ONLINE MAGAZINE FOR CROSS STITCHERS

Issue 21 October 2007

Judy Odell | Atelier des fées Brodeuses WWW.THEGIFTOFSTITCHING.COM Contents - Issue 21 October 2007

Page 3 New Products Descriptions and reviews of new products for cross stitchers.

Page 5 Designer Profile We interview Debbie Booth of My Big Toe Designs. She has designed us “A New Creation”.

Page 9 Your Shopping List and Stockists All the threads and fabric for the projects in this issue listed in one convenient place.

Page 10 Dinky-Dyes 5th Birthday Competition We announce the winners and present their charts.

Page 13 All Things Counted “Maryland Sampler Exhibit” by Robin Laukhuf. Accompanying pattern is the “Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook” finished by Judy Odell.

Page 19 Product Profile and Competition Win a copy of Judy Odell’s “The Ultimate Needlebook” finishing book and a silk pack from Olde Willow Stitchery Threads.

Page 20 Feature Pattern “Queens Bestiary Chessboard” by Marie Le Gouis of Atelier des fees brodeuses.

Page 32 Blackwork by Lynne Herzberg Black and Gold Celtic series: Needleroll

Page 33 Mystery Sampler Historic Countries Mystery Sampler and Chatelaine by Papillon Creations. Part Two - England to 1700.

Page 45 Easy Peasy Cross Stitch by Jacinta Lodge Cards 15-16: Stitching with metallic threads

Page 46 Stitch Diagrams www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 1 Hello readers, We also interview Debbie Booth of My Big Toe Designs. Debbie’s designs are unique and have Last month there was so much buzz about the new a timeless appeal. You will enjoy the interview. Mystery Sampler, you could wonder what would We hope your stitching on the Historic top it. Well this issue is just as wonderful with lots Countries Mystery Sampler is going well. The more challenging and interesting projects. first part was big and this second part has many We have a French designer on the cover, Marie different stitches. If you can get through these two Le Gouis of Atelier des fees brodeuses. She has parts, you will be relieved to know it gets a lot created a medieval chessboard decorated with easier from part three next month. It’s a beautiful animals. It’s a wonderful sampler. sampler and I know many are stitching with silk We announce the winners of the Dinky-Dyes on linen for the first time. Feel free to send us a 5th Birthday Competition. It was great to see all picture and tell us how you are going with it. the entries that were sent in. We hope you enjoy Well, I’ll let you dig into this issue now, have the winner’s design. a wonderful month of stitching. Robin Laukhuf has written us an article on a sampler exhibit now happening in Maryland, USA. Kirsten Edwards I have designed a pattern to celebrate the Editor exhibition and the samplers displayed. It is finished by Judy Odell into the Ultimate Needlebook.

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 2 New Products

Christmas Angel ‘07 Card Pack

Looking for the perfect stitching Christmas card? This gorgeous knobbly knee angel is so cute and comes printed on A5 (quarter letter) gloss card stock with a general Christmas greeting inside. The cards come in packs of five with white envelopes and to top it all off, the chart for the angel is included. She will make a wonderful ornament. For more information on where to buy these cards, see The Cat’s Whiskers Design Studio website: http://thecatswhiskers.net.au/wheretobuy.html

Olde Willow Stitchery Beaded Fob

Olde Willow Stitchery has released this lovely new beaded scissor fob. It features the Olde Willow Charm exclusively created by Charland. It measures approximately 6 1/2” long and features a beautiful selection of co-ordinating beads. There is a choice of bead colours due to availability of stock. It has a recommended retail price of $18 US. You can find out more purchasing information at www.oldewillowstitchery.com or phone 440-205-1863 (USA).

New from Rosewood Manor

Karen Kluba has released two new designs which celebrate the home and weddings. “Good Foundations” (S-1102) “Shakespeare is a lovely reminder of how Wedding special families are. The verse Sampler” reads, “Lord, send your (S-1319) is blessings from above to this stitched in soft browns and pink threads from Rainbow house built on faith, hope, charity and love”. It can be Gallery. It features the verse, “Now join your hands, stitched with DMC or Anchor threads using only cross and with your hands your heart.” It can be personalised stitch and backstitch. The chart is printed as a 12 page, with initials and date. The pattern is mainly in cross full colour, letter-sized booklet. At the back are two stitch, but also features some other basic counted thread small bonus charts. stitches. It comes printed in a full colour 12 page booklet Both these charts have a RRP of $11 US. Purchasing with black and red charts. At the back are two bonus information can be found at www.rosewoodxstitch.com charts - a Bridesmaid Bellpull and a Ring Bearer Pillow. or contact them on their US phone number at: Both are as stunning as the sampler. 317-574-9186. www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 3 NewDesigner Products Profile Continued... - Carousel Charts

Spook-A-Boo! by The Cat’s Whiskers Design Studio

Designer Janie Hubble has released a new secret message boxtop and it’s all about the spooky season. Pussy cats, pumpkins and spiders surround the secret message, pull the ribbon, and you get boo! This innovative design is printed as an A4 booklet, full colour on gloss card. For more purchasing information please see this website link: http://thecatswhiskers.net.au/wheretobuy.html

Magic Carpet by Tams Creations This striking carpet has been made into an attractive cross stitch pattern which stitchers of any level will enjoy. The chart comes as a PDF file which you can download after purchasing. The file is 18 pages long and has large clear charts with symbols and colours. It has a RRP of $12 US. See Tams Creations website for more purchasing information: http://tamscreations.com/CrossStitch.aspx

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 20 September 2007 Page 4 Designer Profile Debbie Booth - My Big Toe Designs Debbie Booth is the designer behind My Big Toe Designs. Her lovely range of designs have wonderful details and are inspired by her faith. Below we interview her and she has created a piece called “A New Creation”.

Where are you from? I am from Texas, and currently living in Boise, Idaho. My family has moved a lot over the years, but Texas seemed to be the best 'fit'. It's where I met my husband and we had our daughter. We have many close friends and family members still there, and a big piece of my heart is still with them.

What's is like? Boise is a beautiful town. It is a thriving city with easy access to the mountains, lakes and trails. There are many activities to do all year round. The weather ranges from winter snowstorms to summer heat waves; a little something for everyone! My favorite time of year is fall; when the leaves are changing color and the temperatures are mild.

When did you learn to embroider for the first time? In elementary school I took an elective, taught by the principal. Decades later I picked it up again while I was The Wedding teaching Kindergarten - I needed something to work on during the quiet times and breaks. I spent some time working When did you start your business? at the local needlework shop, Creative Stitchery, and I was In August of 2005. introduced to all sorts of new fibers, fabrics, designs and just couldn't get enough! What inspired the name, "My Big Toe Designs"? An old family joke! My Big Toe is a reminder for me to Was there someone who taught you? take things lightly, enjoy the moment, and it really reflects I was shown the basics by my elementary school principal, my personality. but most techniques I have learned on my own or from stitching friends. What sort of patterns do you design? I design something for everybody - from whimsical, quick What drew you into designing? projects to large, elaborate samplers. Most of my designs I started designing because there was a void of quick-to- are faith based, but I have some that are just for fun. stitch Christian designs, as well as large samplers with I also have a line of specialty accessories, including Bible verses in monochromatic colors. I enjoy stitching scissor fobs, marking pins, thread pickers, and thread large pieces, but can't resist hoppers. My favorites are a quick finish, and my line the teapot mini-fobs. of patterns reflects that. They're adorable, and I Now I enjoy the have them on most of my designing because of the scissors. people who I have met. The emails and comments What inspires your I get are uplifting; stitchers designing? are really reaching out and Everything around me is sharing their lives with me, an inspiration. My faith and it makes the days is a huge factor. Most much brighter. designs come about from something in every day life. Sweet Is The Journey

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 5 Designer Profile Continued...

