Where Samplers Rule THE ATTICMay Sampler of the Month from Gentle Pursuit Designs 2020 April 1-May 1 * Chart $32, 438 x 440 * AVAS Silks $108; Soie 100/3 $60, plus or minus * Linen

Where Samplers Rule

The Attic, Mesa, AZ Toll-Free: 1.888.94-ATTIC (1.888.942.8842) www.atticneedlework.com

THE ATTIC J u s t 1 5 m i n u t e s f r o m t h e A i r p o r t a t t h e

SE CORNER OF DOBSON & GUADALUPE

1 8 3 7 W . G u a d a l u p e R d , S u i t e 1 0 9

M e s a , A Z 8 5 2 0 2

www.atticneedlework.com

T E L E P H O N E ( 4 8 0 ) 8 9 8 - 1 8 3 8

1 . 8 8 8 . 9 4 - A T T I C


Jean’s verse is as if it were written for this place in time, as we live through this pandemic: Redeem the misspent time that’s past Live each Day as it were thy last And of thy talents take great care For the last day thyself prepare Live mindful of Death Stitches used in Jean’s sampler make it suitable for all levels: cross stitch over two, cross stitch over one (fence posts), double running/back stitch, satin stitch

From the chart: “Provenance: Although nothing could be found relating to young Ann Wilkinson, her surname is of Anglo-Saxon origins, which can be fond in the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales since medieval times. The rich bold colors, placement of repetitive motifs in a well-balanced, symmetrical order, and the thick undulating bands all suggest this to be a Scottish sampler. The original measures 15 inches x 18 inches stitched on 34 x 30 count uneven weave linen. The model was stitched in the muted colors due to the passage of time, though many are still vibrant on this gorgeous sampler even after nearly 185 years.”

April Sampler of the Month from Cross Stitch Antiques

Issue No. 20-7

As Sampler of the Month, purchase a minimum of 2 “parts” of the kit and receive a 15% Sampler of the Month discount.

* Chart $22, 249 x 250 * AVAS Silks $81; Overdyed silks $130; Soie 100/3

$59.40; Soie Surfine + Gloriana $97 * Linen ~ This beautiful sampler would be lovely on a

number of linen counts and colors ~ tell us whether you prefer darker or lighter, with or without pink tones

May Sampler of the Month from Gentle Pursuit Designs

2020 April 1-May 1

* Chart $32, 438 x 440 * AVAS Silks $108; Soie 100/3 $60, plus or minus * Linen ~ 37ct Russian Tea Cake, $53; 53/60 Sycamore

Seed Pod $61 ~ on the 53/60 linen its size is 14.6 x 16.6 or 16.5 x 14.7, depending on where the selvage is placed

Jean Key 1798

Ann Wilkinson 1834

http://www.atticneedlework.com





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More Images of the antique Ann Wilkinson 1834

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I’m stitching on a piece of 56ct linen from my s t a s h w i t h a c o m b i n a t i o n o f Gloriana Tudors & Au Ver a’ Soie Soie Surfine.

You can see in these several photographs that, depending on the light, the linen changes color. And all are lovely, which I think demonstrates that there are several different linens that will be beautiful for this reproduction.

Stitching the Verse As with many samplers, Ann stitched her verse over one. I know many of you dislike stitching over one, and perhaps that can be remedied. First, I think it’s critical to use the appropriate thread. On 56ct linen the Soie Surfine works beautifully. It also works nicely on 46ct and even 40ct linen. Another choice that some prefer is Soie 100.3. As to the stitch, I use what I call a crossed continental stitch. The thing that makes this work for me is the working thread is never lost under the linen weave. It means the stitch is always longer on the back than on the front, and whether I stitch it as a single continental (that is, not crossed) or as a crossed continental, the stitch is never lost on the back.




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Images of the antique Jean Key

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In the chartpack for the Jean Key sampler reproductionist Jaenn (Cissy) Baily Smith includes several pages of very fascinating research that Cissy comprehensively conducted. “Finding Jean Key” includes information about a sampler made by Elisabeth Boyd, aged 12, dated February 1798. You can view the Elisabeth Boyd sampler here and you will be astonished at the similarities between these two samplers. Not only did Jean and Elisabeth stitch the same border, building, and verse, but they also utilized several of the same motifs! Cissy says, “The samplers are not identical but were certainly made by students under the same instructor.”

https://needleworkantiques.com/_8132_elisabeth_boyd_sampler_w.html



https://needleworkantiques.com/_8132_elisabeth_boyd_sampler_w.html


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Choosing the Soie 100/3 . . .

