Someone on the 123Stitch Message Board recently posted the Loose Feathers Summer, Autumn, and Winter by Blackbird Designs as a WIP’s. I saw it and wanted to stitch it so went looking for the charts. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase the three separate charts  from another board member. You can see the completed piece on the back of the Winter chart. It is the one pictured at the bottom left of the chart.

I choose a piece of 28 count cream Monaco that was large enough and that I already had as my fabric and thought about using DMC floss for the project since that is what I have on hand. After some discussion, I decided to go ahead and purchase the recommended Gentle Arts Sampler Threads and Crescent Colors thread. Crescent Colors is now known as Classic Colorworks.

Stitch Count: 222w x137h
Design Size: 15 7/8 x 9 3/4 (28/14ct)
Fabric Size: 22 1/2 x 16 1/2 (28/14ct)

I decided to grid my fabric for this project but found it was much harder doing this on 28 count fabric versus 14 count Aida which I had previously done for the Wolf Pack I was stitching for my son. The holes are so much smaller!

The fabric is ready, the charts have arrived so now I am waiting for the floss so that I can add this project to my rotation. This is what the finished project should look like when completed.

.

The project is actually three separate pieces stitched horizontally as one piece. I am looking forward to working with this new floss. You can read more about working with the Sampler thread.

I’ll be posting pictures as the project progresses so come back to visit often.

March 15, 2014 – The last of the floss for this project just arrived so it is now time to begin. I’m going to check with folks on the 123Stitch Message Board wants to join me in a SAL.

NOTE: Besides the recommended floss, you will need one additional skein each of Manor Red, Piney Woods, Endive, Maple Syrup.

Progress as of May 2, 2914

Progress as of May 24, 2014

Progress on May 30 2014

Progress July 6, 2014
Unfortunately, I ran out of GAST Piney Woods so progress has stopped until my next order from 123Stitch arrives. Not much left to go.

Finished: July 11, 2014

The frame I ordered arrived today and I could not wait to see how it would look. The piece still needs to be stretched and laced and I need to order the glass but am very happy with it. And the best thing is the frame was on sale for $18.96 (60% off) with an additional 25% off for the weekend.

Frame: EWC6 – Deep mahogany, eco-friendly frame with a classic profile. (19 3/4″ x 12 1/2″)

Recently, someone on the 123Stitch Message Board gave me the three charts that make up the Hearts and Holly Mystery Sampler by Lizzie Kate. The suggested fabric was a hand-dyed linen called Doubloon. I don’t particularly like stitching on linen and the fabric was also available as 14 ct Aida so I ordered a piece the required size of 22″ x 13″. I also decided to stitch the three charts using DMC floss since that is what I had. I finished the first chart which is on the far left of the sampler. The three pieces are stitched side by side rather than vertically aligned. The colors are soft and pretty and I am liking the piece.

Since I have a number of pieces that I am working on a rotation cycle, this will be put aside for a couple of weeks while I return to The Wolf Pack. If you are curious as to what the finished Hearts and Holly Sampler will look like when finished, you can see it pictured below or visit the Lizzie Kate website.

Since the chart was given to me, I will be giving it away free (PIF) to someone on the Board once I have finished stitching it. Come back in a couple of weeks to see my progress.

Progress as of March 22, 2014.  Not much more to stitch and it will be finished.

Last stitch taken on March 29, 2014. I still need to find a small gold heart charm to add and then decide on framing but the stitching is finished.

Heart and Holly Mystery Sampler Framed

The Hearts and Holly Sampler is from the Pat Rogers’ Counted Collection of cross stitch charts. It was published in 1994 and is, I imagine, out of print. You may be able to find copies of the chart of eBay or Amazon. The design is stitched in shades of red and green with gold highlights. I framed the finished piece in a brushed gold frame with green mat.