What are your favourite threads and fabrics for designing? I'm addicted to overdyed threads! Gentle Art Sampler Threads, Dinky Dyes, Weeks Dye Works, Crescent Colours, Needlepoint Silks... Each thread brings something different to the palette and I love them all. Fabrics are another obsession. Lakeside Linens are a new passion, and I have enjoyed my recent pieces stitched on their fabrics. I enjoy most fabrics from 7 count to 40 count, but tend to design on 28-32 count fabrics. What are your current and new releases? In July we had five new releases: “The Lord is My Shepherd”, “Building Blocks - Holy”, “Cheaper than Therapy”, “The Looking Glass”, and “The Wedding”. It is a mixed set of designs, each with a different feel and place in the market. October will bring an exciting addition, "The Anniversary". It is a medium sized piece with an intricate border and a lovely saying.

What have you planned for the future? I hope to continue working on the Building Block series and add a few more large samplers in both English and Spanish. A very important project for me is to design a birth sampler; my daughter is almost two, and I think it's about time for her to have one. If you could design something with no limitations, what would it be? No limitations? Wow, then I would have an infinite number of hours in the day to work on it! I would love to take a yard of fabric and just start stitching. The hours would be a delight, using whatever color thread caught my eye at the time, and changing it whenever I pleased. What do you want to stitchers to experience when they stitch your designs? Peace, comfort, and joy. I want stitchers to be able to reflect on their faith for the spiritual pieces, remember loved ones for the memorials, and laugh out loud with the silly ones. Stitching time can be precious for many, and it is an honour to have someone choose one of my designs to work on. I want that time to be enjoyable and something they look forward to during the day. I want people to feel a freedom to change the thread colors, experiment with fabrics, and make a pattern a reflection of who they are.

Visit My Big Toe Designs

www.mybigtoedesigns.com

The Lord is My Shepherd and Building Block - Love www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 6 A New Creation By Debbie Booth of My Big Toe Designs

Stitching Instructions Total design size: 95 x 95 stitches

Finished Stitched Area: 14/28 count: 6 3/4” (17 cm) square 16/32 count: 6” (15 cm) square 18/36 count: 5 1/4” (13.5 cm) square Need threads for this design? Stitches and Spice stocks the whole range of The model is stitched on 32 count Lambswool linen from Dinky-Dyes silk threads. Wichelt, using two ply of DMC six stranded cotton over two threads. www.stitchesandspice.com.au Key (Click on Gift of Stitching Kits) Symbol Dinky-Dyes DMC

§ Rose Bay 132 3803 k Riverina 137 None W Dreamtime 55 931 www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 7 A New Creation - Chart

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 8 Your Shopping List - Issue 21 October 2007 Shopping List Maria del Valle Olivera Silkn’Colors The Thread Gatherer Page 12 www.threadgatherer.com __ DDC 15 Stockists A New Creation __ DDC 6 Wichelt Imports / Mill Page 7 Au Ver à Soie Hill __ Wichelt Lambswool www.silk-thread.com www.wichelt.com Linen Maryland Roses Ultimate __ DD 132 (DMC 3803) Needlebook Dinky-Dyes, USA Zweigart __ DD 137 Page 15 www.dinkydyes.com www.zweigart.com __ DD 55 (DMC 931) __ SS Cane Crunch #315 __ OWS 7 The DMC Corporation, __ OWS 1 (x2) USA Celtic Needleroll __ DD 58 www.dmc-usa.com Page 32 __ DD 91 __ 28 ct linen/evenweave __ OWS 4 Gloriana Threads __ Black thread __ DD 69 www.glorianathreads.com __ Metallic or gold thread __ DD 51 __ OWS 5 Olde Willow Stitchery __ OWS 13 Threads, Inc. Queens Bestiary __ DD 62 www.oldewillowstitchery.com Chessboard __ DD 82 Page 20 __ DD 61 Stitches & Spice, (DMC in brackets) __ OWS 6 Australia __ Zweigart Newcastle __ OWS 12 (x2) www.stitchesandspice.com.au Flax __ OWS 14 __ G Teal Twilight (806) __ DD 57 __ G Elizabeth Green (905) __ TG Latte (612) Becki Brown __ TG Choc Caramel Page 12 (610) __ White Opalescent __ G Sunflower (726) Lugana __ TG Straw into Gold __ DDC 18 (725) __ DDC 19 __ TG Sienna Bisque __ DDC 25 (738) __ DDC 33 __ TG Woodsmoke (436) __ DDC 37 __ AVAS Blanc (B5200) __ DDC 39 __ TG Pompei Ash (415) __ DDC 40 __ TG Captain Sea Chest (317) __ AVAS 165 (310) Definitions __ G Avonlea Green (987) __ G Blue Heron (341) AVAS: Au Ver à Soie, Soie __ G Olive Grove (934) d’Alger __ G Sable (372) DD: Dinky-Dyes six __ G Green Gables (471) stranded silk threads __ TG Bear Brown (838) DDC: Dinky-dyes six __ TG Folkstone (645) stranded cotton floss. __ TG Rusy Amber (355) DMC: DMC six stranded __ G Midnight (312) cotton __ G Vanilla (677) G: Gloriana six stranded __ TG Chesnut (111) silk thread __ G Orchid (3837) OWS: Olde Willow Stitchery silk threads SS: Stitches and Spice Hand Dyed Fabrics TG: Thread Gatherer www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 9 Thank you to all the readers who entered the Dinky-Dyes use of the small space, very clever. Well done Becki. 5th Birthday Competition. We had great entries and this Prizes are on their way to Maria and Becki, thank you month, we announce the runner up and the winner. for your wonderful entries. Charts for these two designs Congratulations to Maria del Valle Olivera from Spain, start on the next page. our runner up! Maria created a very eye pleasing piece, Prizes for this competition have been generously surrounded in 5’s with a choice of pretty Dinky-Dyes donated by many friends of Dinky-Dyes. A big happy cottons. And congratulations to Becki Brown from Illinois, birthday to Dinky-Dyes. Keep dying those beautiful cottons USA, our winner! I love Becki’s design. Four 5’s circle and silks! around the centre. The colours are spectacular. A great

Rosewood Manor features old fashioned samplers with a modern twist. Prize: Charming Tulips with charm, cord and bell pull rod to complete piece. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, wishing you many more years of dyeing! www.rosewoodxstitch.com Dette Designs: Fun, Fantasy & Celtic, designs for all ages and abilities. Prize: Charts Beside the Sea, Tara Brooch, Thistle. Many Happy Returns to Dinky Dyes from Dette Designs. www.dettedesigns.com Needlemania: Designer creates so that the stitcher can recreate. Prizes: Hidden Roses, Jardin des Versailles Fantasy. So happy to be able to take a part in this GRAND celebratory event. www.needlemania-by-marc.com Ellen Chester, With My Needle: Specializing in Winner traditional and reproduction samplers and unique Becki Brown from Illinois, USA sewing cases and needlework accessories. Prizes: Accept This Posey, Adorn Thy Heart, Crown and Needle Etui, An Emblem of Love, Times Remembered, Tokens of Friendship and Love. Congratulations on having completed another wonderful year! Here is to many more! www.withmyneedle.com Ozark Sampler: Cross stitch designs and hand dyed floss. Prize: Floss and Fabric Goody Bag. Happy Birthday Dinky Dyes! What a wonderful rainbow of colour hand-dyers bring to stitchers around the world. Your silks are yummy. www.ozarksampler.com