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. . . was a task made much easier by having Sharon’s exquisite model available to us. As is always the case, some colors were easier than others, but I think it’s done. I think you will agree that the colors in this sampler are exquisite, so very pleasing. And we’ve had an interesting discussion about the house. Some of us are so happy that Jean didn’t solidly fill in the house. A few others, like Rhonda, will fill it in … because Rhonda loves houses and solid stitching. I’ll show you it when she gets that far. There are 2 dark browns used, both with an arrow pointing to them, one a bit more blackish than the other, and that one, which is the one lower and to the left, is only used, as far as I could see, on the centers of the round blossoms on the trees to the left and the right of the verse, one stitch in the center of each. I hope everyone is all right with using the other dark brown. It’s only $3.30 a spool, but I personally couldn’t see that much of a difference on the model.




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Attic Events Schedule

B e g i n n i n g L i n e n S a t u r d a y , J u l y 2 0 , 1 : 3 0 - 3 : 3 0 This 2-hour c l a s s i s

”Embroidering a sampler is embroidering the soul of the past” . . . Isabelle/Reflets de Soie

Customer Appreciation/Stitch-In, Thursdays, 4 - 8 PM. For as long as I can remember, The Attic has been open on Thursday nights and, along with that, provides the setting for customers to gather to share their needlework with others. This is an opportunity for you to

stitch together with others who share your passion. As a valued customer, you are invited to join us!

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Our 2020 Stitch-Along Starring the exquisite Elizabeth Charlotte Cotton from Hands Across the Sea Samplers ~ details inside.

Every Thursday

THE ATTIC

August

May

Friday night, June 5 ~ Sunday, June 7: Bristol Needlework from Paper to Fabric ~ Join Claudia from Dutch Treat Designs along with Vickie & Maegan from NeedleWorkPress for a weekend exploring the needlework created in the New Orphan homes in Bristol, England.

As an Attic Addict member, in May you will receive a 15% discount on your purchase of any of these items that are in stock: * Cross Stitch Antiques & Gentle Pursuit Designs charts * Au Ver A’Soie Soie d’Alger Silks i * Picture This Plus Linen (shipment expected any day)

Friday August 21 - Sunday, August 23 ~ Summer School!!! Registration is full, but we are keeping a waiting list.

September Saturday Sept 19 - Sunday, Sept 20 ~ Workshop with Nicola Parkman ~ Details & registration announced in next issue.

November Thurs Nov 5 - noon Monday, Nov 9 ~ Workshops with Jackie du Plessis and Betsy Morgan ~ Details & registration coming in the next issue, I hope. Thanks for your patience ~ I wish that I had a crystal ball.


Reopening The Attic The Governor’s latest order says that stores are permitted to open on May 8, as long as they follow the newly established guidelines. Stores are being asked to limit occupancy so adequate social distancing can be maintained, implement sanitation measures, and screen employees for symptoms. A decision about this will be made after consultation with my staff. They need to be comfortable with whatever we do. We’ve discussed requiring masks, setting up shopping appointments to be able to follow social distancing, sanitary measures, etc. When a decision is made, information will be posted/emailed.

Postponed Until Further Notice

Postponed Until Fur ther

June

Postponed Until 2021

We’re hoping for September . . .

I am admittedly a Pollyana … having said that, we are hoping to go forward with our plans for this very fun Attic event. If you have registered and you know now that you will be unable/uncomfortable traveling/attending, please let me know.

Until we know for sure that this event will go forward, we will not be processing any more fees.

Thank you for your understanding.




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THE ATTICBristol Orphan Needlework

PAGE6From Paper to Fabric ~ What the Orphans Stitched

Claudia Dutcher Kistler of Dutch Treat Designs and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett & Maegan Jennett of NeedleWorkPress, invite you to join them for a fun and most interesting weekend featuring some incredible antique samplers and other needlework, presented by Attic Needlework at Mesa’s Hyatt Place. You will learn the stories behind the variety of samplers the orphans stitched in Bristol and how perforated paper helped them learn to stitch.

Weekend Events & Projects * Presentations from Vickie and Claudia featuring projects stitched on perforated paper that the orphans might have stitched. * Lecture on the history of Bristol samplers featuring incredible antique Bristol samplers from Claudia’s collection.

* All Bristol samplers were hem-stitched first, and so Maegan will teach us, or refresh our memories, on how to hem-stitch so that we can begin to stitch our Bristol sampler.

* Paper lacework name tag & friendship needle book adapted from a piece the orphans stitched.

* Bristol 101, an exclusive class sampler. * Two unreleased Bristol reproduction sampler charts, Bristol Red & Bristol Green * Small-count perforated paper project by NeedleWorkPress






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Bristol Orphan Needlework

PAGE7From Paper to Fabric ~ What the Orphans Stitched





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Projects inspired by Martha’s sampler for the Primitive Holiday Celebration that were

kitted for our guests were, clockwise from above left: Chessie & Me’s pillow ornament; NeedleWorkPress’s primitive holiday treat bag; and Blackbird Designs’ thimble bag

. . .


