Morning Glory Needleworks Original designs

This sampler was designed as a mourning sampler for
my father, Walter Fisher. Stitch count is 198 wide X
200 high. The sampler was worked on 32 count R & R
Reproductions "Americana Blend" linen using
over-dyed threads from The Gentle Arts. The colors
used are: Grape Leaf (2), Willow, Rhubarb, Currant,
Tarnished Gold, Cameo Pink, Fudge Ripple, Slate,
Black Crow, and Sarsaparilla. Specialty stitches used
are Chain, Queen, Four-sided, and Satin. Complete
directions for all stitches are included. The verses
and two motifs are stitched over 1 thread. The
sampler is full of motifs symbolizing death and
mourning which are described in the pattern. Motifs
include Forget-Me-Nots, butterfly, ship, anemone
flower, urn with flame, two birds, broken oak,
weeping willow, heart with anchor, and the color
black. The center verse "To live in hearts we leave
behind is not to die" (Thomas Campbell, 1825)
inspired the design. The quote "Life how short -
Eternity how long" was found on a sampler dated 1814.

Learn the basic techniques of Blackwork (also known
as double running or Holbein stitch) and Pulled
Thread (whitework) while stitching this miniature
sampler. Six blackwork bands begin this sampler,
starting with easy patterns and working into more
complicated ones. Four bands of whitework complete
the piece.

This miniature sampler must be stitched on an even
weave fabric such as linen. Samples were stitched on
32 count off white linen using black and pink silk for
the blackwork and ecru perle coton for the
whitework.

The stitch count for this piece is 25 X 54. Samples
are approximately 1.6” X 3.4”. Any color floss or silk
may be used for the blackwork area. Perle coton
matching the fabric is best for the whitework but
other colors may be used.

This is a small sampler for those who wish to go
beyond basic cross stitch. Pulled thread is just what
the name implies – pulling the threads tight in each
step of the stitch. The pulling creates holes which will
give the piece a lacy look. This sampler will give the
stitcher the very basics of pulled thread work
before trying a more complicated piece. Stitches
used are Algerian Eyelet, Nun’s Stitch, Cross Stitch,
Pulled Satin, and Eyelet. Complete directions are
included for each stitch plus an alphabet for
personalizing the piece.

The recommended fabric is linen with an open weave.
The floss color traditionally would be close to the
fabric color; either slightly darker, lighter, or the
same color although a contrasting floss can give an
interesting effect. The sample shown was stitched on
30 count white linen using pale pink floss. The design
area is 40 X 40.

Although this sampler is not actually worked in black
and white, the techniques used are referred to as
Blackwork and Whitework. Blackwork is also known as
Double Running or Holbein Stitch and, if done
properly, is reversible. Whitework refers to tone on
tone stitching and, in this sampler, pulled thread
stitches are used. Stitches used are Double Running,
Satin, Honeycomb, Wave Filling, Queen, Indian Drawn
Ground Filling, Eyelet, Leviathan, and Rice Stitch.
Complete directions are included for each stitch plus
an alphabet for personalizing the piece.

Linen is recommended. The Blackwork would is
traditionally stitched in a dark color. The Whitework
floss color traditionally would be close to the fabric
color; either slightly darker, lighter, or the same
color although a contrasting floss can give an
interesting effect. The sample shown was stitched on
32 count Cherub Pink linen using 0312 Currant and
0740 Porcelain Sampler Threads from The Gentle
Art . The design area is 60 X 152.