Loopylou Designs: Hardanger sampler chart packs with cross stitch and speciality stitches. Prize: Chart packs Lilium Mist and Elegance. Birthday greetings, congratulations on year five. www.loopyloudesigns.co.uk Jayne's Attic: Home to hand dyed fabrics and threads from around the world. Prize: A stash goody bag value over £40.00 containing hand dyed fabric and threads. Many Congratulations to Dinky Dyes on your 5th Birthday. Your threads and designs have given my customers and myself many hours of stitching pleasure. www.jaynesattic.co.uk Runner Up Funk & Weber Designs: Colourful, clever, playful designs to María del Valle Olivera from Spain challenge, amuse, and surprise. Prizes: Patterns, What in the World?, The Night Before Christmas, Lovely Night, Night Lights. www.funkandweber.com www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 10 Debbie Draper Designs: Specializing in small samplers and whimsical cat designs. Prize: Lacey Pinks, Jasper In Bloom & Lucky in Bloom. Congratulations!! Jo, on your 5th anniversary. It has been a pleasure working with you on various projects. www.debbiedraperdesigns.com Sampler Cove: Traditional designs with a contemporary flair. Prizes: Acorns Away, Double Dutch, Spanish Rouge, The Greatest Loss. Happy Birthday Dinky-Dyes. Your threads are lovely in both colour and how beautifully they stitch up. www.samplercovedesigns.com Cross Eyed Kat: Extraordinary designs for cross stitch and needlepoint. Prizes: With Cat for Comforter, Post Modern Dogs, and Angel of Love. Congratulations to Dinky Dyes on five wonderful years! Best wishes on the next five, ten and twenty! www.crosseyedkat.com Heirloom Embroideries: Welcome to my collection of counted stitch samplers and mystery samplers. Prize: Charmed dreams and goody bag. We’re looking forward to the next 5 years of scrumptious creations from Dinky-Dyes! www.heirloom-embroideries.co.uk My Mark: Providing fun, fresh, contemporary designs for today's cross stitcher. Prize: five charts. Congratulations on FIVE FABULOUS years, Jo... I wish you many more. www.mymarkdesigns.com Vetty Creations: Publishers of quality step-by-step books on historical whitework embroidery. Prize: Signed copy of "Ukrainian Drawn Thread Embroidery: Merezhka Poltavska" by Yvette Stanton. Congratulations to Jo and everyone behind Dinky Dyes on your fabulous success over the last 5 years! Happy birthday, and may there be many many more happy days to come! www.vettycreations.com.au European Crosstitch Company: We are a US company specializing in European designs. Prize: Mini Mandalas kit and chart. Happy Birthday and thank you for a wonderful product and great service! www.europeanxs.com TW Designworks: Specializing in fantasy inspired cross stitch designs for adventurous stitchers! Prizes: Tropical Dream, Knotwork Bookmarks II, An Artist Proof of the Limited Edition design "You Were Hatched": #18 of 25 Needle Guardian. Happy 5th Birthday, Dinky-Dyes! Wishing you continued success in the years to come! Keep those amazing colors and designs coming! www.twdesignworks.com

Carrie's Creation Threads: Providing beautiful, hand dyed cotton threads for every stitcher. Prize: An assortment of hand dyed cotton threads. www.carriesthreads.com Twisted Oaks Designs: Whimsical, traditional or unique, you'll find a design to suit your heart's desire. Prize: Coq Au Pins Chart Pack, Pyramid Etui Chart Pack. Jo, congratulations on your 5th Anniversary. Your flosses have brought another dimension of colors to the stitching world. www.twistedoaksdesigns.com Colours Down Under: We specialise in hand dyed fabrics to enhance your needlework. Prize: Two fat quarters of hand dyed fabric. www.coloursdownunder.com.au Enchanting Lair: Welcome to our realm of fantasy and traditional cross-stitch designs. Prize: Gift bag with complete kits for Hope, Love and Peace along with several of our more popular dragons! www.enchantinglair.com Stitches and Spice: Add spice to your stitching with Australian hand dyed fabric & threads. Prizes: Sparkles Charm pack – 4 pieces of Opalescent Edinburgh 36 count linen in Christmas colours. Happy 5th Birthday to Dinky–Dyes! Your threads, our fabric – it has been a great Aussie combination! Enjoy the celebrations & we look forward to working with you for the next five years to add more colour to our world! www.stitchesandspice.com.au Polstitches Designs: A hand dyer of fabric and threads and publisher of cross stitch charts. Prize: Hand Dyed Mythical Mermaid fabric. Happy Birthday Dinky-Dyes! www.polstitchesdesigns.co.uk X's & Oh's: Over 100 needlework designs, we have something for every taste! Prizes: Charts Turtle Wishes, Koi Pond and Dream Castle. Wow, only 5 years old, and you look so grown up! Your floss is wonderful, and I look forward to another 5 years of using your beautiful threads to create even more spectacular designs! www.xs-and-ohs.com The Sweetheart Tree: Congratulations to our dear Jo at Dinky-Dyes on her 5th anniversary in business. www.sweethearttree.com My Big Toe Designs: Beautiful designs and lovely accessories for every stitcher. Prize: Accessory set. Birthday wishes - Wishing you many more happy years! www.mybigtoedesigns.com Countrystitch Countrystitch: Specialise in hand dyed fabrics for cross stitch. Prize: Fat Quarter of Apple Blossom linen. Happy birthday Dinky-Dyes. www.countrystitch.com The Cat’s Whiskers Design Studio: Needleart projects designed to make your heart sing. Happy birthday Dinky- Dyes, many happy returns. www.thecatswhiskers.net.au

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 11 Winner Dinky Dyes Competition - 5 Years! by Becki Brown Total design size: 40 x 40 stitches

Finished Stitched Area: 14/28 count: 3” (7 cm) square 16/32 count: 2 1/2” (6.5 cm) square 18/36 count: 2 1/4” (5.5) square The model is stitched on 32 count White Opalescent lugana with two ply of Dinky Dyes six stranded cotton. Symbol Key

Symbol Dinky-Dyes Cotton . 18 Apricot t 19 Rain Forest * 25 Ruby = 33 Desert Sands V 37 Fuchsia 0 39 Monkey Mia X 40 Daydream

Runner Up Arabesque by María del Valle Olivera

Total design size: 40 x 40 stitches Finished Stitched Area: 14/28 count: 3” (7 cm) square 16/32 count: 2 1/2” (6.5 cm) square 18/36 count: 2 1/4” (5.5) square The model is stitched on 28 count lugana with two ply of Dinky Dyes six stranded cotton. One ply for backstitch and two ply for French knots. Symbol Key

Symbol Dinky-Dyes Cotton E 15 Lemon Lime A 6 Tutti Fruiti ______15 (Backstitch) o 15 (French Knot) 2.5-3 mm bead, lilac

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 20 September 2007 Page 10 All Things Counted Maryland Sampler Exhibit by Robin Laukhuf

Robin Laukhuf (Olde Willow Stitchery) has had the privilege of visiting the Maryland Historical Society’s “Schoolgirl Samplers & Embroideries, 1738 - 1860” Exhibit in Baltimore, USA. She reports back in the article below and gives us an insight into the exhibit and the upcoming book, “A Maryland Sampling, Girlhood Embroidery, 1738 - 1860” by Gloria Seaman Allen. We will review this book in an upcoming issue when it is released. Accompanying this article is a needlebook designed in the traditions of samplers produced in this region. It is finished by Judy Odell from Just A Thought.