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Registration Information: Registration is by email only to [email protected] ~ Registration opens on Monday, October 21, at 8 AM Phoenix time. All successful registrants will receive an email acknowledging their registration and will have attached the Registration Form. Upon return of the Form and payment of the $50 nonrefundable registration fee, your Summer School reservation will be confirmed.

For your Summer School Tuition of $625 you will receive six wonderful projects, many derived from a sampler for which you will receive the chart, your meals (except Saturday night), retreat treats, and more wonderful surprises. This very reasonable tuition is only possible because all of these designers are local and, therefore, have no airfare expense. Don’t miss out on the funnest Summer School ever! We hope you’ll plan to join us!

AUG 21-23

See you there!

IVTHE ATTIC

Linda V/Needlemade Designs’ beautiful Rebecca Stewart 1836 and Vickie & Maegan/NeedleWorkPress’s very charming Sarah Burgess 1828.

Nancy/Five Times Blessed says that she will be offering a sweet little traveling sewing tin filled with the basics for on-the-go stitching. It will have a cross-stitched Tall Ship design on the top and a sweet poem on the inside that reads: There are tall ships And small ships But the best ships Are friendships

Hotel Information: All Summer School events will be at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix-Tempe University Research Park, a new venue for this event, to accommodate a larger group. The hotel is offering us a discounted summer rate of $79/night. A booking link will be provided in a following newsletter, after registration opens.

Our Summer School opens at 5 PM Friday night, and closes with a lunch at noon on Sunday.

As always, our Summer School faculty has some very fun and interesting projects planned for you! Our faculty includes the very talented and creative designers in the desert: Linda/Samplers Remembered, Gloria/Milady’s Needle, Vickie & Maegan/NeedleWorkPress, Linda/Needlemade Designs, and Tanya/The Scarlett House. The designers are busy designing their projects, and we are all very excited to invite you to our annual Summer School presented by The Attic. I am pleased to tell you that Nancy Mills, a gifted and creative artist and buttonphile extraordinaire, of Five Times Blessed has once again agreed to be a part of our faculty Nancy has been with us in the past, and her projects are always wonderful and well received! You can see her specialties in her Etsy shops, Five Times Blessed and Five Little Buttons. By popular student request, Pieces of Olde returns as this year’s theme, and your faculty are using antique samplers, Pieces of Olde, for inspiration for their projects. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed! We are very excited about the Summer School Curriculum for this year and have provided a few sneak peeks below.

Registration is Full - Waiting List Only

2020 Summer School ~ Friday, Aug 21 - Sunday, Aug 23

Still Scheduled ~ Until We Hear We Can’t!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiveTimesBlessed?ref=shop_sugg

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiveLittleButtons?ref=search_shop_redirect



https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiveTimesBlessed?ref=shop_sugg

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiveLittleButtons?ref=search_shop_redirect

mailto:[email protected]



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. . .

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The Attic’s 2020 Stitch-Along Starring . . .

THE ATTIC. . . Elizabeth Charlotte Cotton from Hands Across the Sea Samplers

Reproduced by Nicola Parkman of Hands Across the Sea Samplers from a sampler in her private collection as an Attic Needlework exclusive. Here’s what Nicola tells us about this exquisite 18th-Century sampler: Elizabeth, who we believe was known as Charlotte, diligently plied her needle laying reversible cross stitches, cross stitches over 1 thread, satin stitches, Montenegrin stitches, double back stitches and Algerian eyelets. Stitched from a palette of 15 jewel-like colors including garnet, rose, terra cotta, peach, gray greens, soft golds, yellows and celadon green, the sampler has a stitch count of 353 x 303.

The original sampler

Most Unique Feature of this SAL ~ Online Workshop is Available You may have access to the very same online videos that Nicola created for our Sampler Symposium. Go to the HATS Website here to read about this opportunity.


The December 19 message from Robert Harris regarding the Elizabeth Charlotte Cotton 1753 - Attic Needlework 2020 Stich-Along (SAL) Hello Everyone. January 1st 2020 is approaching fast! We are only two weeks away from the official start of the Attic Needlework 2020 SAL of Elizabeth Charlotte Cotton 1753 from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. This exquisite sampler was presented at The Attic Needlework 2019 Sampler Symposium and has now been released for all of us to be able to stitch this beauty. I will be your fearless (or fearful!) leader of the stitch-along this year. This will be a “no rules’ stitch-along, which basically means that there are no rules on what section will be stitched month to month. I will post pictures of my progress at least once a month on this page and provide details on anything that I ran across while stitching the bands of the sampler. I will also post details of the next section that I plan to work on for the month. The sampler is charted across 24 pages, which means that we will need to stitch about 2 pages per month in order to complete the sampler in one year. The original sampler was stitched reversibly, but I will be stitching mine non-reversible (meaning I will not be doing the cross stitch reversibly – I will be using normal cross stitch). I will stitch the other bands as charted using the Montenegrin Stitch and Double Backstitch as charted. My plan for the month of January is to work the alphabet along with the dividing bands across the complete top of the sampler and to start a couple of the “diamond” motifs with the flowers on page 1 and 2 of the chart. I will post a photo of my progress at the beginning of January. My sampler will be worked on 46-count Weeks Dye Works Confederate Gray using Au ver a Soie 100/3 silks. Remember – this is not a contest but a way to get enjoyment from passing needle and thread through fabric. Needlework is a stress reliever and should bring you joy. I look forward to stitching Elizabeth Charlotte Cotton with you. Please post photos of your work in Attic Addicts so that we can all provide encouragement and also to share in the excitement of our progress.

