Welcome to "A Time Forever Gone" SAL!

A Time Forever Gone Stitch-a-Long

Hello fellow stitchers,

Welcome to “A Time Forever Gone” SAL!  I am so happy to have you join me in stitching this design as I think you will enjoy the specialty stitches and details that bring this tribute to Georgia to life.  I had originally planned to create a new blog for this SAL, but thought it would work just as well on my Heart's Ease Examplar Workes blog.  Before I give you the first suggested stitching schedule, I’d like to tell you a little bit about how I was inspired to do this design.  First of all, I was contacted by Caroline Thomes, from the Sampler Guild of Georgia, to see if I would be interested in coming to Atlanta to teach one of my designs.  During the conversation, we talked about how very few antique samplers from that area of the south had survived.  The Civil War, climate and insects had certainly taken their toll on whatever was there originally.  Somehow, I suggested that I could come up with a new design, that would have the spirit of an old sampler that may have been stitched by a young lady in the mid 1800's.  And that is how the process got started!

After watching “Gone With The Wind” several times I felt a surge of creativity, both in the artistic representation of the design, as well as poetically, in the composition of the verse that would accompany the design.  I knew that I wanted a swag of flowers instead of a traditional border, so I researched flowers indigenous to the Atlanta area and started putting my ideas together using my design software.  It took me a while, but I finally came up with a design that I truly love.  I hope you will feel the same. For your convenience, each stitching schedule will be converted to a downloadable/printable PDF file, the link to which will be posted in the side bar of the blog.  From this point on the schedules will be posted on the 1st of each month and will be 2 months in duration.  Here are the dates of publication:

Assignment 1 - August 15, 2015

Assignment 2 - October 1, 2015

Assignment 3 - December 1, 2015

Assignment 4 - February 1, 2016

Assignment 5 - April 1, 2016

 Assignment 6 - June 1, 2016  

That will make the SAL a year in duration and, for a large sampler such as this, by August 15, 2016 each of you participating will have your sampler completed and ready for framing.

As with all of my designs, in order to make it your “own”, I encourage you to make changes to colors and/or design as you see fit.  I have done a conversion of the Belle Soie I used to stitch my sampler, to DMC solid colors.  If you have overdyed cottons or other fibers in your stash that you would prefer using, then I suggest you use the DMC color for comparison to pick out a complimentary floss with which to stitch your sampler.

Okay, let’s get on to our first suggested assignment!  I always start my samplers from the upper left corner and work my way across and down, so that is how I will start this assignment.  Measure 3 inches from the top and side of your linen to start your first stitch.  See diagram below.

We will be working the  floral/raspberry swag across the top until we get to the basket, and then down the left side.  See the following diagram.

Stitch the vines around the white raspberry flower (diagram on next page) before you do the satin stitched petals.  If you do the satin stitches beforehand, you will have difficulty finding the holes for your stitches as the satin stitch will cover them up.  I found it easier to stitch the Rhodes Stitch center before I did the satin stitched petals as well. In the instructions that came with your chart, you will find the diagrams for the specialty stitches.  The center of the Dogwood and Coreopsis are done in the Spiral Trellis Stitch (see diagram for stitch at the end of this post), and the center of the spring violas are done with the Tied Windmill Stitch.  Save the Spiral Trellis centers for last as it will be easier to stitch them with an even tension if you do them at the same time, gaining a natural rhythm as you go, so they look consistent.  For the Azalea blooms, save the long stitched stamens for last.

       Well, that is it for the first assignment.  If you should have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I’ll keep you posted on my progress and post pictures as I continue to the finish for the “A Time Forever Gone” model. Be sure to check the right side bar of the blog for the link to the printable PDF file of this assignment.

Yours in friendship and stitches,

     Theresa

P.S.  My apologies for getting this posted late.  My life is giving new meaning to the old saying, "A day late and a dollar short."  I appreciate your understanding.

Materials List

Hello everyone,

Someone emailed me and asked if I had a materials list for A Time Forever Gone, so after I sent it to her I thought it would be a good idea to post it on the blog.  This way you can go through your stitching stash and, if you find you already have some of the threads, it will be one less thing to buy.  Below is the materials list.  I am also providing a printable PDF file of the list here ATFG Materials List:

Happy Stitching,
Theresa

A Time Forever Gone SAL ...