a core subject for schoolgirls and the needlework arts were taught either at home or in a school setting as soon as a girl was of school age. In many cases the teaching setting depended on family circumstances. These young girls practised their alphabet and stitched phrases to master their reading and writing skills. Their medium was usually silk thread on linen backing, although in the exhibit there are samples of silk on paper. Throughout Maryland’s history, location and religious faith influenced politics, social movement, and beliefs about liberty. Thus, the museum chose to group the samplers by region or religion. One such region is Maryland’s southwestern shore. This particular region’s lack of towns and long distances between landholdings was the home to a number of Catholic immigrants. Prior to the 19th Century, the wealthy planters in this region hired women to educate their daughters in reading, writing, and the basics of needlework. In the 19th Century this changed, and their daughters could attend one of the Catholic female academies gaining recognition in the District of Columbia and later in Emmitsburg The long days of summer brought a schoolgirl samplers. These samplers and Baltimore. This trend provided refreshing change in Baltimore, are portraits in time, telling touching one of the richest troves of surviving Maryland as I took a day to visit the stories of young schoolgirls, black needlework from a Catholic school. Maryland Historical Society’s and white; exhibiting a rich mixture Distinctive in the collections of “Schoolgirl Samplers & of the cultures that formed modern needlework that I have observed is Embroideries, 1738 - 1860” exhibit. Maryland.” (Maryland sampler the antebellum and needlework The exhibit began on April 14th and Exhibit, 2007) samplers produced by the students of runs through November 15th, 2007. In the mid 18th and 19th the schools administered by the Oblate “The 120+ exhibits cover Maryland Centuries, needlework was considered Sisters. In 1829, the Oblate Sisters of

Sampler Above: Sarah Elizabeth Haines, 1848. Used with permission. www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 13 All Things Counted Continued... Providence, the first order of black cbb.net. (Please note that some of the References: nuns worldwide, opened their school proceeds from these reproductions go for free coloured girls in Baltimore. to the Oblate Sisters of Providence A Maryland Sampling, Girlhood The inclusion of religion, French, and and the Maryland Historical Embroidery, 1738 - 1860. Retrieved embroidery reflected the sisters’ Museum.) August 17, 2007 at: backgrounds. To learn more about the I am anxiously awaiting the arrival www.marylandneedlework.com Oblate Sisters of Providence, please of the book, (schedule for delivery in visit their website at: December) authored by Gloria Maryland Schoolgirl Samplers & www.oblatesisters.com. The Sisters Seaman Allan, who is the curator of Embroideries, 1738 - 1860 Exhibit. also have a pictorial history book, the museum. If you get a chance to Maryland Historical Society Museum, that you can order online from their see this wonderful exhibit, don’t pass Maryland Historical Society 2007. website which details their history in it up. It is a memorable trip well spent. pictures and verse. If you are interested in purchasing Oblate Sisters of Providence, retrieved Another sizable body of work in this wonderful book, you can contact on August 17, 2007 at the exhibit came out of the Quaker the author at her website at: www.oblatesisters.com schools. Tracing their Maryland www.marylandneedlework.com . Her origins to 1656, the Religious Society website also contains pictures of the of Friends had a sizable following in reproduction samplers by Visit Olde Willow Stitchery Chester County, Pennsylvania. Many Queenstown Samplers and pictures of these teachers and students of the original samplers by these www.oldewillowstitchery.com migrated to Maryland and opened up talented schoolgirls. schools. Viewing these samplers, it is easy to see the Ackworth influence they brought with them. I was mesmerized by several samplers, but one in particular held my interest. It is the only reversible cross stitch sampler in the collection, and was wrought by Elizabeth Hooper at the age of 13. This sampler was attractively displayed in a double glass frame to exhibit Elizabeth’s handiwork, both front and back. Her back was as neat as the front - this is a technique that I strive for, but don’t always obtain. Another sampler of historical note is the Mary Whittington’s Sampler. It is one of the few surviving samplers depicting sugar cane plants. According to the museum, this was rare for samplers and especially for schoolgirl samplers. It would certainly be nice to own one of these original Maryland samplers. Since many of us cannot, the next best option is to stitch our own by Queenstown Sampler Designs. Barbara Hutson has reproduced several of the samplers for your stitching pleasure, including some of the samplers from the schools ran by the Oblate Sisters of Providence. One of the beautiful samplers, Sarah Haines 1848, is shown on the previous page. Barbara can be reached at: queenstownsamplerdesigns@atlanti www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 14 Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook by Kirsten Esdwards To celebrate the exhibit and launch of another wonderful book on antique samplers, we have created an item inspired by the samplers from Maryland called “Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook”. The front is a stately house with a detailed garden common on many of the Maryland building samplers. The back is inspired by the fruit and flower samplers stitched by girls from the Baltimore and Delaware regions. The inside continues with a small area to personalise that is also found on the fruit and flower samplers. The whole design has been created for Judy Odell’s Ultimate Needlebook. Judy Odell is a brilliant, professional needlework finisher and who creates unique finishing ideas. The whole piece is stitched on linen with Dinky-Dyes and Olde Willow Stitchery silks. Thank you to Linnea Bain for stitching the model and Judy Odell for finishing.

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 15 Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook

Stitching Instructions Outisde Symbol Key You will need 1/2 yard of 32 count linen for stitching and NB: Skeins listed below are what is needed for the whole design. finishing. One fat quarter will be for the stitching and one fat quarter will be for the finishing. Symbol OWS DD Skeins ) 7 1 The model is stitched on Stitches and Spice - Spice Blend, Sugar $ 1 2 Cane Crunch #015, 32 count (Belfast). Threads used are one / Kaylas Rose 58 1 ply over two threads of Olde Willow Stitchery six stranded silk . Jarrah 91 1 and Dinky-Dyes six stranded silk. * 4 1 - Swan Valley 69 1 Outside design size: 161 x 160 stitches 0 Kakadu 51 1 Cut fabric: 14” x 15” (36 x 38 cm) 3 5 1 Inside spine design size: 19 x 161 stitches 6 13 1 Cut fabric 5” x 15” (13 x 38 cm) 1 Aussie Gold 62 1 Needle custodian design size: 128 x 39 stitches ! Sunflowers 82 1 Cut fabric 7” x 5” (18 x 13 cm) ( Pearl 61 1 ' 6 1 1. Complete all stitches with one ply over two threads unless & 12 2 otherwise stated. # 14 1 Native Plum 57 1 Outside 2. Backstitch vines with one ply OWS #4. 3. Backstitch daffodil leaves with DD #69. Needle Custodian Symbol Key 4. Petite stitch (one over one) alphabet inside fruit and flower box with each row of letters inside each bordered row with Symbol OWS DD OWS #12. The most bottom left stitch (or top right) has already ! 4 been charted for the position of each row. 8 Kakadu 51 5. Stitch the grapes in Rhodes stitch with DD #57. ; Aussie Gold 62 6. Queen stitch the pineapple with DD #62 then backstitch 7 Sunflowers 82 around the pineapple in the same colour. " 12 7. Tent stitch (one ply) the house path with OWS #14. Do not stitch the straight lines around the path. Stitch diagrams are on page 46. 8. Satin stitch the grass areas with two ply over four linen threads with OWS #1. Use vertical stitches in horizontal rows. 9. Satin stitch the pond area with two ply over four linen threads in OWS #7. Use vertical stitches in horizontal rows. 10. Long stitch the stair rails with OWS #12. 11. Backstitch the handles on the lady’s basket with OWS #12. 12. Long stitch the steps with OWS #14. Needle Custodian 13. Backstitch the butteflies with OWS #12. 14. Satin stitch the grass areas with two ply over four linen threads with OWS #1. Use vertical stitches in horizontal rows. 15. Satin stitch the sky area with two ply over four linen threads in OWS #7. Use vertical stitches in horizontal rows. 16. Long stitch the dotted lines on the willow tree with DD #61. 17. Long stitch the other lines on the willow tree with DD #51. 18. Petite stitch (one over one) your name and date into the bordered area above the tree. Do not stitch the borders. Inside Spine 19. The inside spine area is a repeat of the centre spin on the outside chart. Cross stitch exactly the same way.