The model, above, was exquisitely stitched by Bhooma Aravamudan on a now-unavailable linen. But we are kitting it with the beautiful Legacy 37ct Wild Honey plus Au Ver A’Soie’s Soie d’Alger. For those wanting a smaller count, we’re offering 46ct Weeks Platinum or Confederate Gray, above right. The Stitch-Along will be lead by Robert Harris, who will post details of his progress each month.

Prices: * Chart $32 * Au Ver A’Soie Soie d’Alger silks

$85.50 * Au Ver A’Soie 100.3 silks + Soie

Surfine for the over-one words $67.10 ~ the 100.3 will also work * 37ct Wild Honey - special cut

w/2.5” margins $33 or 46ct Weeks in your choice of either Parchment (several of the lighter golds stitch tone-on-tone on this linen) or the lovely Confederate Gray, above right. If you prefer a 46ct darker linen, Straw or Mocha is a suggestion.

https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/product/online-workshop-elizabeth-charlotte-cotton-1753/


https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/product/online-workshop-elizabeth-charlotte-cotton-1753/



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THE ATTIC The Attic’s 2020 Stitch-Along (SAL) . . .

Elizabeth Charlotte Cotton 1753 from Hands Across the Sea Samplers

PAGE10

From Robert Harris, our SAL leader: Hello my friends! I hope we are all staying well and safe during this lock-down which is taking place across the world. I have made some progress on Elizabeth this last month. I was able to finish the motifs band al the way across the top along with the four lines of the verse. The only thing that that needs to be done is to complete a couple of the dividing bands between the verse lines. I was glad to get to the central band of flowers after doing all of the letters. Was a good change. But I must admit I had to get use to working over three linen threads. I am working all of the cross stitch and eyelets first and then will come back and fill in the satin stitches. For this month I plan to complete the cross stitches in the central band. Stay safe, be well, and happy stitching! Looking forward to see your progress pictures.

Robert’s progress photos ~ He does such exquisite needlework … and very quickly. I hope that you all have an opportunity to meet him sometime. He plans to come back to The Attic for one of the events that we’ve had to postpone.





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September 2020 Workshop with . . .PAGE11THE ATTIC

Left, the extraordinary 1709 band sampler from Elizabeth Peto featuring a number of surface embroidery stitches, including one of my favorites, the rice stitch. Right, Ann Castle’s 1811 sampler featuring a magnificent red house with satin-stitch steps, beautiful potted roses, and many other wonderful motifs. Below, the beautiful reproduction from Robert Harris’s needle. It is so lovely and so enticing. We will patiently wait . . .

Postponed until 2021

. . . Nicola Parkman




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THE ATTICTwo Beautiful New Samplers

PAGE12From Hands Across the Sea Samplers

Jane Fiddes 1835 $32 201 x 246, a particularly beautiful sampler, is bursting with motifs that offer something for everyone, a house, beautiful potted flowers, trees, a cat, dogs, birds, a deer … and, most of all, the vibrant silk colors that, in my opinion, require a deeper shade of linen to truly reflect their richness and beauty.

From the HATS Website: Jane’s sampler certainly looks Scottish,

with its numerous sets of initials scattered throughout, the house with the lawn, and the illuminated letters, all characteristic of Scottish samplers. But research done by HATS has been unable to link the initials Jane has stitched into her sampler to the Janes that appear in family history records. This charming sampler is mainly

executed with cross stitch over two threads, with a small mount of cross stitch over one thread for Patch the dog. Other stitches used are double running stitch, satin stitch, Algerian eyelet stitch, four-sided stitch, plait stitch and stem stitch ~ this presents a wonderful choice for those who wish to expand their repertoire of stitches.


Linen Choices. The model is stitched on 46ct Weeks Straw, but the glorious colors lend themselves to so many choices. Make your choice based on the linen color you love. We can recommend options if you tell us that you prefer lighter over darker linens … or if you don’t like pink tones or yellow tones or . . . there will be a good option. Silk Choices: AVAS Soie d’Alger, left, 21 skeins needed ($94.50) or Soie 100/3, right, 20 spools needed ($66). Time permitting, I will do a conversion to Soie Surfine. No promises. Please note: Several of the silks to complete the kit were detained in France due to the pandemic. Silk kits will ship when we receive all colors, expected in mid to late May.