Hello everyone,

I know I'm a bit late getting this information posted, but it is my great pleasure to let you know that starting August 15, 2015, I will be leading an open SAL for my newest design, A Time Forever Gone.

As some of you may already know, I had a major accident with my first model of this design when I accidentally spilled a full glass of iced tea on it.  Because it is stitched with silk overdyed threads, which are not colorfast, the colors ran and ruined the whole thing.  Consequently, I had to start over.  I thought, since I will be stitching a little ahead of those who've purchased the chart, it would be fun to do a SAL.  I will post monthly assignments, which will be available as printable PDF files.  Originally I had planned to post the assignments on this blog, but decided I will set up a new blog just for the SAL.  Since it will not be private, anyone who wants to join in is welcome to do so.
          I so look forward to having those interested in the SAL, join me on August 15, 2015, for the first installment.  I will post the name of the blog and a link to it, once I have it up and ready to go.  To be continued ...

Announcing Release of "Mayflower Rose Sewing Set!"

Hello fellow stitchers,
          I'd like to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day and am hoping you are enjoying the glorious warmth of spring in your neck of the woods.  Here in Delaware spring keeps making a brief appearance, followed by several days of chill and rain. This weekend the weather report is calling for a Nor Easter -- which will mean more rain with wind and cold.  Remind me of how unhappy I was with this weather when a month from now it is in the high 90's and I can't cool off fast enough!
           It's been a while since I've posted, but I've been very busy working on some special projects and have just returned from a teaching trip to Atlanta, Georgia for the Sampler Guild of Georgia and the Magnolia Sampler Guild.  I had a wonderful time and was so impressed with the hospitality and friendliness of the people I met.  Atlanta is a beautiful city and my host, while there, made my stay a lovely and memorable one.
          I'm happy to announce that on May 5, 2015, I will be releasing the long awaited, highly anticipated,  ;-)  "Mayflower Rose Sewing Set."  Here is a picture of the fully assembled set:

 This next picture includes a photo of the ornament I designed for the Mayflower Sampler Guild that started it all, which is a separate purchase from the set of smalls.  I chose to mount mine on the inside of the lid so I could remove it to hang on my tree at Christmas time.  I used a Nantucket basket purse that I purchased from Basketville about 5 years ago that, unfortunately, is no longer available.  Although this particular basket is no longer available, they still have some listed on their website if you want a similar one of your own.  I was told by the salesperson there that they are unable to get these baskets any longer as the manufacturer is no longer in business, so once their inventory is gone they won't be carrying them any longer.  It seems that it will be hard to obtain these in the future and the secondary market will be the only place to find one.  Of course you can always buy a handmade original from a Nantucket basket artisan, but that could really be cost prohibitive.  At any rate, here is a link to Basketville's website:  Nantucket Basket Purse

Also, in my previous email I showed a picture of the basket and smalls donated by the Mayflower Sampler Guild to the yearly cancer research auction at the Attic in Mesa, Arizona.  In case you don't remember, here is the picture again:

This beautiful basket was made especially to house the ornament in the lid by a member of the Mayflower Sampler Guild, Janice Card.  She kindly agreed to allow me to post her contact information in case you'd like to order a basket from her.  Here it is:  jcardstitch@yahoo.com 

          On another note, check back next week, as I have a special announcement regarding an upcoming event.  It is a secret right now, but I hope you will be as excited as I am once it is announced.

          Thanks so much for all of your kind words and wonderful emails regarding my designs.  I am so humbled and honored to have so many fellow stitchers like what I am doing, especially my sampler designs.  Until next week, I wish you fair weather, good health, good fortune, and lots of stitching time.

As always, yours in friendship and stitches,

Theresa

Happy New Year!

Hello everyone,

          I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to move on to this new year of 2015 with lots of stitching projects and finishes.  I can't tell you how busy I've been since mid-November with meeting deadlines, getting 3 private on line SAL's going and finishing the stitching for the Mayflower Rose Needlework Smalls.  Now all I have to do is assemble them, take pictures while doing so, write the finishing instructions and get the charts printed so I can put them on the retail market by the end of January.  I think you will be pleased with the set and I will be sure to post pictures of it when it is complete.

