~ ~ ~ WELCOME FRIENDS ~ ~ ~
It's amazing what a person can find when they decide to clean out cupboards ;-)
I have this wonderful built-in cupboard in my upstairs landing. It was so full of "stuff" that I couldn't get anything else in and couldn't find anything! I vaguely remember bringing some cross stitch down from the attic a few years and putting it there. I'm not sure why I did and there it sat until last week. I had forgotten how many unframed cross stitch pieces I had.
I pretty much stopped cross stitching in the early 90's for a number of reasons. I was partly burned out after doing it for so many years and I just couldn't see as well as I used to. Linen is my backing of choice and the dark linen was especially hard to work on.
This patriotic piece stitched on what we then called "dirty linen" was completed in 1989.
1990
Generally I stitched 2 over 2, but this one, completed in 1991 was done with one thread of DMC over 2 threads of linen.
1991
This was stitched on 26 count linen and was the only sampler I worked 1 over 1. It measures approximately 2 3/8 x 4 1/2 and was completed in 1992.
I'm not sure of the year on Nellie Irene, but I know it was late 80's or the early 90's.
I've also got a couple of samplers that have not been finished. I'll have to head to the attic and try to find the charts.
I really do love this sampler because of the song verse.
I pretty much stopped cross stitching in the early 90's for a number of reasons. I was partly burned out after doing it for so many years and I just couldn't see as well as I used to. Linen is my backing of choice and the dark linen was especially hard to work on.This patriotic piece stitched on what we then called "dirty linen" was completed in 1989.
1990
Generally I stitched 2 over 2, but this one, completed in 1991 was done with one thread of DMC over 2 threads of linen.
1991
This was stitched on 26 count linen and was the only sampler I worked 1 over 1. It measures approximately 2 3/8 x 4 1/2 and was completed in 1992.
I'm not sure of the year on Nellie Irene, but I know it was late 80's or the early 90's.
I've also got a couple of samplers that have not been finished. I'll have to head to the attic and try to find the charts. 
I really do love this sampler because of the song verse.
None of the above cross stitch has yet been distressed. Sometimes, after cross stitching, I would coffee stain them and even cut little holes in the linen before framing them. (Not as distressed as stitchers do today, but remember I was doing this 20+ years ago.)
I probably should jot down the measurements of the completed samplers so when I am out and about perhaps I can find some old frames that will work. It is just too darned expensive to have them custom framed.
Tomorrow I am off to Zoar, Ohio, to spend the night at the most wonderful antique-filled bed and breakfast with my dear friend Wink. I hope I will have lots of pictures to share with you.
Thank you so much for stopping by and I do hope you will come again soon.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren
Lauren
Lauren your pieces are timeless - So very nice - what a find! I too stopped stitching around that time but know I do not have anything hiding - I used to give practically everything away! Hope you find some reasonable priced frames to get them done!
ReplyDeleteLauren, I've done the 1st one too. Had it professionally framed. I've been thinking of taking it apart and ageing it,cause it's a really white background. Had it on ebay a couple of times,no interest. I probably did it the same time you did. I also did the God Is Love one,but I aged it and put it in an antique frame.That one I sold long ago at the St.John Westshore show.
ReplyDeleteI've been stitchin' again,but not like I used to in the 80' & early 90's and sold them at shows. That was long before my close up vision went too.
Your samplers are wonderful!!! You really NEED to find some frames!!!!
Sherry
Lauren ~ Samplers are a great favorite for me, so thank you for sharing your wonderful examples. Definitely you should look for frames. Don't let them stay in a closet one more week!
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you found those. I do hope that you find frames for them because they are really timeless! How much fun to find all of those! I have to tell you that I don't stitch on that dirty linen any longer either - I just can't see the holes. Now I find lighter fabrics and tea stain them or use walnut crystals. Does the trick to make them look old.
ReplyDeleteWow Lauren I love your beautiful pieces!
ReplyDeleteI have several that I did about that long ago as well....you have me intrigued now to see just what I have in my 'treasure cloest' upstairs...I'm not sure just what's in there either....lol
Thanks for sharing with us. I love them.
What a collection of lovely samplers! At least you finished yours! I have quite a few that are in various stages of 'undone'.
ReplyDeleteFrame those little beauties and put them where they can be enjoyed!!!
Hi.....I just found your blog and love all of your samplers from the past. I also have begun cross stitching again after many years. Don't really remember why I quit. I have decided I will just stick with school girl type samplers and embrace my mistakes!
ReplyDeleteLinda/simplycountryseasons
Lots of wonderful pieces, they will look nice together, in a grouping.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Terrific pieces! Great idea to jot down their sizes for when you are out. You should definitely get those framed and up on the wall!
ReplyDeletewhat a gorgeous collection you have atitched!!!
ReplyDelete