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Announcing a SAL for the beautiful Jane Fiddes SamplerPAGE13

A note from Nicola Parkman: The Jane Fiddes Stitch-Along facebook group is now active and you are most welcome to join. The SAL group will be focused on sharing and learning as Jane is being stitched.

After needleworkers have had the chance to join and the group settles down our first event will be to have an in-depth look at the original sampler. We will focus on the front and the back of the sampler. You will be in for a few surprises. I was when Jane arrived from the auctioneers and I could examine her. It is hard for auctioneers to capture colour and condition behind dirty glass, glare and flashback in their sales photos.

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These are most

of the luscious

co lor s in the

J a n e F i d d e s

sampler!

Our 100/3 Collector’s ClubIn our last YouTube video we announced that we are starting a monthly club with our selection of 9 colors ($29.70) per month, with the first shipment expected to go out to members in June. To start, we decided to limit it to 50 members, with the possibility that we will expand it at sometime in the future.

Well, it has already reached our first milestone, that is, it is full. If you are interested, send me an email at [email protected] with 100/3 Club in the Subject line and we will add you to the waiting list.

We will be sending confirming emails in the next two weeks to the first 50. We will need your credit card information on file + your email and shipping info.






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THE ATTICAnother Beautiful New Sampler

PAGE14From Hands Across the Sea Samplers

The gorgeous Au Ver A’Soie red silks, in Soie 100.3, Soie Surfine on the left, and Soie d’Alger on the right. The HATS website very kindly gives the required meters de pend ing on count . For example, on 36ct you will need 312 meters. A hank has 315 s i n g l e - p l y m e t e r s . L i v e dangerously … 1 hank will work!

M a r y 3 9 5 ~ 1 8 6 9 , a B r i s t o l orphanage sampler $32, 378 x 396

Oh, my! There’s something about orphanage samplers that just captures my heart, and this one, with no surname recorded by Mary on her sampler, just her bed number, even more so! I am so grateful that Claudia Dutcher Kistler of Dutch Treat Designs, Bristol sampler collector and lecturer on Bristol orphan needlework, has shared her sampler with all of us through HATS. I absolutely love this … I just wish that I could stitch faster … or not love so many samplers! My life would be so much less complicated. I find the Bristol orphan samplers so

compelling, each one of them, and Mary’s is equally so. Please go to HATS Website to read

what Claudia has written about this sampler … and also some interesting information about George Müller, who during his lifetime cared for over 10,000 orphans and established nearly 120 schools, which offered a Christian education to over 120,000 children. His life story is truly inspiring. Books have been written about him. There is a Website with a timeline and other interesting information about Mr. Müller. The beautiful model, stitched by

master needleworker Linda Clews, will be in The Attic next week.


https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/product/mary-395-1869-a-bristol-orphanage-sampler/

https://www.mullers.org/timeline






https://www.mullers.org/timeline


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THE ATTIC

The Little Gems

From Hands Across the Sea Samplers PAGE15These ‘Little Gems’ are available as a downloadable PDF file, either from the HATS website for 10£ or from The Attic by email for $12.20-$12.50, depending on exchange rate at that time. And we are kitting each one with your choice of linen count and silk, either AVAS Soie d’Alger or AVAS Soie 100.3. Several of you have asked for AVAS Soie Surfine, and I would love to be able to do that, but it is simply not possible for me right now, under the current circumstances. If you are willing to wait, it might be feasible in the coming months.

Top row: MARY STEAD 1824, 119 x 133, Soie 100.3 $16.50; Soie d’Alger $22.50 ~ THE CHECKERBOARD HOUSE (EB 1860) , 156 x 169, Soie 100.3 $46.20; Soie d’Alger $63

Bottom row: SARAH SPENCER c. 1870, 197 x 173, Soie 100.3 $26.40; Soie d’Alger $34.40 ~ MARY ELIZA McMILLAN 1869, 233 x 142, Soie 100.3 $46.20; Soie d’Alger $63. I love each of these for different reasons, but Mary’s whimsical, non-symmetrical sampler really has appeal for me. And I love the fullness, with so many charming motifs packed into it. Nicola has added an extra 12 rows to her adaptation to record this moment in time in her needlework. The .pdf file contains the two different versions.

I haven’t given linen prices here for several reasons … so many personal choices as to count and, also, to save our precious stock of linen to serve as many of you as possible, sometimes we are doing special cuts and not requiring a SE or a SQ .


https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/product-category/reproduction-samplers/


https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/product-category/reproduction-samplers/



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. . .

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Far Left, MY PEACEFUL HOME $12, 177 x 50, features a rose-colored “cottage” in a forest complete with deer, birds, sheep, and a peacock on the rooftop. Love it! Left, LIBERTY LODGE $12, 116 x 84 ~ love the old truck hauling a basket of fresh flowers back from the nursery. See the lone bald eagle atop one of the blooms?!

