Find Happiness in Simple Things

Last year I finished the beautiful Ann Gott sampler from NeedleWorkPress.......

I stitched my Ann Gott on 40 count Abecedarian linen from R and R Reproductions using the called for Classic Colorworks cotton thread... except! for the Bandana color.  For that I used dmc 816 for a brighter POP! of red.  

I also added my initials and year at the bottom and changed the verse to Find Happiness in Simple Things.   Someone reached out to me to ask if I had charted this verse and thought that was a great idea so that anyone who would like to use this verse on this sampler or for any other project can do so!

I have included the little bits of leaves on either side of Simple Things to help with placement within the Ann Gott sampler.  

It truly was a fun stitch and I was unable to put her down once I started!  However you choose to stitch your own Ann Gott I am sure it will bring you many happy stitches!  

Enjoy this freebie!  

Happy Stitches Always!  

Krista  

New!! Jane Bell!

 Happy Valentine's Day!  

I have a new release to share and it is filled with hearts and flowers and pretty red and pink so today is the perfect day to bring this fun sampler out!  

Meet Jane Bell.... a reproduction sampler adapted from an antique in my collection.  

Jane's original sampler (see video on my instagram @juststitchingalong) seemed to start as a sampler with a plan but Jane ran out of room and then used the bottom of the sampler for practice stitches, eyelets and satin stitches and such.  I adapted the design to feature some of these elements and love the outcome!  

A darling sampler with sweet motifs that could also be done as a small pin cushion, ornament or scissor fob!  

My model was stitched on 40 count light mocha linen from Zweigart with Classic Colorworks cotton threads in:  House Wine / Old Blue Jeans / Balsam Fir / Old Money / Holly Berry / Pine Needles.  

 The stitch count is 105 stitches wide by 88 stitches high.  The pattern is in cross stitch over two with just a small bit of cross stitch over one (the two little birds on the line with Jane Bell's name).  

While it is not known when Jane stitched her sampler I would venture to guess it was from the 1800s.  One of my favorite parts of this sampler is the thistle and roses motif in the upper right corner with the birds and crown.  Perhaps this is also a glimmer that suggests that Jane may have lived in England?  It is a mystery but fun to ponder.  

This sampler is available in my Etsy shop JustStitchingAlongX as a PDF download only.  The PDF has both color and black and white charts to suit your preference.  

I hope you think Sweet Jane is as darling as I do!  

Happy Stitches Always!  

Krista