          I've also been busy finishing the design for the Sampler Guild of Georgia/Magnolia Sampler Guild for a class I'll be teaching in April.  I'm so looking forward to seeing Georgia in the springtime.  It will be my first visit there and I can hardly wait!  Here is a sneak peek at the sampler:

This design has been a labor of love for me and I am so going to need to be in my bionic stitching mode in order to finish it before April.  The floral motifs on either side of the chimneys are cotton plants.  I'll be stitching the cotton bolls using "Whisper" to give them the fluffy, cotton like appearance they need.  I can hardly wait to see how they will turn out.  This design is being stitched on 40 count Vintage Pear by Lakeside Linens.  The colors of the flowers just pop on the fabric and it is a break from the usual beige linens I usually use.  The small bird motif  on the left side of the magnolia tree is stitched over one and is the Brown Thrasher, Georgia's State Bird.  I had to design it over one in order to get the detail I wanted but it will be well worth the effort once it is stitched.  I hope you like the sampler.  It is named "A Time Forever Gone."

          Again, Happy New Year and check back by the end of January to see pictures of the Mayflower Rose smalls.

Yours in friendship and stitches,

Theresa

          

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall is on the way!

          I can't believe how quickly the summer flew by, but now I am looking forward to the cool, crisp air and the vivid blue sky of fall and the beautiful colors of the season.
          It has been a while since I last posted but a lot has been going on behind the scenes of my designing endeavors.  I know I said I would be releasing the smalls to accompany the Mayflower Ornament design, but I've had to come to a realization -- I am only one person -- and since I am my own model stitcher, I've overextended myself and gotten woefully behind on stitching and assembling the Mayflower Rose smalls. I apologize for this delay and am hoping to have them ready to publish in January.
          Aside from thinking I could do more stitching than was humanly possible, I have three reasons for the delay.  My computer with all my designs went on the fritz and is now at the repair shop, so I did/do not have access to my charts.  I've purchased a new computer but the old one would not stay on long enough to transfer the files or load the files onto a flash drive.  The old computer is not really old, so hopefully it can be repaired and all my valuable information restored to the point where I can access my charts and make changes, etc. without having to rechart them on the new computer.
           The second reason is that I was asked by the Queen City Sampler Guild (QCSG) to design a sampler for their upcoming 20th anniversary in November 2015.  I put the final stitches in the sampler over the weekend and will be teaching it as an on-line, 5 part mystery class, starting this November.  Here is a sneak peek of the upper left corner of the retail version of the design:

And here is a sneak peek at the coverlet design for the Guild Exclusive:

Both versions of the retail design area and the Guild Exclusive design area will be included with the chart for the SAL.

          I had a wonderful time designing and stitching this sampler and thanks to all my research, have added quite a bit of knowledge to my brain's database about Ohio and Cincinnati in particular.  And, in case you were wondering, the grapes are all stitched in the spiral trellis stitch.  10 bunches of grapes, with 13 grapes on each bunch -- well, you do the math -- it took a while to stitch them all but it was well worth the effort.  The floss is Classic Colorworks Silk (formerly Belle Soie) in Elegant Eggplant and Petunia.  The lighter part of the strand was purposely used on the top of each grape to give it the hazy opaque appearance of a real grape.  If you are interested in joining the QCSG in order to join in on the fun, you can contact them through their website:  http://www.queencitysamplerguild.org/

          I will be following up the year long 5 part mystery SAL with a visit to Cincinnati in November 2015 to celebrate their anniversary and also to offer a set of accompanying smalls for sale to the members.  Since this sampler is rather large and labor intensive, I'm offering an incentive to the first three people who have theirs completed when I come to Cincinnati for the anniversary.  The First Prize to the first person to complete the sampler -- A full kit, including all the Classic Colorworks and NPI silks, as well as the linen for my design "Sojourner", a $300+ value.  Second Prize will be the Sojourner chart and a full stitchers half of the linen for the sampler, a $100+ value; and the Third Prize will be the chart for Sojourner, a $50 value.

          And last but not least, the third reason is that I am also working on a sampler design for the Sampler Guild of Georgia and the Magnolia Sampler Guild.  This design is my favorite of all I've done so far.  Since there are few samplers that survived in Georgia due to the Civil War and the climate, I decided to try and interpret a design that a young lady would have stitched in the 1800's.  I am adding a sneak peek to this sampler as well.