You can purchase a the fabric and threads for this design Olde Willow Stitchery Silk Pack will be available from from Stitches and Spice. mid October 2007.

www.stitchesandspice.com.au The Ultimate Needlebook (finishing) (Click on Gift of Stitching Kits) by Judy Odell Purchase from www.justathought.net

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 16 Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook - Charts

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 17 Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook - Charts

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 18 The Gift of Stitching Product Profile

Judy Odell is the person behind Just A Thought and those Olde Willow Stitchery, Inc. hand-dyed threads was wonderful needlework finishing booklets. If you are looking originally started 2002. Stitchers fell in love with the for a design that you don’t have to frame, but rather finish threads and wanted them for their own stitching pleasure. into a beautiful box or something just as exciting, then you Olde Willow Stitchery Threads was born. should have a look at her booklets, and designers who have Olde Willow Stitchery has continued the tradition of designed for her booklets. hand dying six stranded cotton floss. Each strand is hand Each 3D needlework finishing project is intended to be cut, dipped in dye and dried naturally. Each fibre is unique and user friendly. The visual and written instructions wrapped and packaged by hand to ensure fibre strength will walk you through the finishing one-step-at-a-time, also and quality control. They also employ a local community known as “Finishing Visually” ™ instructions. centre (Deepwood) to help with the carding process. “The Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook” in this issue Today, their line of products include the traditional is just one of these finishing projects. You will be surprised cotton floss, also Perle size 5 and 8, and a range of soft at how easy it is to finish using the instruction booklet. Once linen threads. Their newest addition is hand dyed silk completed you will have a beautiful needlework project to floss. At the moment OWS will be selling these at silk add to your collection that will be treasured and handed packs for specific designs. The Gift of Stitching has had down for generations to come. the pleasure of sampling the new range of silk colours and has used them for the design “Maryland Roses Contact Details Ultimate Needlebook”. The thread is soft and the colours [email protected] have that lovely old muted sampler look. They are very www.justathought.net easy to stitch with. Silk packs will be available from mid USA (209) 772-3895 October. Contact Details 8032 Bellflower Road Mentor, Ohio 44060 phone: 440.205.1863 fax: 775.361.1407 email: [email protected]

OCTOBER’S COMPETITION This month we are giving away one of Judy’s Odell’s great books and some lovely silk floss. You could win a copy of Judy Odell’s finishing book, “The Ultimate Needle Book” and a pack of silks from Olde Willow Stitchery to help complete the “Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook” design. There are two to win, so enter soon! Enter at www.thegiftofstitching.com/competition.php www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 19 Feature Pattern Queens Bestiary Chessboard by Marie Le Gouis of Atelier des fees brodeuses Living in an age where we can easily obtain cross stitch patterns from all over the world is a wonderful privilege. This month we feature French designer Marie Le Gouis. We go back in time to a medieval French styled sampler, beautifully balanced and filled with many types of wonderful animals. To see more of Atelier des fees brodeuses designs, visit their website: www.atelierfeesbrodeuses.fr

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 20 Queens Bestiary Chessboard Instructions

Stitching Instructions silk threads, The Thread Gatherer Silk’n Colors and Soie Total design size: 226 x 248 stitches d’Alger AVAS. The approximate equivalence in DMC six stranded cotton is given. All stitches are over two threads Finished stitched area: with one ply of silk. 14/28 count: 16 1/8" x 17 3/4" (41 x 45 cm) Stitch the mixed border chart with one ply over one 16/32 count: 14 1/8" x 15 1/2" (36 x 39.5 cm) thread. Stitch all the over one lettering with Gloriana 18/36 count: 12 2/3" x 13 5/6" (32 x 35 cm) Sunflower (DMC 726). 20/40 count: 11 1/3" x 12 3/8" (29 x 31.5 cm) All Spider’s Web stitches are with one ply Gloriana Sunflower (DMC 726). Choose your fabric count, add 4” to each side for framing, All Scottish stitches are with one ply Gloriana Olive then measure 4” down and 4” across to start stitching top Grove (DMC 934). To stitch, alternate squares filled with left of chart one. diagonal stitches - first square with diagonal stitches from The model has been stitched on 40 count linen from left to right, second square from right to left. Zweigart, Newcastle Flax. The threads used are Gloriana

Symbol Key Symbol Key Main Charts - Cross Stitch Over Two Mixed Border Charts - Over ONE Symbol Thread DMC Symbol Thread DMC

Backstitch Instructions Flower stems in enclosed lawn: Gloriana Olive Grove (DMC 934) Bluebird beak: Thread Gatherer Pompei Ash (DMC 415) White peacock beak: Thread Gatherer Pompei Ash (DMC 415) White peacock crest: AVAS Blanc (DMC B5200) Sparrow feet and beak: Thread Gatherer Pompei Ash (DMC 415) Bee wings: AVAS Blanc (DMC B5200) Cat whiskers: AVAS 165 (DMC 310) Magpie feet and beak: Thread Gatherer Captain Sea Chest (DMC 317) Jay feet and beak: AVAS 165 (DMC 310) Genette whiskers: Thread Gatherer Folkstone (DMC Symbol Key 645) Main Charts - Cross Stitch Over ONE (Petite Stitch) Hedgehog spines: Thread Gatherer Chocolate Caramel (DMC 610) Symbol Thread DMC Peacock beak: Gloriana Sunflower (DMC 726) Peacock crest: Thread Gatherer Captain Sea Chest (DMC 317) Lyrebird beak : AVAS 165 (DMC 310)

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 21 Queens Bestiary Chessboard - Chart One

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www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 22 Queens Bestiary Chessboard - Chart Two

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www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 26 Queens Bestiary Chessboard - Chart Six

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7 www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 28 Queens Bestiary Chessboard - Chart Eight

8 www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 29 Queens Bestiary Chessboard - Chart Nine

9 www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 30 Queens Bestiary Chessboard - Mixed Border Charts

Mixed Border Left and Top Chart - Stitch Over One

Mixed Border Right Chart - Stitch Over One

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 31 Celtic Needleroll threads, measure 1” then cut the linen. 3. Trim each vertical side to 1”. Count out eight linen threads on both sides, pin then sew together. 4. Cut a silk lining, same width but 2” longer than the stitched piece. Pin or baste sides then sew together. 5. With right part of the design out, insert the lining (wrong sides of designs and lining facing each other) then locate both joined sides (sewn parts) and pin. Fold the extended lining on both sides to form a bias-style Stitching Instructions edging. Pin then whip stitch it to the linen. 6. Cut two lengths of 24” long ribbon. Design size: 70 x 74 stitches 7. Weave ribbon into the space where threads were removed (five threads at a time works best). Pull the Finished Stitched Area: ribbon ends to make sure they are even, then tie into a 14/28 count: 5” x 5 1/3” (13 x 13.5 cm) knot and a bow. 16/32 count: 4 3/5” x 41/2” (11 x 12 cm) 8. Stuff the needleroll firmly then repeat step 7. Trim ribbon edges if necessary. Use one ply of black thread for solid lines and one ply 9. Enjoy your newly finished needle roll. of metallic or gold thread for open lines. Use two ply of thread to stitch the Smyrna stars. Stitch the rest in Holbein Stitch (also known as Double Running stitch). You can personalise the space in the centre with your name and date, or a short message.

Finishing Instructions

A big thank you to Lody Steward for finishing the needleroll and providing the finishing instructions.

