Wicked by primitivebetty

I’ve stitched this wee freebie from Betty Dukat as charted, using one strand of OWS Quaker Medallion Black over one square of 32 ct lambswool linen. After the stitching was done, I distressed it for a more prim look, using a fresh (= wet) coffee filte dabbed onto the design side of the linen, and then dribbling a couple of drops of coffee onto the design. I ironed it immediately with a super-hot iron to set the drips before they could simply spread out uniformly over the linen. Finally, I finished it using a bit  of gorgeous overdyed silk dupion in a coordinating deep slate shade (shown in background) and some vintage lace, because anything truly wicked has to involve a touch of decadence, a flash of luxury, doesn’t it? It’s hand sewn and stuffed with wool rovings.

In God We Trust by Plum Street Samplers

Gorgeous design (a freebie available from her blog), gorgeous silks from HDF … it was maybe a little bit hard to send away, but when I saw the design I thought immediately of the friend I made it for. To keep it would’ve been like stealing. :0 Stitched on 35 ct Bunny Brown linen from HDF, stuffed with wool rovings and backed with fabulous Moda fabric.

Five Birds by Barrick Samplers

I just love this design- it’s an old freebie from Kathy’s Barrick Samplers days. I’ve stitched it before, but this is the first time using the suggested colors. And actually, I didn’t use them – I found close substitutes to the DMC in my HDF silk collection. I just love how it came out. And the backing fabric – purchased some time ago from Karen V. – is just too perfect. Stitched on 35 ct HDF linen and stuffed with wool rovings to create a humble pincushion. A gift for a thoughtful friend.

Red Sampler by Blackbird Designs

Here’s my version of the little red sampler freebie that’s been making the rounds. Mine’s dedicated to Sara, one of my dearest friends of all time. Her maiden name is Brice and we met in 1987 (I subtracted 100 years to keep with the vintage-style look). I’ve stitched mine on 28 ct Celery/Natural Graziano linen using HDF silks Black Iris Bloom, Everlasting, and Dried Roses. The bird is from an old Dutch book “Klassieke Kruissteek Motieven” edited by Gertie Wandel. I chose a swan/goose because of the associations with loyalty, love, and steadfastness – as well as both birds being known as very protective mothers. Sara is a dedicated mother, wife, and friend and I wanted to chose a bird that reflected these traits of hers.

I’ve added some vintage lace, black rick rack, floral rick rack, shell buttons, and an antique-style key so the sampler looks like it’s been made by someone who wanted to show Sara how much she loves her by adding her prettiest bits & bobs (which is actually the case!).

Swirly Girls charity square

This is for an emergency square for Tina O. through the Quilt Squares for Breast Cancer Yahoo! group. The design is a freebie from Sharon Crescent called “Swirly Girls”. I’ve stitched in a springtime selection of DMC colors on white evenweave. Tina loves flowers, so this seemed like a good choice for her square. (Note: this chart has errors/inconsistencies.)