This sampler has a lot of specialty stitches and will include a beautiful plantation house and a band of Florentine stitch, as well as a verse I specially composed just for this design.  Here is the verse:

A soft wind blows through the Spanish moss that hangs from the live oak trees

The trees that line the long road home to distant memories

Of a fine old house with columns tall and porches all around

Where the sweet scent of Magnolia blooms in the spring abound

A lady fair in a flowery gown, silk ribbons in her hair

Sweetly smiles at her courting beaus, who look so debonair

And in the distance, o'er the  knoll, I can almost hear the song

Like a choir of angels singing low, of a time forever gone

I can hardly wait to have this sampler completed and ready to show to you.  I will be teaching this sampler in Atlanta, Georgia in April 2015.  If you think you might be interested in joining the Guild to take the class, here is a contact email where you can get more information. 

bahaberly@aol.com

          And so, as you can see, I've got a lot going on behind the scenes and am feverishly working on getting things stitched and ready.  I've started stitching the pieces for the Mayflower smalls and, as I said, will have them ready for retail sale in January.  Thanks so much for your patience and understanding and wish me speedy stitching fingers so I can get all my pending designs done and ready for publishing.

          BTW, starting in January 2015 I will also be teaching/leading a year long, on line SAL for my design "A Delaware Inspiration" to the members of the Swan Sampler Guild. 

 If you are a member, you will have already seen the information in their newsletter.  If you are not, you can find out about how to join on their website:  swansamplerguild.org

          Have a wonderful fall and, as always, if you have any questions or comments you can reach me via my email address Heartseaseew@gmail.com

Yours in friendship & stitches,

Theresa

Good News!

Hello fellow stitchers,
          Just in time for your holiday stitching, the chart for "Mayflower Rose" will be available for purchase on June 1st.  You may recall, I designed this for the Mayflower Sampler Guild's annual ornament last year.  The proceeds from the sale of the kits that were made (50 in all) go to their Sampler Conservation Program.
          I've made very slight changes to the original design which I'm sure you will like.  Also, I am in the process of designing and stitching a set of smalls to compliment the ornament, which will be introduced in August.  My plan is to mount the ornament on the top of a Nantucket Basket, and the smalls will go inside the basket.  I'll post pictures of the completed project prior to release of the set of smalls.
          In the meantime, here is a shot of the cover page for the ornament and a shot of the original:

          If you are interested in this chart, you may contact me at HeartseaseEW@gmail.com to purchase it from me directly  or contact your local or on-line needlework supplier to have them order it.  Thanks so much.
                                           Yours in friendship & stitches,
                                                           Theresa
P.S.  I thought you'd enjoy seeing how two of the members of the Mayflower Sampler Guild beautifully finished their Mayflower Rose design:

Hello fellow stitchers,
          I apologize for having woefully neglected my blog, but I've been working really hard behind the scenes with new projects and teaching assignments.  For some reason my work has turned to custom designs for guilds and I've been stitching like a madwoman trying to get these projects to completion for the beginning of the on-line classes.  One of my custom designs was requested by the Bay Area Sampler Guild and the on-line class for it is starting this Saturday, May 1.  Here is a picture of "Sojourner", the sampler I designed:

          I chose the name Sojourner because the design incorporates elements of some of the ethnic peoples that made their way to California and the American West in the mid 1800's.  Each band within the sawtooth border represents an ethnic design -- the Queen Stitch strawberry band, is in honor of New England and the wagon train pioneers who blazed a trail to the western frontier; the Holbein Stitch pansy band, reflects Great Britain and the Irish, English, Welsh and Scottish peoples who came to America seeking a new, better life; the floral rope is a nod to the nautical history of San Francisco as a major sea port; after that is my rendition of a Chinese style band in recognition of the thousands of Chinese who traveled East across the Pacific Ocean to find their fortune in California Gold; next to the last is a band commonly found in Russian folk art garments; and finally a traditional Mexican band with Satin Stitch and Rhodes Stitch details.
           The floral basket vine incorporates flowers indigenous to the San Francisco area.  I chose to use the following:

San Francisco Wallflower

Evening Primrose

Sticky Phacelia

California Poppy

and last, but not least, the beautiful Dahlia

          This will be my first on-line class and I'm hoping, if all goes well, to do more of these in the near future.  If you think your needlework guild or stitching group would be interested in stitching this sampler, please contact me via my email address at heartseaseew@gmail.com
and I can fill you in on the process of setting up your group.