Materials Needed

- Black silk or cotton for lining - Black ribbon (1/8”-1/4” works best). - Black sewing thread - Iron, roller cutter, ruler and board

1. Count up twenty threads from the top and bottom edge of design then remove four linen threads (this is where the ribbon will be weave). 2. From where you removed the

Blackwork is a very old form of embroidery dating back to the Sixteenth Century. It is traditionally stitched with black thread on white using the Holbein Stitch. It was used to decorate clothing. Lynne Herzberg has taken this traditional form of embroidery and applied it to today’s fabrics and threads. Join us in this column as Lynne experiments with lines and textures to create designs that are colourful and relevant to today’s stitcher. www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 32 Part Two - England to 1700 From the Editor... Our first release of the new Mystery Sampler has got many readers excited. Progress pictures have been popping up on our Yahoo! Group and they look fantastic. This month, we present Part Two called England to 1700. Since England has such a rich sampler history, we have divided it into two parts. Yvonne Horn has advised me that this is the most difficult part of the sampler with 28 different stitches! Alternative stitches have been provided if you find some of the stitches too difficult. After completing this month’s part, you’ll have a new respect for the young embroiderer of this era and what they had to master from such a young age. The next part of the Chatelaine is the Boxer Drawstring Bag. This month the stitching instructions and chart will be provided, but due to very ill health, I haven’t been able to finish the bag or the other items of the Chatelaine yet. I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience, the finishing instructions will be provided next month. Please feel free to contact us through our website if you have any questions about the sampler or chatelaine. All the best with this wonderful project, keep up the great stitching!

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 33 English Samplers to 1700 by Philippa Corvin Czarnodolska History Few samplers of this period included an alphabet and not all of them have the name or date indicating that they were The earliest named and dated English sampler, now in the tools not show pieces. Victoria & Albert Museum, was made by Jane Bostocke and bears the date 1595, though there are references to Form samplers in literature previous to this date. In the 16th and 17th century a sampler served as a practice cloth where The oldest samplers were long narrow bands of linen cut a new design could be noted or a new technique perfected across the fabric with the selvedge edge top and bottom. before beginning a full project. The stitching is generally These were anything from 6 1/2” to 12” wide. This narrow of a very high quality and consists of numerous different format was sufficient to stitch at least one repeat even of stitches and types of needlework. a large border pattern. The length obviously depended on Printed pattern books were a rarity and in any case they the loom width, though there are samplers where two only showed the final design not how the stitch was made. pieces of fabric have been stitched together to increase The designs for the early pattern books were cut from the length. These samplers were probably kept rolled in wooden blocks and printed only in black. The stitcher the workbasket and as a result many have survived intact herself had to choose which stitch to use and in which to this day with their colours still bright. Spot samplers colours the design would look best. Pattern books were were generally squarer to accommodate the various designs. expensive, so not all embroiderers would have been able Sometimes bands and spots appear on a single sampler, to afford them. Patterns would probably also have been though it is possible that some embroiderers made a number copied from one friends or relatives sampler to another. of different samplers, each of a different type.

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 34 English Samplers to 1700 Continued Types Animals, birds and even insects had a symbolic meaning or were used as emblems. Some motifs were heraldic or Coloured band samplers were long and narrow with family devices, and would have had a particular significance horizontal border patterns arranged across them. Band for the stitcher. These would have been used to embellish patterns varied from very narrow double running stitch her trousseau. designs for edging a man’s shirt collar, to wide arcade Motifs based on biblical stories such as Judith with the flower designs suitable for a lady’s bodice or sleeves. head of Holofernes or the Spies of Canaan carrying the Whitework samplers were, as the name suggests, stitched bunch of grapes back from the promised land were often wholly or principally in white and included cut work, embroidered. The little men stitched on this month’s drawn workwhite work, hollie point and needlepoint laces. sampler part are shown with flowers in their hands, but These were used to edge the ruffs, collars and cuffs which the lady to whom they offered these bouquets has become were the fashion of the day. a flower herself! This pattern was very popular and was Spot samplers were collections of decorative motifs probably taken from an Italian Renaissance design of putti such as flowers, animals, or biblical scenes arranged or cherubs. randomly on the linen where there was space. Sometimes the design was left unfinished deliberately to show the Bibliography succession of steps. Spots might be tiny all over patterns - Browne, Clare & Wearden, Jennifer SAMPLERS FROM THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM. London, V & A Publications, in Queen or Rococo stitch suitable for making little sweet 1999. bags which were commonly given as gifts, or geometric - Clabburn, Pamela SAMPLERS. Princes Risborough, Shire patterns for cushions. These were extremely necessary Publications, 1977. (2° rev ed. 1998.) household furnishings as chairs were not upholstered at - Colby, Averil SAMPLERS, YESTERDAY AND TODAY. London, this time. Some spot samplers stitched in tent stitch are Batsford, 1964. - Humphrey, Carol SAMPLERS. (Fitzwilliam Museum Handbook). not really samplers at all; they are slips, intended to be cut Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1997 out and appliqued to velvet or similar ground fabrics, - Jones, Mary Eirwen BRITISH SAMPLERS. London, Batsford, which could otherwise not be easily embroidered. 1988. (1° ed. 1948.) - King, Donald SAMPLERS. London. H.M.S.O. 1960. Colour

All colours and types of thread were used on early English samplers. Preference was for bright colours, reds, blues, greens and golds. The soft colours found on many samplers today is the result of fading over time. Samplers were stitched pattern books and as such, the colours originally used would have reflected the colours used in dress and household furnishing at that time.

Stitches The widest variety of stitches occur on the oldest samplers. Band and spot samplers, as well as being compendiums of patterns, were also compendiums of stitches. Tent stitch, varieties of cross stitch, satin stitch, chain stitch, double running stitch, eyelet stitches, surface couching, drawn and pulled thread work and many more were commonly used. Gold and silver metal threads, beads and sequins were also frequently employed. Motifs

A wide variety of motifs were stitched, most of them taken from the natural world. The border designs on 17th century samplers may have been mainly decorative but in that age the language of flowers was much more widely known than it is today. The strawberry border may be a pretty finishing edge, but it also symbolises perfection (because the strawberry has no pips). The rose symbolised Divine love, the lily purity and the violet humility. All these and many more are to be found on early band samplers. www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 35 Part Two Stitching Inctructions See Issue 20 September 2007 for general Cabernet/GAST Purple Iris/DMC 208. Motif D stitching instructions and thread/symbol The stitch is worked following diagram Work in Threaded Herringbone stitch. keys. 1, but adding the two compensation The Herringbone stitch should be worked Work in cross stitch using one ply of stitches labelled A-B and C-D, shown in in two strands of DD Ningaloo/GAST thread according to the key. diagram 2 will give a finished look to Blue Jay/DMC 322. The weaving should There are two motifs underneath the the beginning of the row. be worked in one strand of DD area stitched last month, plus a motif and Cabernet/GAST Purple Iris/DMC 208. band area to the right of last month’s Motif A stitching. Work in Queen stitch. Use the cross stitch Motif E key to identify the colour of each stitch. Work all stitches in DD Natural/GAST Owl Picket Fence/DMC White. Work the Work in cross stitch following the key. Motif B Kloster blocks and Smyrna Cross stitches Work in Pulled Algerian Eyelet stitch in in two strands. Work the Pulled Square Spider DD Midnight/GAST Black Raspberry Eyelet and Four-sided stitches in one Work in double running stitch using one Jam/DMC 823. strand. Once the Kloster block squares... strand of DD Charcoal/GAST Soot/DMC are worked, cut away the central threads. 3799. Motif C Attach a bead, using a cross stitch, as... Work in Roman Motifs and Bands Area stitch. Working from left to right, work six These areas are worked using one ply of stitches in Kreinik thread unless otherwise stated. VFB Gold, then You can purchase the fabric and thread kits If you prefer, all of the dividing bands work seven stitches for the mystery sampler and chatelaine (DB), except DB 4 and 5 can be worked in DD Noosa/GAST in cross stitch. Peacock/DMC 807. from Stitches and Spice. DB 4 and 5 can be worked in back stitch. Reverse the colours Stitch diagrams start on page 38. on the next row. www.stitchesandspice.com.au Continue like this (Click on Gift of Stitching Kits) DB1 until the motif is Work in Montenegrin stitch using DD finished.