Coming Next Week from . . .


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A NEW CONSTELLATION $18, 168 x 185 ~ Oh, my, do I LOVE this!!! A companion piece to Heritage Sampler released in 2017, this design is (in Paulette’s words) “my telling the story of America’s most famous seamstress, Elizabeth Griscom (I didn’t know that was her name!), also known as Betsy Ross. At the top of the sampler is the declaration made by the Continental Congress when they adopted the flag on June 14, 1777. “This sampler features Quaker elements, as Betsy's family were members of the Society of Friends. It also portrays Betsy's marriage to John Ross in 1773, their attendance at Christ Church (where George Washington also attended), her meeting with the "Secret Committee" in 1776, and her second marriage in 1782 to sea captain Joseph Ashburn (whose ship was captured by the British). It also depicts her third marriage, to John Claypool; John worked at the US Customs House in Philadelphia, and their wedding date is stitched over the Liberty Bell. The headstone in the last block on the right side of the sampler features her initials and the year of her passing.” The model is stitched on 36ct Oaken from Picture This Plus (our early February order is expected any day) with Classic Colorworks and DMC. I think this one needs a hand-dyed silk conversion, don’t you? What a fabulous border! And I love the Colonial figures … and the format that in many ways is reminiscent of the very beautiful 18th century Balch samplers.

. . . Plum Street Samplers




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. . .

Coming to America from . . .PAGE17THE ATTIC

. . . Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle & Thread

The following information was in an email from Brenda:

The inspiration for this piece came from a book that was written 100 years ago by author, Ethel J.R.C Noyes, titled - The Women of the Mayflower and Women of Plymouth Colony. Her work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization, as we know it. The work is now in public domain in the United States of America. It is well worth the read, its history that wasn't taught in our history books. I read the book a second time, as I stitched the sampler. The sampler gave me a small connection to each woman, as I crossed each stitch, of each letter of their names. I normally don't like stitching letters, but for some strange reason I thoroughly enjoyed stitching the names of these women!

The sampler was designed in bands. Long and narrow, much like samplers of the 17th century, but not in 17th century-style. Each band and it's motifs represents a time of their journey... the landing at Cape Cod , the animals that traveled with them, the women - a listing of the names of the 18 married women, Plymouth - the place they would eventually call home, the rock - Plymouth Rock, a lastly, a reminder that we are living in the tomorrow for which they wrought.

All the details for the sampler are listed below, click here for a video clip, further explaining the piece.

Celebrate 66 days of stitching to coincide with the 66 days at sea! Kick-off date Sept 6, 2020 - Nov 9th, 2020.

Your Options: * Boxed chart + accessories as described at the right $36 Add-In Items: * Linen ~ You choose the count that works for you -

chart model stitched on 40ct Zweigart V. Country Mocha - special cut $19; for 36ct & 32ct, $27

* Floss, Cotton (hand-dyed + DMC) $33 * Silk Overdyed ~ TBA (haven’t had a moment to do

the conversion yet … coming …

125 x 422 stitch count Cross stitch (all over 2) plus small amount of back and straight stitches

Please note: This is a limited item ~ cannot be reordered ~ we need your pre-orders before mid-June to meet the order deadline.

What is all included from WTN&T for each order? * Chart for the sampler, "Coming to America ~ The Women of the

Mayflower" * Self-adhesive sampler label to sign and date the finished sampler * Pilgrim Lady Needle Anchor - a cute little magnet to keep one's needle

safe & secure. * Piece of cotton backing fabric for the free bonus chart. The fabric is a

reproduction of Mayflower passenger William Bradford's handwritten journal and was designed specifically for this project.

* Custom printed box to house the items. This also doubles as a project box to keep all the goodies safe & secure while stitching the sampler!


WTN&T is including this complimentary harvest-themed chart in each box.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKB6-F4OMRw&feature=youtu.be




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKB6-F4OMRw&feature=youtu.be

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. . .

Here Now from Theresa Baird/Heart’s Ease Examplar Workes


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Prices Chart - $70 4 0 c t L a k e s i d e L i n e n V. Strawflower - $58 Silk Pack w/Belle Soie & NPI - $387 (or you can use all NPI or DMC)

Theresa Baird’s VIRGINIA has been hailed as a needlework masterpiece, and in this year’s Woodlawn Needlework Exhibit, t h e c o u n t r y ’ s p r e m i e r e exhibition, it received the recognition it deserves by being awarded a First Place Ribbon. Theresa considers the sampler as an intermediate design. The specialty stitches include Closed Herringbone, Spiral Trellis, Smyrna Cross, Algerian Eyelet, Backstitch, Over One, Tied Windmill, French Knot, Satin Stitch, Long and Short Stitch, Tent Stitch, Reverse Chain Stitch, Queen Stitch, Alternating Double Backstitch, Diamond Eyelet, and Rhodes Stitch. Theresa says, however, that most of the specialty st i tches may be replaced with cross stitch.. The very large chart pack has been set up as it would have been as a teaching piece, the original plan until the world stood still, with 36 pages for the chart itself and over 18 pages of diagrams, detailed instructions, and color photographs.

