My Pandemic Sampler by Long Dog Samplers is coming along nicely.
This is a BIG sampler. The pattern is 20 pages! Back when I started in August I was stitching one page a fortnight (two weeks), but I'm now happy with just one page a month. That allows me to stitch or knit other things too, and gives my hands a break from cross stitching.
I'm really happy with my fabric and thread choices. So many people in the Facebook group question their choices, and opt to start again with different threads or fabric. I love the simplicity of plain black on a neutral linen.
In two weeks time I'm going to a Cross Stitch Retreat in Christchurch. I'm sure I'll see lots of tempting new designs there. I don't plan to do anymore large samplers, but I am strangely fascinated by the Hawk Run Hollow designs by Carriage House Samplings (especially Halloween at Hawk Run Hollow), and Harbor Haven by By The Bay Needleart. I can't really explain my fascination with these designs, but I like the art work and the colours, even though they have no connection to my life in New Zealand.
But, before Christchurch, I'm going to Rotorua for the Great New Zealand Quilt Show next weekend 14-16 May. I'll finally be able to show you a full photo of my finished Fireworks quilt - made from Willyne Hammerstein's pattern Ballet with Kaffe Fassett, in Millefiori Quilts Book 2.
Plus another surprise quilt that I haven't told anyone about.
Plus my Glitter in Green, and two entries in the Aotearoa Quilters Lime challenge.
Yes, I will have 5 quilts on display in Rotorua. So my husband is flying up with me for a long weekend doing touristy things in Rotorua. I'm looking forward to the gondolas, the boiling mud pools, a bush walk in the Redwoods Forest, etc, etc. Plus lots of time at the quilt show.
Now it's time for the Peacock Party. Feel free to link up a recent blog post below:
10 comments:
That sampler is breathtaking! I'm amazed at how far you've come on it!!! Your upcoming trip and quilt show are really something to look forward to!
OMG, all that cross stitching is making my head spin, LOL. It's going to be a beauty! Your upcoming trips sound fabulous.
Goodness! You are so keeping us in suspense to see your pretty quilts!
Such a delightful post. Your pandemic sampler is looking wonderful. I love the floss choice you used. I am watching a friends progress on Instagram with hers which has been so much fun to see the reveal of different motifs.Hers is in blues. I am also drawn to the Hawk Runs but have yet to stitch one. Have fun at the quilt show next week and look forward to your reveal. Happy quilting and thank you for hosting the link party
Such beautiful stitchery. It sounds like you are planning ahead for another sampler. I admire your ability to set goals and finish projects. Congratulations on having five quilts in the show. I look forward to seeing photos of them...maybe with ribbons attached!!
Your embroidery is fantastic. Still reminds me of Norwegian folk costumes.
I'm smiling to know you're tempted by new cross-stitch projects when you haven't yet finished this Pandemic Sampler. :-) You're always working ahead of yourself, aren't you? But how fun to go on a CCS retreat, AND a quilt show! Good things are happening in NZ, for sure. I'm sure the communities hosting these events are grateful for in-state tourists! I'm already expecting to hear about the ribbons you'll receive in the Great New Zealand Quilt Show. Have a wonderful trip to Rotorua!
I am fascinated by the samplers but at the same time not sure they are for me as a sewer so I am enjoying the vicarious experience of this one from your updates. I am in the UK but visited Rotorua in 1993 (sadly there were no quilts on show at that time) and I recall the delights of the hot mineral baths at the motel....less so the mineral scents although you do get nose blind to them after a bit. I shall look forward to your posts about the show.
Both of those projects are just spectacular, Wendy! The pandemic sampler takes my breath away!
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