A Strand at a Time

 MH 1656 is moving forward:

1816 Vierlande Sampler

 Well, I had a few false starts, but I have begun!

I had this lovely 46 count Blush from BeStitchMe fabric but the Silks4U was a bit of a struggle for me:

But I have plans for that pretty fabric...

The next choice was  40 count Honey Whiskey from Kitten Stitcher. 

I love it.  I need to serge the edges after I trim the fabric. This will be a long term project, but at least I started!

November Idea

 Well, I told my stitchy friends that I would not start anything new until I finished something. I never count small projects that I give as gifts so I figured I was safe. Ha!

In case you hadn't heard, Hands Across the Sea is releasing a BAP- a Big Awesome Project-that will last over 56 weeks. It is a gorgeous Bristol. But I already am stitching a Bristol-Alice Ellen Usher by Sassafras Samplers. I don't NEED another Bristol.  I have several kitted in my basement ready to stitch. Sigh. The SAL doesn't start until January so I can always change my mind...

To get my mind off the Bristol, I thought about other projects I want to start. One has been percolating for a bit, but I'm not ready to share it yet.

This project has been one I have wanted to start for several years. Jacob over at Modern Folk Embroidery  has a SAL for November where he suggests you stitch a black sampler. I thought about getting his dragon pattern, but decided I had a Vierlande Sampler that I wanted to start. Kim over at Sassy Jack's has the ribbon sampler that is lovely but I already have the AKGIT 1833 pattern

 

Gorgeous

 But the one I love and have wanted to stitch for ages is from this magazine:

 It was over the last two issues-Summer and Fall of 2015. I have the DVD of all the magazines and it has been calling me for years!

So November 1,2026 I will be taking my first stitch on my Vierlande Sampler. I am still deciding on fabric, but I know I will use the Silks4U thread I have in my stash. Am I NUTS?!?!

 

End of October 2026

 I thought I should share my progress on my WIPs for the end of the month.

I've been working on ornaments which I will share after I give them away.

But in no particular order:

Alice Ellen Usher by Sassafras Samplers : I hope to get the row done before November 1.

MH 1656-HATS

I need to fill the motifs with satin stitches or double running stitch. But I think I will move to the next section and see if I can get it done.

Tilos Primrose by Avlea Folk embroidery 

Not a ton of progress but I have stitched on it.

Phoenix Band Sampler -Northern Expressions Needlework 

I'm a little further along but forgot to take a picture.

I started Red Rocks, Bright Sun by Wendy Moore 

And a finish! Elizebth Goldsmith Pin keep by Fox and Rabbit. It was an exclusive for the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild 

Well Now What?

 I have been making progress on MH 1656 but I have run into an issue.

There should be two leaves mirroring the other side where I put the red circles. But they won't fit. 

I will leave this for today. I will have to do something with those areas.

Sparkle

 I needed a little bit of sparkle and found some sequins.

They are tiny! 

Alice, Alice

 When I am tired, I pull her out to do a thread or two 

Promise of A Mystery

 This is an old Sue Reed piece from ANG that I taught for my local guild years ago.

I won't get into the full story, but a dear friend made the piece into a gorgeous tote!

Organization Attempt

 I had this bag that was full of threads from various projects. I called it the bag of shame.

I spent several hours sorting my DMC and getting rid of the little bits and bobs I had saved.

Now to get the bags on rings so I can look for colors easier.

A Little Stitching. A Little Ripping

 

MH 1656 is beautiful but requires a lot of brain power.

A Little Bit

 

I left the red thread so I can put the beads.

Four Seasons Casket

 This book is written by Betsy Morgan and published by Inspiration Magazine.

I purchased it from Sassy Jack's Stitchery.

Alice is Calming

 I couldn't help myself. I was doom scrolling instead of stitching when I realized I could put one strand in Alice Ellen Usher.

Not too bad for a few days of stitching.

Phoenix Band Sampler

 I just want to share my progress on this piece:

I'm hoping it will go faster, but we'll see!

October Already?

 I have been struggling with MH 1656. But I keep pushing forward.

I was feeling pretty good about my progress when I realized I was way off on my counting. Rip, rip, rip.

But I am learning!

IHSW September 2026

I have a finish!

Gifted Gorgeous September 2026

 So, this is the day we post photos of things that are gifts from someone, to someone or whatever!

MH 1656 was a gift to the designer from her husband:

I am making a bit of progress.

Rise Above the Waters was a gift from the designer to Sassy Jack's to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Rise Above the Waters

 

Because It's on My Mind

 I decided to pull MH 1656 by Hands Across the Sea. I haven't really worked on it for quite awhile. Removed some stuff and added a leaf .

This is also a MAGIC project for the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild.

The green on the left came out - third time. It's in the wrong spot.

Phoenix Band Sampler

This is one of my MAGIC projects for the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild. I'm supposed to have it done before the end of December.

Start point:

I thought I was done:

But I had a little more time.

Sampler September 2026

 I am hoping to make progress on a few of my sampler WIPs during September.

First up- Alice Ellen Usher by Sassafras Samplers 

Here is my starting spot on August 30.

I have completed a few more motifs.

What should I do next? Choices, choices.

Adams Alliance Crop

 I am spending a few days with friends at a scrap booking crop. Working on my art quilt.

A Beading Project

 The local embroidery guild offered to teach us how to make beaded pens.  I'm working on mine 

Alice is Out to Play

 

I should be working on the Phoenix Band Sampler but my brain can't handle it with all the canning happening.

Canning Season

 It's canning season here in Illinois. A friend gifted me with a bushel of peaches. Jam anyone?

Failure?

 I decided to ice dye a bit of fabric. I had a tub of ice that I used and tied my fabric with rubber bands.

I was sure it was a failure. But here's what it looks like ironed:

Not sure what I will do with it, but I like it.