Safely Home....

This is the latest issue of Fine Lines magazine that I got...I`m really enjoying these...they are expensive when compared to other cross-stitch magazines, but are well worth it...I love antique samplers and articles on antique needlework, and these fit the bill nicely....I especially like the sampler on the cover of this issue...it is called the Safely Home sampler designed by Kandace Thomas. As much as I love stitching with specialty threads and fabrics, it is fun to just go back to basics sometimes...plain old D.M.C. floss and 32 ct linen...I do enjoy specialty stitches though...I could always substitute some for the plain cross-stitch...(I never stitch anything as charted anyway). It has Smyrna Cross, Algerian Eyelet, Palestrina Knot, Herringbone Stitch, LongArm Cross, and cross over-one. I may add some Satin Stitch to the grassy areas when I do it.(As if I need to start another project)...ttfn

Marblehead Samplers...

This is the latest issue of SANQ magazine...it features a Marblehead inspired sampler on the cover. This inspired me to dig out my copy of Girlhood Embroidery by Betty Ring where she talks about these wonderful samplers from Massachusetts.

As a group they were discovered in 1980...Marblehead is described as a rugged fishing village with narrow dirty streets...for such a dismal sounding place, some very lively and beautiful samplers were made there.

This samplar features some of the typical motifs of the original antiques...I just love the grass done in satin stitch....and it`s done on 28 ct...a definite bonus...the eyes aren`t what they used to be....

Well I must go stitch something...ttfn...