Bringing Good Cheer by Blackbird Designs is #3 in the Christmas Sampler series. This is the 2nd one of this series that I have stitched. The first one was Christmas Rose.
I chose a piece of 18ct antique white aida with the called for Weeks Dye Works floss. I did not have Cayenne so chose to use DMC 3777. I love the rich red of the flowers.
Alma writes of this design” Bringing Good Cheer was inspired by the antique sampler stitched by M. Bowker in 1842, when she was only 9 years old. The wild floral border captured my attention right away. I love it when the border is bold and almost grabs the attention away from the central design.
Since I stitched this one on aida, I decided to change the satin stitches for the basket to plain crosses using Chestnut and Dirt Road. I’m happy with how this turned out.
I used a simple black frame I purchased from Amazon.
What a beautiful start on this sampler, Pat! I love the colors.
Do you always stitch a grid on your fabric before beginning with the pattern? Is it every 10 threads? Does that let you check yourself as you stitch? I ask because I’ve never done that or read it advised. I am always happy to learn new ideas from stitchers.
Yes, I do grid everything I stitch because of poor eyesight. Every ten rows for aida and every 20 if I am using evenweave. It makes it much easier to check and make sure my stitches are where they are supposed to be. Now it is just a part of preparing a project to stitch.