tiny happy

making journal

Cross 1

Cross 2

Cross 3

We had the leftovers of an Antarctic storm blowing through town over the weekend, so it seemed a good time to settle in by the fire and do a bit of stitching. I finally finished this cross-stitch sampler that I started in the Christmas holidays and have worked on now and then since. I've learned that cross-stitch is not really my thing as it requires such precision, but I did enjoy working on it, and found it was really calming and meditative. I didn't use a pattern, but rather found motifs in various books to stitch the flowers, alphabet and insects as I went. The fabric is really fine linen and some of the threads were hand-dyed by a friend, while the others are regular DMC embroidery floss.

Now it's time to light the fire and make some soup. This morning I saw snow falling- the first time i've ever seen it here in my hometown. Hope you're keeping warm, or cool, as the case may be.

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15 responses to “little sampler”

  1. Miss Smith Avatar

    Your sampler looks great all finished and framed up. The snow is a kind of exciting event for Nelson hey? My neighbour rang me to tell me it was snowing outside-she was worried I might be too busy to look otherwise. Ha ha!

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  2. renee ~ heirloom seasons Avatar

    Your sampler is so beautiful, now I want to do one more than ever. I intended to do cross-stitch in 4th grade with my daughter but it still hasn’t happened. Cross stitch really is much more particular than embroidery, isn’t it…
    Enjoy your snow and coziness!

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  3. karen Avatar
    karen

    Love your cross stitch, Melissa. Plus snow in Nelson, wow
    Stay warm and cosy.
    Cheers
    Karen
    Newcastle NSW

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  4. sloane Avatar

    Your sampler turned out beautifully! It was your blog that inspired me to pick my thread and needle up again. Thank you for being a constant inspiration to so many! 🙂

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  5. Emily Avatar

    Lovely sampler but I know just what you mean about cross stitch. It’s cold here too (Melbourne).

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  6. Annika Avatar

    It turned out really great. I love the muted, warm colour palette. I find it really, really gratifying every time I finish a big cross stitching project. That said, I’ve been working on a sampler for several years now… :o)

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  7. heather Avatar

    You finished it! It looks great! And so sweet in that frame. I have a hard time with cross stitching too, but I admire those that can do it!~

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  8. Britney W. Avatar

    I like the idea of putting together different motifs instead of a pattern. I may have to try it sometime. And snow, how lovely!

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  9. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    I love the sampler. I have done a few cross stitch projects. I find they take me a very long time. I keep saying that I wll not do another and then I end up revising my statement to ” just one more.” It is nice to see them completed. If I make a mistake, it is always a challenge for me to carry on or pick a great amount of work out. It can be frustrating, but does teach patience.

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  10. Regina Avatar

    The sampler turned out lovely. The last cross stitch I completed was when my eldest was born. (Almost 13 years ago.) I concluded I did not have the patience for that type of project.

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  11. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Loving the sampler. Snowed here in Lincoln for the second time this year – unbelievable!

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  12. Tania Avatar

    I just love the rare occasions that it snows. Isn’t it beautiful? Your little sampler is lovely – even better that it is a one of a kind. Love the antique look that the linen brings to it.

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  13. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    it warmed me up to see your beautiful sampler and the stone I crocheted lying in front of it

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  14. Nancy Cook Avatar

    I love samplers. I like the different motifs you combined together. Nice work.

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  15. Hello Sandwich Avatar

    wow it’s so beautiful! what an amazing talent you have. That sounded so lovely taking time out to make that. So lovely.
    Love Love
    Hello Sandwich
    xoxo

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