Part 2 - England to 1700

320 stitches high Historic Countries Sampler Layout

510 stitches wide www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 36 Part Two Stitching Instructions Continued shown in the diagram. If you don’t want 815. stitch in two strands as follows: Left, to cut the fabric, work a pulled Algerian right, top and bottom stitch in DD Eyelet in one strand of floss, then attach Band 2 Ningaloo/GAST Blue Jay/DMC 322. the bead over the top of this in the same Work in cross stitch following the key. Central Stitch: DD Sunflower/GAST way. The backstitch tendrils should be worked Summer Meadow/ DMC 743. The other in DD Swan Valley/GAST Pine/DMC four stitches in DD Jarrah/GAST Pink Motif F 520. The Smyrna cross stitches should Azalea/DMC 3722 (see diagram). Work all stitches in two strands of DD be worked in DD Cobar/GAST Gold Hibiscus/GAST Melon Patch/DMC 760. Leaf/DMC 435. DB8 and DB9 Work the central Square Eyelet, then Work in Alternating Double backstitch work the eight Bullion stitches as shown DB4 and DB5 using DD Midnight/GAST Black in the diagram. For best results, use a Work in Stem stitch using Kreinik VFB Raspberry Jam/DMC 823. straw or milliner’s needle to work the Gold. Bullion stitches. If you don’t wish to Band 6 work Bullion stitches, replace these with Band 3 Boxers: Outline in Double Running stitch Lazy Daisy stitches as shown. Work the vine and outline of the lover’s in DD Charcoal/GAST Soot/DMC 3799. knot using Double Running stitch, cross Boxer shorts: Either work in Tent stitch, Motif G stitch and Partial Eyelets with DD Ocean cross stitch or Double Running stitch (as Work the Padded Satin Stitch Berry in Pines/GAST Deep Sea/DMC 3808. Work shown on right-hand boxer). You can two strands of DD Jarrah/GAST Pink Running stitch inside lover’s knot, the choose to work the boxer shorts in the Azalea/DMC 3722. Work the first row five Rice stitches inside lover’s knot and in the same technique, or different of stitches horizontally, then overlay them the four Smyrna cross stitches in DD techniques for variety. The left hand with vertical stitches, following the Kaylas’s Rose/GAST Cranberry/DMC boxer’s shorts are worked in DD diagram for placement. Overlay the berry 815. Work the ten Rice stitches outside Dreamtime/GAST Midnight/DMC 311. with Kreinik VFB Gold as shown in the the lover’s knot and all the Queen stitches The right hand boxer’s shorts are in DD diagram. Work the woven leaves in two in DD Hawthorn/GAST Cidermill Ocean Pines/GAST Deep Sea/DMC strands of DD Kakadoo/GAST Shutter Brown/DMC 3045. 3808. Green/DMC 989 following the diagram. For ease of working, don’t pull the three Vertical Whitework Band Acorns: Work in the base in DD swan initial stitches too tightly. The leaves Work all stitches in DD Natural/GAST Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520. Outline needn’t be woven, just work the three Picket Fence/DMC White. Use two in Double Running stitch, then fill with long stitches. strands for the Satin stitch triangle border. Tent stitch. Work the nut in Satin stitch Use one strand for the Diagonal Rice using two strands of DD Nutwood/GAST Motif H stitch, Whipped Spider’s Webs and Fudge Ripple/DMC632. Work in Double Running or backstitch, Faggot stitch. The central flower motifs using one strand of DD Charcoal/GAST can be worked in either Buttonhole Bars, Central Flower: Work the grass in Satin Soot/DMC 3799. Bullion stitch or Lazy Daisy stitches. stitch, using two strands DD Swan Whichever you choose, you should use Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520. Work the Motif I two strands of thread. stem and leaves in one strand of the same Work in Open Chain stitch using two colour. Work the flower in Satin stitch, strands of DD Cobar/GAST Gold DB6 and DB7 using two strands of DD Hibiscus/GAST Leaf/DMC 435. You need to anchor each Work in Long-armed cross stitch using Melon Patch/DMC 760. Outline the side of the last stitch in the row with a DD Ocean Pines/GAST Deep Sea/DMC flower in Whipped backstitch, using DD small straight stitch, as shown in the 3808. Jarrah/GAST Pink Azalea/DMC 3722 diagram. Work the centre of the flower in Lattice Band 4 stitch. Use one strand of DD Motif J Work the cross stitch according to the Sunflower/GAST Summer Meadow/ Work satin stitch in two strands of DD key. Work the backstitch vines in DD DMC 743 for base grid (shown as white Nutwood/GAST Fudge Ripple/DMC Swan Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520. stitches on the diagram). Use one strand 632. Work the Smyrna cross stitches in DD Kreinik VFB Gold for tacking stitches Jarrah/GAST Pink Azalea/DMC 3722 (shown in grey). DB2 and DB3 Work in Double Back stitch in DD Band 5 Band 7 Aquamarine/GAST Tropical The Vine: Work in backstitch and Smyrna Work in Double Running stitch using Ocean/DMC 597. cross stitch, using DD Swan one strand of DD Charcoal/GAST Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520. Counting Soot/DMC 3799. Band 1 from left of line, Flowers 1 and 3: Work in Double Running stitch or Satin stitch flower and backstitch round backstitch. On the diagram the grey outer edge in two strands of DD stitches should be worked in DD Swan Jacaranda/GAST Punchberry/ DMC 209. Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520, and the Rice stitch centre in DD Hawthorn/GAST white stitches should be worked in DD Cidermill Brown/DMC 3045. Kayla’s Rose/GAST Cranberry/DMC Flowers 2 and 4, work in Hungarian www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 37 Part Two - Stitch Diagrams

Diagram 1

Queen Stitch Algerian or Square Eyelet Smyrna Cross

Diagram 2

Montinegrin Stitch

Roman Stitch

Lazy Daisy

Four Sided Stitch

Threaded Herringbone Stitch

Padded Satin Stitch Berry

Attaching Beads www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 38 Part Two - Stitch Diagrams Continued

Bullion Knots Woven Leaves Step A: Come up where you want the stitch to start (point 1). Then insert your needle at the point where you want the stitch to end (point 2), and bring the tip of your needle back out at point 1 again, taking care to come back through exactly the same hole. Do not pull the needle through, but leave it resting in the fabric, as shown in the diagram.

Step B: Wrap the thread around the needle several times, close to where it comes out of the fabric. Take care that the wraps rest on the needle, and not on top of each other.

Open Chain Stitch Rice Stitch Band 1 Detail

Step C: Hold the needle (and the fabric) between your thumb and forefinger, with your thumb over the wraps, carefully pull the needle and thread through the wraps. Now pull the needle away from the coil, in the direction shown by the arrow. This will help the stitch lie flat in its correct position. Tighten it up by pulling quite firmly on the work thread.

Step D: Pass the needle through to the back of the fabric at Point 2. Stem Stitch

Faggot Stitch

Partial Eyelet Detached Buttonhole Bar Long Armed Cross Stitch

Double Back Stitch Diagonal Rice Stitch Tent Stitch www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 39 Part Two - Stitch Diagrams Continued Whipped Spiders Web Stitch Lay the spokes as shown in the first diagram. Next, bring your needle up in the centre of the wheel, pass under two spokes A and B. Finally, pass under two more spokes B and C. Continue like this until the whole wheel is filled.