Virginia - A Cumberland County Inspiration

The original verse reads:Virginia, Oh Virginia, was there ever a land so fair?With all it's wondrous beauty, it frees my soul from careSoft birdsong sweet and sunshine bright, where dogwoods bloom so pure and whiteFrom majestic mountains the rivers flow, cascading to the sea belowAnd when God above, his heaven planned, for those on earth, mere mortal man,He created exactly on the plan of beautiful, olde VIRGINIA




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A Gift from Theresa Baird

Color (where used) Number DMC Color Basket, backstitch, bee, lettering 310 Black Grass, strawberry cap, vines, leaves 319 Pistachio Green-VY DK Strawberry bottom (light red) 321 Christmas Red Basket 677 Old Gold-VY LT Bee, flower center 725 Topaz Strawberry top (dark red) 816 Garnet Leaves (lighter green) 3346 Hunter Green Flowers, bee wings 3770 Tawny-VY LT

Stitch Count - 81 W x 74 HFabric - Lakeside Linen - Vintage Pecan Butter

© May 1, 2020 - Original Designs by Theresa Baird

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SMOL BIRBS $10, 119 x 119 Tracy explains: Smol = adorably tiny, also the initials stitched Barb = bird doing something silly, and sampler birds always look silly

Two versions of this sampler are shown on the cover, the extra-smol one on 56ct linen and the larger is on 30ct

Smol Version: Gloriana silk floss 2-ply over 2: Sage, Baby Corn, Olive Green, and Black Walnut Stitched on Weeks 30ct Confederate Gray

Extra-Smol Version: Gloriana Tudor Silk, 1 ply over 2, Rose Violet and Aubergine and AVAS Soie Surfine 2528 and 2547 stitched on Weeks 56ct Cocoa

PAGE20Coming from . . .

ELEMENTAL DRAGONS: WATER $10, 115 x 115 Second in this series of four, FIRE and AIR to follow (EARTH was released at Nashville)

. . . Ink Circles

ARRANGING SEASHELLS $6, 87 x 57 ~ model shown on 30ct Weeks Linen w/Weeks over-dyed cotton floss




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Coming to the Shop from . . . PAGE21THE ATTIC


Here are new releases coming from France after mid-May. Please place your pre-orders now. Clockwise from the left: * Jardin d’Eden $17 A full coverage design, 162 x 122,

model stitched on Zweigart 40ct linen with AVAS silks

* LR 1844 $17 A traditional reproduction sampler, 261

x 302, with a luscious border that says S.P.R.I.N.G!

* Woolwork Sampler - Perles et Dentelles (Pearls & Lace) 210 x 236, a woolwork sampler presented in a pattern book in color with close-up images of each motif featuring bargello, cross stitch, and beads, stitched in a combination of Soie d’Alger and Soie Surfine ~ chart alone $25; chart w/silk pack + beads $78

. . . Reflets de Soie




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PAGE22More Coming from . . .

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Clockwise from the left:

* Alida Poupin $16 255 x 257, a religious French sampler, model stitched on Picture This Plus 40ct linen

* Maria Allemand 1876 $17 253 x 264, a religious French sampler, model stitched on Picture This Plus 40ct linen

* Eléonore Lenseigne 1887 $20 374 x 382, a delicate French/Belgium sampler reproduction that little Eléonore, born in France, stitched in Belgium (so sorry for the overlap of this box over the sampler)

* Antoinette Curera 1862 $20 388 x 334, a delicate French sampler reproduction presented in a 16-page book with such stunning motifs … oh, I say again, so many samplers, so little time!

. . . Reflets de Soie




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Coming Mid-May from . . .

PREVIEWS! Coming mid-May 2020

344 Wells Ct. Clarksville TN 37043 ~ (931)920-3041 ~ [email protected] ~ www.ericamichaels.com

Constant Companion A sampler adaptation

Charlotte’s Berries My Heart Beats True

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Who knew, when Linda adapted Constant Companion from one of her samplers, how true that would be in these months?

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Also in the Shop from . . .

THE ATTIC PAGE24. . . Marjorie Massey

QUAKER QUAKER STYLE IV $19 ~ 2 designs in one chartpack. What an irresistible rooster!

HARVEST $19, again 2 designs in one chartpack!

