Homemade" is love incarnate.

Well that is it for now.  I will show particulars on Mary's Sampler once the stitch along begins.  So for now, keep cozy and warm as you stitch, stitch, stitch.