          On another note, I taught the Delaware Inspiration sampler at the Biggs Museum in Dover, Delaware during the Delaware Sampler Symposium.  If anyone is interested in stitching this design, the Swan Stitchers are having me teach it in an on-line format starting January 1, 2015.  If you are a member of the Swans, or just want to stitch the sampler, you will have to contact them to get on the list by joining the guild.  Again, if you have any questions concerning this upcoming class feel free to contact me.

          I hope everyone is finally past the brutal winter most of us endured.  The flowers and bushes are blooming here in Delaware.  I just hope spring hangs around for awhile before the summer heat sets in -- we'll all be wishing for one of those snow days once the temperature reaches 90 degrees plus!

Yours in friendship & stitches,

Theresa

There is a poem that I read in a magazine in the mid 1970's.  I never forgot it and thought I'd pass it along so you can enjoy its message as well.

A Tale of Two Trees

by Alice E. Chase

Inside the forest straight and tall the biggest evergreen of all

Spread its giant branches wide and preened itself with snobbish pride

Thinking, "What a sight I'll be when I become a Christmas tree!

Dressed in tinsel all aglow with colored lights that come and go.

I'll be the season's biggest hit, there isn't any doubt of it!"

Not far away a little tree crouched in deep humility

With scrawny branches, twisted trunk, no wonder its morale was sunk

It knew it didn't stand a chance of rating one admiring glance

It thought, "The kind of shape I've got I'll never make it to the lot!

And even if I did who'd buy and ugly little tree like I?"

The woodsmen came to cut and fell the trees they thought would surely sell

Of course the evergreen so tall went crashing downward first of all

And when the job was nearly done a woodsman spied the little one

"This tree looks like it's nearly dead.  I'll finish it" was what he said

The tree came down with just one blow and laid rejected in the snow

By the strangest stroke of luck somebody tossed it on the truck

Which took it to the lot to be displayed like any other tree

At first it tried its very best to straighten up and meet the test

When all the mothers and the dads walked by with little girls and lads

But no one looked or seemed to care or even noticed it was there

Meanwhile, the giant evergreen with head held high had left the scene

Certain it was soon to grace some very grand, exciting place

The other trees went one by one till finally when day was done

Broken hearted and bereft the little tree alone was left

Feeling more and more forlorn it wondered why it had been born

Then suddenly, as if on cue, a small boy wandered into view

His jeans were tattered, his shirt was torn, his shoes were old and badly worn

He looked around and shook his head, "I guess I'm just too late," he said

And then he saw the little tree, "there IS one left," he said, "Oh, Gee!"

He paid a quarter for his prize and took it home with starry eyes

He set it up with tender care and though its scrawny limbs were bare

Of ornaments and lights and such, it really didn't matter much

Because in that poor home it found, shining faces all around

And voices raised in childish glee, saying, "What a pretty tree!"

No longer did it feel forlorn for now it knew why it was born!

And what about the tree so tall, the one that towered over all?
It really didn't fare too well, standing in a posh hotel
Because the people passing through had more important things to do
Than take the time to stop and gaze and shower it with words of praise
And once divested of its pride it slowly shriveled up and died

We'd like to think the little tree lived on and on in memory
Because it proved without a doubt what life's really all about
For if we can fulfill a need, we reach the greatest heights indeed!

 

 

Hello fellow stitchers,

            I had planned to insert a Thanksgiving photo to the greeting, but for some reason, which I've yet to figure out, Blogger is not allowing me to upload photos.  So my heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving header is all I can do -- UPDATE:  I figured it out!  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

            On another note, for those who purchased the kit for the 2013 Mayflower Sampler Guild's Annual Christmas Ornament, I have a correction to make to the instructions.  There is a difference in the over one section of the chart between the "master chart" and the "ship detail" chart.  The "ship detail" chart shows the over one section stitched as I stitched it on my model.  The "master chart" has an alternate over one section  for those who are not fond of over one stitching -- it has less.  I forgot to mention it in my chart instructions and apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Stitched either way, you will still have a lovely ornament.

            If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at HeartseaseEW@gmail.com.

