Let the People Choose - Modern Samplers

I am really enjoying being part of Jo's Let the People Choose each month, I only joined this year and it isn't always easy to find relevant pieces but it is making me look back at my previous projects bringing great memories. It's more than just a blog post, thanks Jo.

This month it's Modern Samplers .... so what is modern and what is a sampler.

The dictionary definition of modern is 'relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past'

Wikipedia's definition of a sampler is

 'a needlework sampler is a piece of embroidery or cross-stitching

produced as a 'specimen of achievement', demonstration or a test 

of skill in needlework. It often includes the alphabet, figures, motifs, decorativeborders and sometimes the name of the person who embroidered it and the date'

I have stitched many pieces that I would say were samplers but using the definitions above they are more like saying or quotes. Having spent a very enjoyable time looking through my photos I have decided these two projects are the ones to share this month.

Mum's project bag for her 80th birthday

Last year was my Mum's 80th and she was away on a cruise for her actual birthday. Mum is a crafter too, mainly quilting but tasting, crocheting, card making and other small crafts.

This beautiful design is Scissors and Bobbins from Jardin Prive, I stitched the main design for the project bag and then used parts of the design to make a scissor pouch, needlecase and a tape measure. Due to flight and cruise restrictions I couldn't include scissors so I included a Clover cutter and used a cotton reel to hold it.

My step-dad hid it in his case, Mum was very surprised to receive it on her birthday at sea mid way between England and Canada.

Sampler aux Bouquets - Jardin Prive

I am so pleased with this piece, it hangs in our bedroom.  I started it quite a few years ago but it got left unfinished for a while. I picked it up again in 2018 and finally finished it.

It's a three part design, you can stitch each part as a separate piece or stitch as one large design. I absolutely love it, it makes me smile every morning as I sit in bed with my coffee looking straight at it.

Both my pieces are from Jardin Prive, there are so many beautiful samplers and I am so tempted to do others but I do have another one of her designs finished and waiting to be framed .... my first task once the restrictions are over.

Stay safe everyone x x