I’m happy that we’re doing some stitch-alongs this year as it’s helping me get a few extra projects done that I might not have squeezed the time in for.
We’ve done Blessings and Redbird. Our next stitch along is another Redbird so I think we’ll just call it Redbird #2.
Part of the whole reason we started hosting stitch-alongs was that so many people were asking Judy at Patchwork Times and me about cross-stitching. You had seen us stitching and had questions as a new stitcher. We thought if we were working on the same project that you had questions about, it would be easier for us to answer them. It’s worked out great on our end. I hope on your end too.
The next project we have in line is Red Bird Sampler by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle and Thread. I’ve long been a Brenda Gervais fan. For those of you who don’t know, before cross-stitching, she did quilt designs. She’s an Iowa girl and above all of that, she designs some amazing cross-stitch. Here is the sampler.
As we’ve been stitching along, the projects that have been chosen have been picked for different reasons. The last one was a chance to introduce silk floss and the joy of not having to change colors.
The one was picked to give a little introduction to samplers. This is small. The stitch count is 135 x 117.
If stitched on 14-count Aida or 28-count linen it will be 9 1/2″ x 8 1/4″
If stitched on 16-count Aida or 32-count linen it will be 8 1/2″ x 7 1/4″
If stitched on 36-count linen it will be 7 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
If stitched on 40count linen it will be 6 3/4″ x 6″
This sampler is considered an easier one because of its size and because it doesn’t have a border to match up. You would get some experience learning to personalize the sampler as you’d need to put in your own initials.
Best of all, you’ll experience the little “high” all cross-stitchers get when completing a single motif. I just love sitting down a night and being able to stitch a basket of flowers or a bird. It’s super rewarding and it makes me want to stitch another and another and another!!
It took some finagling but Liz has everything ready for pre-order. It really takes a lot of work to secure the needed supplies when so many of us are stitching along and I so appreciate all the work Liz and the staff do to make this all happen.
Liz really kicked it up a notch this time around. She anticipated some of us… being excited about stitching with silk so she did a silk conversion if you want to stitch with silk. She also has coordination scissor fobs…
You can choose red…
or the blue. So pretty.
Liz also had the idea to provide everything you need for framing as you see in the photo below. You can pick your linen count and order your frame all at the same time. YAHOO!! What a convenience!!
So…this is the link to the Stitchery Nook HERE. There is a drop-down menu. There you can pick whatever you are interested in. Sorry, the picture that you see below isn’t the best but some people have been having trouble understanding how to order. You can simply click the down arrow button and all of the options will show up. So click the pattern, add it to your cart, then click the drop-down menu again. Click the linen you want, add it to your cart, then click the dropdown menu again. Keep doing that until you have the items you want.
Me, I already have linen here so I’m probably going to pick the pattern and floss. I still haven’t decided if I want the silk or the original called for.
Each order is different and specific to you and your needs. I don’t know of any shop that allows you to make your own kit like this. It’s so personalized and I appreciate that.
Being this project is more ambitious, I’m thinking we would need three months to finish this…for some, I know likely more. I’ll wait until I get my pattern and then I’ll make an update and draw out how I’m going to approach stitching this.
Liz said pre-order is open now. They will start shipping the second week in July. The stitch-along will start on August first. Let’s get stitching!!
Make sure to check out Patchwork Times. Judy plans to stitch along with us again. I just love having someone to bounce ideas and plans with.
Again, CLICK HERE to find the stitch along pre-order.
After 40 years, you’ve gotten me wanting to stitch on linen, but my first tries aren’t going well. My stitches aren’t lining up correctly and I’m totally frustrated. Any hints to help this old dog learn a new trick?
Hi Lissa. If I can do it I bet you can too. start out on 28 count linen…go SLOW.
Lissa, try putting a hand towel or other fabric on your lap, in a solid color that contrasts with your fabric. If your linen is white or ivory, use a black or navy towel. If you are using a dark linen, lay a white or bright pink towel on your lap. The contrast in color helps you see the fabric intersections better.
Molly, a cross stitcher for 35 years and counting ;)
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Hi Jo, I had hoped to join in but the Stitchery Nook doesn’t post over seas & i have been unable to find the pattern in Australia. I will keep trying to find it as i love this pattern & hopefully i can sew along with you & everyone. Thanks for your blog i have been following you for years & look forward to catching up with you each day. Allison in Sydney, Australia.
Hi Jo, I’m so happy you decided to have a SAL using this Redbird Sampler. I’ve had my eye on it for sometime. I have ordered the pattern, fabric and silk floss. I have not used silk thread or stitched on 36 ct fabric. So any tips you have would surely help. I’ve just started cross stitching after a 25 year brake and you have inspired me to begin again. Your work is so gorgeous and I appreciate that you share it with us. Thank you for how you contribute to the stitching and quilting communities. I am looking forward to this SAL.
The best thing I can tell you Suzie is to be patient with yourself. It takes a bit for your hand and eyes to be trained to stitch on the 36 count.