Yours in friendship & stitches,

 Theresa

            

Hello fellow stitchers,
             I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone since we started this Stitch-a-Long for my first published design, “A Maryland Inspiration”.  I’d like to thank Ellen Chester, an incredible designer, teacher, and most importantly, a dear friend, for asking me if I’d be interested in having my design be one of the choices for the 2013 SALs.  As I stated when we first started, I’m very new to all of this, so I hope I didn’t confuse anyone too much with my inexperience.  It has definitely built my confidence, helped to prepare me for future teaching projects, and opened doors to many opportunities to design and teach exclusive projects for several upcoming venues.
            If you’ve been able to keep up with the stitching schedule, your Maryland Inspiration should be complete except for the Diamond Eyelets in sets of four at the top of the sampler in the alphabet band.  I purposely saved those for last so you can stitch them all at the same time which will aid in your tension being consistent throughout.  Below is a diagram of the stitch with the sequence numbered.  As stated, if you stitch in hand as I do, you should use a hoop for this part of the sampler. It will keep your fabric taut and make it much easier to see the holes.

If you should have any questions regarding any portion of the sampler, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will help in any way I can.
            It has been a real pleasure leading this SAL and I most appreciate the helpful suggestions and alerts to chart errors, as well as all of the complimentary emails I received through the year.  Have a wonderful holiday season and please send me pictures of your finished samplers when you have the time.  I'd love to post them on my blog to inspire other's to get theirs completed.  And, again, a big thanks to Ellen for all of her support and encouragement.
                    Yours in friendship and stitches,
                                     Theresa

Hello fellow stitchers,
               Fall is definitely in the air here in Delaware and I am so looking forward to the wonderful colors of the foliage. By far, it is my favorite season, especially since my birthday is on Halloween, and that makes me a "Stitch Witch"!
               Well, it looks like we are getting close to the finish line for this sampler. I hope you’ve all been able to keep up, but don’t worry or be discouraged if you haven’t. I know it is a big sampler, but the end result will be well worth the effort. Since this was my first time leading a SAL for my own design, I would appreciate any input you can give me on how I did with the monthly stitching schedule, stitch and assignment diagrams, and instructions. Let me know where I need improvement – any suggestions would be most welcome.
               This month’s assignment is to stitch the rest of the verse and to add the flowers to the vine at the bottom (dianthus and honeysuckles). You will also stitch the pineapple motif and the two birds. Last month’s assignment contained a close up section of the chart for the pineapple and the honeysuckle. Just in case you missed it, I will include it again.  The eyelets in the pineapple use Belle Soie "Cinnamon Stick" for the dark eyelets, and Belle Soie "Butterscotch" for the light eyelets.  I suggest that if you stitch in hand, a hoop will make it much easier to control your tension and see more clearly the linen threads, while doing the over one stitching as well as the eyelets used for the pineapple.

               As always, if you have a question, please feel free to email me at heartseaseEW@gmail.com and I will do my best to help you. Have a spooky good time on Halloween and don’t eat too much candy.
                           Yours in friendship and stitches,
                                             Theresa





Happy Fall!

My Favorite Season of the Year

Hello everyone,
            My newest design, the "Norfolk Diligence" sampler, will be released in mid-October, so I thought I would give you a preview before I take it to the framer.  I've always loved Norfolk samplers and was drawn to a particular antique I found on the Antique Samplers site.  That sampler is the Mary Taylor sampler, stitched in 1734.  It is a little different than the more common Norfolk style as it is a band sampler, but I loved the border so much I thought I would design something based on the antique.  I hope you like my modern inspiration of the original.

It contains several specialty stitches, but nothing too difficult.  As usual, I stitched mine with Belle Soie, but will have a conversion to NPI and DMC with the chart.  If you are interested in purchasing the chart, contact your favorite needlework shop and they can pre-order it for you.   Here is a picture of the antique that inspired my design:

Have a wonderful fall!
                                                                                                               Yours in friendship and stitches,
                                                                                                                                   Theresa

Hello fellow stitchers,
            We’ve had a small taste of fall for a few days here in Delaware and I am so looking forward to when the crisp cool air and fall foliage are here for real. Autumn is my favorite season of the year!
            We are getting close to the finish line for this SAL and I hope you’ve been able to keep up. I’ve received several email regarding the color of the stamens on the honeysuckles so I am attaching a color picture of that portion of the chart. I am also attaching a color picture of the chart containing the pineapple. It is stitched with Belle Soie's Cinnamon Stick (dark eyelet) and Butterscotch (light eyelet).

