Not much stitching to share ...

The boys are on Fall break from Middle School & High School. We didn't do much because they have head colds. I don't want their germs! Been wanting to do something traditional, quick, simple -- & pulled these out:

Started a bookmark. It is an EGA Petite Project - Sampler Bookmark by Periwinkle Promises / Barbara L. Rakosnik. (c.May 1998) The center has blackwork motifs (I think 5 repeats of the leaves). There are bands of rice stitches + double back stitches (I might do long arm cross instead). I'm using silk mori on 32-count twilight blue linen.

Also started N.Hinde 1778; A miniature Sampler (c.1991 The Scarlet Letter.) I am using red silk (AVAS 945) - cross stitch over one - on 32 count antique ivory linen. This should be 1 3/4" x 2 3/4". In the directions it says to "feel free to personalize your sampler with your own name or initials & the date, using letter forms from the alphabets + numerals above." I am thrilled about the heart motifs. And who can resist a spiffy alphabet?

Here is a photograph from the pattern leaflet (of the finished sampler). Says on the pattern: "Genuine miniature samplers like this are relatively hard to find. They usually feature a simple monochromatic alphabet, or a short sentimental verse. The former type, called "plain work," usually originated in working class schools. This "plain sewing" sampler is English, probably from Lancashire (or perhaps, more specifically, Lancaster)....The original piece is in a private collection"