(. . . my Spring Fling sampler, that is!)
This Spring Fling Embroidery Sampler (another winner from Dropcloth Samplers) was super fun to stitch. Rebecca Ringquist’s designs (she’s the artist – and genius – behind Dropcloth Samplers) are always the best kind of stitching adventures for me. The designs are whimsical and joyous . . . and just plain fun to work on. I especially love the creative freedom her samplers bring. There are no stitch guides, no instruction sheets, no color charts, no thread requirements. For some embroiderers, this might be a little intimidating or scary . . . at first. But, really, once you get started, it’s just freeing! (And if you don’t like the direction you’ve chosen, you can always rip out and try again.) (Happens to me all the time.)
I have already shared a lot of information about this project as it was progressing, so I’ll spare you the re-telling here. If you’re interested in all the details – or seeing more photos – you can check out my Field Notes entry here. There are quite a few photos for this project (I kept tweaking, so I kept taking more photos), including my back-of-the-work shot. And as you can see, I decided to go with the little ladybug button for my center focal point. Pretty much everything I tried (various buttons, sequins, flower appliqués) would have worked perfectly, but I decided I really liked the ladybug vibe best.
Now that I’ve finished this project (I actually finished this weeks ago; before the Olympics started, even . . .), I’ve been working on another sampler. And I’ve even started a new knitting project. So stay tuned for more “making” stories in the weeks ahead.
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And how about you? What are you working on these days?
I have a little stack of Dropcloth samplers that I will get to at some point. I love it when you share your samplers. I am finishing up all the things and dreaming of new projects.
This is just so fun, Kym! I really love it! The stitching is my salvation (that and sock making… who am I?? LOL) And I have some Gnome Plans to carry me through the remainder of the year… I do love me some Gnomes! XO
That sampler is a lovely celebration of color! I was rooting for the ladybug button and I’m glad she won.
Absolutely beautiful and fun! Where are you going to put it? I’m working on that Garden Cardigan…it’s slow going but I’m through the first shoulder pick up and it was kind of fun!
What a fun and whimsical summer sampler Kym. Love the colors you have chosen to use and the ladybug center is simply perfect!! I’m curious: what is the finished size? Will you be making it into a pillow? Looking forward to seeing your next sampler and your latest knitting project! My Semplice Shawl is coming along and my sock knitting is progressing as well.
Your ladybug’s eyes are what charms me – as if they’re amazed to be in that whirl of flowers and butterflies!
I’m knitting the mystery project from Kate Davies’s Summer of Mystery – and reading about half the Margery Allingham books that are part of the thing. That might be my favorite part — it’s the kind of reading I did a lot of as a kid, and I’m finding I still like it.
I love how it looks and I love how you ‘mounted’ it.
I’m glad you chose the ladybug. I was worried you’d think it was too cutesy, but I think it add just the right touch of whimsy!
We’ve had a stretch of fall-like weather here this week (so great for running!), and because I’ve been feeling a bit chilly, I’ve felt like knitting a sweater, so I’m focused on spinning up the last two skeins I need for the handspun sweater I have planned.
What a fabulous embroidery. I love it, well done you.
so fun and full of joy! My last summer sweater is in time-out waiting for more yarn… and I’m not sure what I’ll be making next. meanwhile, we had a few mornings in the 60’s this week and I baked bread!
THe sampler is so fun and so full of joy! I’ll be interested to see your new project, too. I’ve been making little, but I have a sock in the works so I guess I’m still making!
I like the background cloth you chose for this sampler. I finished the Hitchhiker I have been working on and am enjoying a slow-stitch project that I hope to combine with some of my poetry. As usual, I’m knitting socks – a Christmas gift for my daughter.