This month we are moving on to the right side of the house where we will begin stitching the fence, trees, and birds, as well as the butterfly. (See diagram 1)

Diagram 1
　

You will also stitch the next 3 layers of grass (under the grass portion you stitched last month). Follow the same directions for the fence and cardinals as you did last month for the left hand side of the sampler.
            Although you do not have to finish the entire thing, this month I’d also like you to start stitching the verse. It is stitched over one thread using NPI 993 (black). I find it easier to stitch over one when I use a hoop. It is easier to see the linen threads, especially on 40 ct. linen.
            As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at HeartseaseEW@gmail.com. 
Yours in friendship and stitches,
Theresa

Hello fellow stitchers,
            I hope you are all having a wonderful summer, and for those plagued with the heat wave, I hope you are staying cool as well.
            If you’ve been able to keep up with the stitching schedule, then you know the end is in sight! This month’s schedule is to stitch the steps on the house, the first layer of grass, the fence, trees, cardinals and butterfly on the left hand side of the house. The stairs and the fence will go quickly by doing them in the Closed Herringbone Stitch. They are stitched using Belle Soie’s "Walk the Plank". See Diagram 1.

            Always go in one direction for the steps and fence, stitching from left to right on the stairs, and top to bottom on the fence. The Closed Herringbone gives the fence a nice texture and helps it to stand out more. I learned this stitch from Ellen Chester’s beautiful design, "Cherished Workes Sewing Set" and it has become my all time favorite. You’ll find it used in just about everything I design.
            We are going to start this stitch with the stairs – they are stitched up four threads and over two threads. See Diagram 2.

            Next we’ll move on to the first layer of grass. This is stitched in regular cross stitch and can be boring, but if you haven’t caught up to the stitching schedule, now would be a good time to alternate your stitching between the catch up stitching and the grass. It will be less monotonous that way.
            Okay, now on to the fence. You’ll notice that the fence does not meet the grass, except where the posts are. The closed herringbone for the fence is done vertically (see Diagram 3). Each square counts as 1 thread. You’ll follow the same sequence you used for the steps, except now you will be stitching it vertically instead of horizontally, and going over two threads instead of four.

            Now we’ll move on to the trees, cardinals and butterfly. You’ll notice that a section of the tree trunk is under the fence. It is easy to overlook so I thought I would mention it just in case. After the trees are stitched you will stitch the cardinals. The first two coming in from the left are stitched as charted. The third (in the square – do not stitch the square) is done the same as the first two, but you will follow up with Cinnamon Stick in a half cross over the previously stitched full cross done in Sister Scarlet. This is the female cardinal and her feathers are more of a rust brown than a bright red as in the male. After you’ve finished stitching the cardinals, move on to the butterfly. This is also done in straight cross stitch so no special instructions are needed here.
            Well, I hope this month’s assignment is not too much. Like I said earlier, if you are caught up with all the stitching assignments, the end is very close in sight! As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at HeartseaseEW@gmail.com and I will do my best to help you.
            Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay cool!

Yours in friendship and stitches,
Theresa
http://heartseaseexamplarworkes.com

Hello fellow stitchers,
          I have some wonderful pictures to share of "A Maryland Inspiration" from two stitchers!
John has finished his and here is the picture.  Marvelous job John!

And here is a progress picture of Anne's.  Again, marvelous job and great progress!

Thanks so much for sharing your photos.  If anyone else has progress pictures and wants me to post them, please send them to me and I'll include them in the next WMN newsletter and here on the blog.
          Speaking of newsletter, here is the stitching schedule for July.

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          Happy 4^th of July! I’d like to keep the schedule light this month, so if you are behind schedule you can catch up, or if you are right on target, you’ll have some free time for some other things. The schedule this month is to stitch the over one sections in the right set of cartouches (Diagram 1). As I stated in last month’s schedule, when I stitch over one, I always use a small hoop. For me it is a lot easier to see and do the stitches when the fabric is tight. Since this is 40 count linen and you will be stitching over one, I suggest you use the tent stitch on the motifs in the cartouches. Your stitches will look less bulky and it will be a lot easier to do your stitching.

DIAGRAM 1

Here is a link with diagrams and instructions to do the tent stitch: http://www.threadneedlestreet.com
Click on the menu at the top of the page where it says "Stitches" and it will take you to a page with a selection of stitches on the left hand side of the page. You will find the tent stitch option there.
          If you are traveling for the 4^th of July, or taking your vacation this month, be safe, have fun and relax! As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at HeartseaseEW@gmail.com and I will do my best to help you.

Yours in friendship and stitches,
Theresa

Happy 4th of July!

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!  God Bless America!