My 17th c. English Band Sampler (WIP)

This is the Scattered Motifs section from my WIP:I took an ICC course, 17th c English Band Sampler, thru EGA to learn specialty stitches and the various techniques used during that time.
I am sharing this section as it has several motifs that are filled with queen stitches(As always, click to enlarge)The flower petals (picture above) have tons of queen stitches, upright & sideways, over 4 threads or more. Using several shades of silk, one strand, the flowers have a beautiful textureAnd, I am still not finished with the motifs!
Pictured above, the queen stitches are the same size; however, with the different colors of silk, create a wonderful repeating pattern in the large motif -- and awesome texture in the thistle & lady bug.
The largest motif in this photo (green,blue,red,gold) is solidly filled in with queen stitchesIf you get the chance, try grouping the queen stitches together to fill in an area. The results are beautiful - IMOI was so attracted to this course and enjoyed learning how to create all the bands & motifs. The course material has patterns taken from real samplers and it was delightful to make stitch samples.And, one of these years, when I feel more ambitious, I just might get around to finishing this monster sampler.It has sections of White Work; Alphabets; Double Running Patterns; Scattered Motifs; Variations of cross stitch; and finally (still working on this part) - embellishments & finishing

queen stitch motif

As requested, here is a close-up of the queen stitch motif:It is a motif taken from a C Street Samplerworks project, the cover sampler from SAN-Q Magazine:I had stitched this last Summer for a NANI demonstration, post HERE.Since I had some odd threads on my desk, and more room on the 28-count waterlilly fabric, I decided to stitch up another one!!

Not much time for the computer -- will catch up later this week : )

Doll Show Finds:

I attended the Valparaiso Doll & Bear Show yesterday morningWhat a fantastic display of dolls from all eras and all price ranges. The antique dolls were beautiful. Among all the clothing, dolls, + accessories ... I found these dresses made from antique handkerchiefs. And, they are a perfect fit for my Penny Wooden Doll
Other than the doll dresses, I didn't find much in the way of doll making supplies -- just a snipet of lace
I did stitch up a quick fob (on the left) side of the doll. I have stitched this motif once before. I used the over-dye fibers I had after stitching Free, Shep Bush Freebie design.I have not decided on finishing for the S.Bush design - probably a small pillow.

3 Aug 2007 - Demonstration

On Friday, Aug 3rd, Elaine, Deb & I were at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Heritage Stage, for a needlework demonstration. We had EGA brochures, information re NANI, newsletters, and donated cross stitch supplies [aida cloth, cotton floss, etc] I don't know if any of the guests in our small audience came to the chapter meetings since that date. I would have liked to have been there longer to just sit & stitch - chat with those who passed by.
It was hot & humid. Did I mention very very hot & humid? Think - slippery needles! Yeah, aside from that, I think we did ok. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

I had permission from Ruth Ann Russell of C Street Samplerworks to use her motif for Queen Stitch demonstration. I used DMC floss on 28-count waterlily evenweave. Also, SharonB In a Minute Ago gave me permission to use her stitch graph. Thank you both! It is a nice way to expand needlework from cross stitch - basic x - into additional stitches.

Personally, I like the texture the queen stitch adds to samplers. I realize many of my stitching pals dread the Queen Stitch : )

queen stitch

Sue, stitcherw said she was "looking forward to seeing your queen stitches. Those are so lovely looking, however, they are the one stitch (in addition to french knots) that I can never seem to get to look right."

Sue, I've got a photo to share with you of some stitch samples I made up a couple years ago. I was practicing the queen stitches & was using strawberry motifs I found in sampler books. IMO - using ONE strand of silk or perle cotton creates a more even stitch than cotton floss. I like using silk. The coverage is very good!



There may be other bloggers with more tips. I practice them before adding them to a sampler.

BEFORE I FORGET TO ASK .... Does anybody have a good recipe for corn bread??? I am a terrible baker & would like to give up using mixes all the time. I tried a recipe this morning & ended up with a brick. See link here. My son, Nick & daughter, Tori seem to get the knack of baking. Why can't I??