Baa Baa Blackwork Sheep Mini Sampler

Design: Baa Baa Blackwork Sheep by Kell Smurthwaite, Kincavel Krosses
Materials: 16-count white aida; DMC 310

I designed this mini blackwork sampler to hang in my hallway at home - I tried to put across a bit of a folksy feel and liked the idea of a play-on-words reference to the nursery rhyme.

And Another Christmas Card

Project: Christmas Card
Started: 15.09.09
Finished: 17.09.09

Design: Noel Naturally by The Cat’s Whiskers Design Studio
Materials: Metallic card (free with WOXS); 14-count white perforated paper; DMC 30915 (rayon) floss

Continuing with the perforated paper, I thought I’d try rayon floss for the first time. I have to admit that although I love the lovely, shiny effect (very opulent and Christmassy!), I absolutely hated stitching with it! I used a loop start and stitched 2 over 1, but the stuff frays at the ends and catches on the slightest thing so the edges of the perforated paper made it seem a nightmare to use! However, I think I might give it a try on some fabric and see how I feel about it then before abandoning it outright!

I love the miniature sampler style of this design and although the original mock-up I saw was stitched in natural shades, think it looks particularly striking in the rich, purple-red rayon, which is made even more sumptuous by the gold metallic card.

Subversive Sampler

Project: Subversive Sampler
Started: 28.06.09
Finished: 30.06.09

Design: Short and Sweet by Maria Diaz (from Cross Stitcher Magazine April 2009)
Materials: 28-count Jobelan in grey, various DMC flosses, Gutermann seed beads in cream

As a fan of samplers anyway, I couldn’t resist this modern twist on a traditional design – the subversive sampler! I changed the colour scheme slightly from the magazine recommendations, using flosses that I had to hand and that complemented each other and the fabric well, and added a few cream seed beads in the border. The idea was to make it look pretty and delicate till you realise the lettering spells “Bothered”, which makes it a little punchier. I think this one might go on my desk at work as my colleagues have a sense of humour and I return to work after ten months of maternity leave in another two weeks!

Snips and Snails Sampler

Project: Snips and Snails Sampler
Started: 26.06.09
Finished: 27.06.09

I happened upon this tiny birth sampler whilst browsing the Sew and So website and couldn't resist it. The design is by Carolyn Meacham and the kit comes complete with plenty of flosses to complete the project (although it doesn't specify, I believe the threads to be DMC). The framed size is just 6.5 inches by 7 inches, but I think this simple sampler is just so charming! It's an incredibly quick stitch and would be a lovely gift for anyone who has a friend with a baby boy - it could even be stitched last minute and given to the proud parents very soon afterwards!