This sampler is brought to you as part of a series of “Little Gems” that are available only as a .pdf download by Hands Across the Sea Samplers.
Hands Across the Sea Samplers tell us "Where Flowers Bloom is a small design by Nicola that has been inspired by a border found on an antique sampler in her collection and her own garden. Blank graph paper and a chart of an alphabetic and numerical font has been included so that you can personalise your sampler. We hope that you enjoy stitching the sampler and that it will brighten your days.
In winter the days are short, and often the weather is gloomy. The winter of 2020/ 2021 has seemed harder than most due to the pandemic which has greatly affected people’s sense of wellbeing and mental health.
We all struggle at some point in our lives with stresses and strains but needlework is a way of achieving mindfulness. First World War veterans practised needlework as a form of therapy for shellshock. Just as it helped reduce their stress, anxiety, and depression through the repetitive and rhythmic motions of stitching, it has helped us too. Lockdown has brought social isolation to many, particularly people living alone or those who have been shielding. However, our needles and enjoyment of stitching samplers have provided us with a sense of community through groups on social media.
As I stitched my way through the cold and dreary days of January and February, it was a comforting thought that spring is almost here. The days are already starting to get longer and the nights shorter."
When I wander through my garden there are sights, sounds, and smells to be enjoyed as nature springs back to life after its winter slow down. The snow drops, daffodils, and primroses are bursting into bloom. Soon there will be blossom; dense clusters of blooming flowers will appear on my cherry, apple, and pear trees. The white and pink petals are nature’s confetti – a sign of winter receding and the promise of a harvest to come.
We cannot help but feel better when we see the colourful beauty of flowers full of life and energy. They remind us of better times and encourage us to just keep going through whatever bumps life may give us. Where flowers bloom so does hope.
There are 4 versions of the PDF. You will be able to download any or all of the following versions of the pdf and the graph:
Version 1 ~ A six-page colour chart.
Version 2 ~ A one-page colour chart (intended to be viewed/used on your tablet, phone, laptop, or computer).
Version 3 ~ A six-page black and white symbol chart.
Version 4 ~ A one-page black and white symbol chart (intended to be viewed/used on your tablet, phone, laptop, or computer).
Stitch count is 139 W x 167 H.
The sampler has been designed using a palette of sixteen colours from Au Ver à Soie’s range of Soie 100.3 We have provided conversions for Soie d’Alger and DMC. Only one spool or skein is required whether stitching on 28ct or 56ct –Aida, Linaida, or linen.
The model was stitched on 56 count hand dyed linen. We have suggested a few counts in similar linen colours as choices to stitch on.
Please check the boxes above to have the supplies added to your order.