P R A I R I E (#PR-5) $16, 210 x 140


WHEN THIS YOU SEE $12




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M o r e i n t h e S h o p

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SAMPLER PRIMITIF II $16.50, 194 x 134

. . . Marjorie Massey

NATURE QUAKER $16, 295 x 189

I N D I G O BUNNY & BIRD $20

Right, QUEEN BEE SAMPLER ( 1 2 5 x 1 2 9 ) + B E E PINCUSHION (95 x 95), with an a lphabe t inc luded to personalize the pincushion $21




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. . .

PAGE26A Lovely Attic Silk Conversion

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Teresa Kogut’s very beaut i fu l NEWCASTLE BOUQUET has been one of the most popular designs to come out of Nashville. I love it … but then I love red, and red cardinals especially, so I couldn’t wait to do a silk conversion for this sampler design. Our hand-dyed silk conversion uses Belle Soie, Dinky Dyes & Gumnuts glorious silks to complete this palette, and if I’ve done my math correctly tonight, it’s $68.

Two Other New Designs in the Shop

LIFE’S SWEETEST FLOWER $10, 121 x 141, from Threadwork Primitives

SOMEBUNNY LOVES YOU $8, 93 x 125, by Cottage Garden Samplings




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Our Customers ShareTHE ATTIC


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Cheri’s VINTAGE BIRDS by Jeannette Douglas Designs ~ the magnificence of the peacock simply can’t be captured by the camera’s eye. I’ve wanted to stitch this since I first laid eyes on the design. Oh, for some reality about how to stitch all the things!

Cheri’s POUR TA FETE by Lindsay Lane Designs that Cheri stitched on 36ct Edinburgh over 1! She modified the colors as she saw them on the photograph of the antique … or as she thought best! So beautiful, so inspiring!




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Needleworkers Share Their Amazing WorkPAGE28


Emily’s beautiful ENGLISH GARDEN by Samplers Not Forgotten

Joy finished MARGARET W BROWN from Milady’s Needle with the silk conversion from The Attic that we keyed to the antique, and dedicated it to her grandmother who was born in 1898. What a lovely

Jeanny’s beautiful THE COLOR RED from Gigi R Designs, another exquisite red sampler that I long to stitch.

Patty’s quarantine project, ALICE BIERTON - 1885 from Samplers Remembered stitched on Weeks 40ct Havana with AVAS Soie d’Alger 945

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More from Our Amazing CustomersTHE ATTIC PAGE29

Michele’s stunning ANNE THOMAS by Hands Across the Sea Samplers on Lakeside’s 40ct Lt. Examplar with Au Ver A’Soie’s Soie


Doris’s exquisite ENGLISH GARDEN by Samplers Not Forgotten stitched on Legacy 38ct Blue Heron with The Attic’s silk conversion

Debi’s AWAKE MY SOUL by La-D-Da on 36ct cream linen with mostly called-for overdyes

Anne’s SALLY STANSFIELD by Hands Across the Sea Samplers




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More from Our Amazing CustomersTHE ATTIC PAGE30


A n g i e s t i t c h e d t h i s s w e e t complimentary NeedleWorkPress design twice, the second time as a gift for her sister. Both very lovely.

Angie’s stunning ELIZABETH WESTON by Hands Across the Sea Samplers on Legacy’s 38ct with Au Ver A’Soie’s Soie d’Alger

Francoise’s beautiful MARY KNOWLES by Gigi R Designs




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From Sandy’s Framing StudioTHE ATTIC PAGE31

Jeanne’s sampler from a 1992 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts magazine that she had framed in the same moulding as others for

Celeste’s very charming CEESIE SMITT from The Scarlett House

A very sweet finish from Laurie: OH JOYOUS DAY from Blackbird Designs

Debbie’s beautiful IT IS WELL from My Big Toe Designs




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Epilogue

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To all of you who have placed orders with us since the shutdown began, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for supporting a brick and mortar shop. B&M shops have had their businesses dramatically impacted by the closures. The fixed expenses continue, with their way of conducting business majorly altered. When you shop for needlework during this difficult time, consider supporting a brick-and-mortar shop.

And a special thank-you to my Attic staff ~ what an amazing group of women ~ the effort they have put forth these past six weeks is extraordinary. If you get a chance, tell them how much they are appreciated. I try to do that every day.


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What a wonderful surprise! This chart showed up last week in our mailbox, with a very lovely note from Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle & Thread, saying she’s donating $1 of each chart sold to an organization working in COVID-19 response areas. The chart is $8, and the design is 135 x 50, with the caution that the little vignette inside the O is stitched over 1 … so don’t choose to stitch the design over 1 or that sweet scene won’t work!

Today marks the 22nd wedding anniversary of our son Ralph and daughter-in-law Amy. It’s been a joy to watch their relationship grow in love, blessed with two beautiful children!




Documents

Where Samplers Rule THE ATTICMay Sampler of the Month from Gentle Pursuit Designs 2020 April 1-May 1 * Chart $32, 438 x 440 * AVAS Silks $108; Soie 100/3 $60, plus or minus * Linen