Alternating Double Back Stitch

Hungarian Stitch

Lattice Flower Centre

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 40 Mystery Sampler - Part Two Chart

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 41 Mystery Sampler - Part Two Chart

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 42 General Stitching Instructions DB2 and DB3 Alternating Double backstitch in DD Midnight/GAST Black Raspberry The model for this design uses a piece of 32 count linen from Stitches Jam/DMC 823. and Spice - Spice Blend, Celtic. Cut a piece of linen and matching lining 17. 5 x 42.5 cm (7” x 16 3/4”). Band 2 Refer to Issue 20 September 2007 for the layout of the Chatelaine Boxer: Outline in Double Running stitch in DD Charcoal/GAST pieces and symbol/thread key. Soot/DMC 3799. Boxer shorts: Either work in Tent stitch, cross stitch Complete all stitches with one ply of thread unless otherwise or Double Running stitch (as shown on right hand boxer). The left hand indicated. boxer is worked in DD Dreamtime/GAST Midnight/DMC 311. The Use the same stitch diagrams as for the sampler on page 38. Extra right hand boxer is in DD Ocean Pines/GAST Deep Sea/DMC 3808. diagrams needed are below. Acorns: Work the base in DD swan Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520. Outline in Double Running stitch, then fill with either Detached Boxer Drawstring Bag Stitching Instructions Buttonhole stitch or Tent stitch. Work the nut in Satin stitch using two strands of DD Nutwood/GAST Fudge Ripple/DMC 632. Start stitching 10 cm from top and 5 cm from side. Work the embroidery Central Flower: Work the grass in Satin stitch, using two strands as follows: DD Swan Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520. Work the stem and leaves in one strand of the same colour. Work the flower in Satin stitch, using DS Line 1 and 2 two strands of DD Hibiscus/GAST Melon Patch/DMC 760. Work the Work in white. Using backstitch and Detached Buttonhole Bars. centre of the flower in Lattice stitch. Use two strands of DD Sunflower/GAST Summer Meadow/DMC 743 for base grid. Use one DB1 and DB4 strand Kreinik VFB Gold for tacking stitches. Montenegrin stitch in DD Ocean Pines/GAST Deep Sea/DMC 3808 DB5 and DB6 Band 1 and Band 3 Work in double backstitch variation using DD Kaylas’s Rose/GAST (See extra diagrams) The Vine: Work in backstitch and Smyrna cross Cranberry/DMC 815. stitch, using DD Swan Valley/GAST Pine/DMC 520. Counting from left of line, Flowers 1 and 3: Satin stitch flower and backstitch round Band 4 outer edge in two strands of DD Jacaranda/GAST Purple Iris/DMC Work vine and outline of lover’s knot using Double Running stitch, 208. Rice stitch centre in DD Hawthorn/GAST Cidermill Brown/DMC cross stitch and Partial Eyelets using DD Ocean Pines/GAST Deep 3045. Flowers 2 and 4: Work in Hungarian stitch with two strands as Sea/DMC 3808. Work Running stitch inside lover’s knot, the five Rice follows: Left, right, top and bottom stitch in DD Ningaloo/GAST Blue stitches inside lover’s knot and the four Smyrna cross stitches in DD Jay/DMC 322. Central Stitch: DD Sunflower/GAST Summer Meadow/ Kaylas’s Rose/GAST Cranberry/DMC 815. Work the eight Rice stitches DMC 743. The other four stitches in DD Jarrah/GAST Pink Azalea/DMC outside the lover’s knot and all the Queen stitches in DD Hawthorn/GAST 3722. Cidermill Brown/DMC 3045.

Bands 1 and 3

Hungarian Stitch Flower

Queen Stitch Diamonds for Band 4 Band 45 www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 43 Boxer Drawstring Bag Chart

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 44 Easy Peasy Cross Stitch is a learning cross stitch card series. Each issue will feature a couple of cards. Great for the beginner and for sharing with the new stitcher.

15 Easy Peasy Cross Stitch Cut out along dashed lines, fold along centre and glue Collect these cards and learn to cross stitch by Jacinta Lodge of Side B

Bring on the Bling! of the metallic. If the metallic thread is really thin, use your normal two strands of cotton. There’s a couple of ways you can give a bit of Use short pieces. Metallic threads will fray from shine to your stitching. Metallic threads are pretty being continually pulled through the fabric, so and sparkly, and fun to look at. So how best to don´t keep going until it´s worn to a knotty mess! stitch with them? Cut them short and end the thread as soon as it starts to fray. Metallic threads Use a large-eyed needle. This stops the needle itself from causing rapid fraying, and makes the Metallic threads vary dramatically. Some are holes larger for the thread to pass through. stranded threads, some are not, while others have Use a thread conditioner such as Thread a non-metallic core. They can be extremely thin Heaven. This protects the thread, making it more or quite uneven and bulky, but most are usually supple and helping prevent fraying. stiff and tend to fray easily. Thread your needle differently. It can really help If you want lots of glitz then stitch with just keeping the thread in the needle if you fold it in metallics, making sure you half first and then thread the loop through the eye. use enough strands to cover Feeding the hanging tails through this loop and the material with each stitch. pulling tight will fix it to the needle. When you are For just a little bit of dazzle done stitching you will need to snip it off. you can thread your needle with one strand of your Continues on Card 17. cotton floss and one strand

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16 Easy Peasy Cross Stitch Cut out along dashed lines, fold along centre and glue Collect these cards and learn to cross stitch by Jacinta Lodge of Side B

Blending Filaments Bling Crown Size in stitches: 12 x 12 These are used in a lot of designs and are great for adding a bit of colour shine, without overdoing You will need a piece of 14 count the metallic look. These come in a range of pretty cream Aida 4” (8 cm) square. colours and are thin, single stranded threads. 1. Cross stitch the gold crown with two strands of metallic gold thread. There are two ways you can use them. 2. Cross stitch the background with two strands 1. Just add a strand of blending filament to your of purple cotton. normal two strands of floss when threading the 3. Cross stitch and back stitch needle. The filament will often be buried under the red jewel with these threads in the stitch, so it is a really faint one strand of red glimmer. cotton thread and 2. The second method is to do your normal one strand of red stitches and then go and metallic blending filament. stitch over the top of these 4. Backstitch the with a single strand of the crown with one blending filament. You can strand of black also do only one direction cotton. of the cross stitch, instead of both, to give it a very different and directional glitz.

www.thegiftofstitching.com | www.stitchalicious.com www.thegiftofstitching.com | www.stitchalicious.com Page 45 Stitch Diagrams Each thread you see here equals one thread on evenweave or linen fabric. Come up to the right side of the fabric with odd numbers, and go down on even numbers.

4 4 2 2 2 2 1 1 3 3 4 1 2 1 3 1 Cross Stitch Half Stitch Quarter Stitch Petite Stitch Backstitch 15 13 13 17 1 5 14 16 9 5 3 4 3 8 7 11 12 15 16 1 10 2 6 2 44 6 14 Spider Web Stitch Scottish Stitch Queen Stitch

1 3 5 1 3 5 7 1 3 5 7 9 16 7 9 2 4 6 8 14 9 10 12 11 Tent Stitch 10 13 2 4 6 8 10

8 15 Satin Stitch

6 4 2 Rhodes Berry

This is the last page and a nice one at that! In the next issue look out for... Cindy Valentine, Ellen Chester, Guilia Manfredini and Turkish embroidery. This magazine has been written in Australasian English.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue. Any queries regarding this publication should be submitted to the Editor: The Gift of Stitching Pty Ltd Kirsten Edwards 19B Olwen Place Quakers Hill, NSW 2763 Australia [email protected] See our website for information regarding advertising. We now sell subscription cards wholesale to retailers. To find out more contact us at [email protected]

COPYRIGHT: The Gift of Stitching Pty Ltd 2007 All patterns in this issue have been published with permission from the designers. This magazine is under copyright. It is illegal to republish or distribute in print or electronically either in part or whole.

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 46