Sorry, this is a little dark, but when I use the flash (see here), it just washes the colors out entirely. I don't have the knack when it comes to photographing my needlework, but you get the idea. I had wanted to be a little further along in this project by now, but I'm getting there. The middle section is nearly finished (one more row of bee hive and then filling in the diagonal stitches) and then I will be ready to work on the borders. I've got the wording "No Honey" started in any case.
What I really wanted to share today, however, is thanks to Sylvia who shared a cool link with me. Check out The Sampler Girl, many of whose designs are inspired by literature--Jane Austen in particular. The designer is not only a needleworker but also an avid reader (sounds familiar) and has found a way to combine both loves. I had seen her work before, but as I have not been buying any needlework supplies I hadn't realized she had so many designs. I was pretty sure I owned one of her charts, so I dug through my bin and found "Mrs. Darcy of Derbyshire"!
The Sampler Girl isn't the only designer designing charts with a literary slant. I'm sure I shared this one with you before--Little House Needleworks' "The Bookshelf", which I have all ready to stitch...
And then there is this French design, "Petit Carnet d'Ouvrage, Livre I" by With My Needle. It's a series of patterns that needleworkers would use on their linens. I thought it was very creatively made into a little accordion-style book. I have another chart with Quaker motifs also finished into a little book like this. So far I've not yet attempted something like this. It looks challenging, but it might not be as hard to make as it looks. I suspect I have other charts in my stash that are inspired by literature in some way.
And on a side note, I pulled this chart out that just calls out to be stitched. It's a very small design by Just Nan called "Summer Spell", measuring 2" x 2" when finished. I have the supplies ready to go and even own the little frame it sits in. It's something that could easily be stitched in an evening or two (though I'm pretty slow, so I have no doubt it will take me longer).
I can only say it's dangerous looking through my stash bins. Like looking at my bookshelves, I discover long forgotten treasures that I want to stitch (or read).
I LOVE The Bookshelf! Felt my pulse race a bit at that one, breath one and two....It's so much fun to pull out old patterns and remember when you bought them. Your bee skep project is blossoming nicely Danielle, thanks for the update.
Posted by: Darlene | July 19, 2009 at 07:50 PM
The Bookshelf sampler looks tantalizing! Someday I would love to take some favorite quotes and turn them into needlework, but I'm sure it wouldn't be half as lovely as what these designers come up with.
Posted by: Rebecca | July 19, 2009 at 08:45 PM
I have never really cared much for needlework ( I have a project going on since 1999)..but the literary needlework is really nice.
Btw I put up the 'House on strand" review here
http://shadesofwords09.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/the-house-on-the-strand/
Posted by: Vipula Gupta | July 20, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Your beehive is so pretty and coming along quite nicely I think. That Sample girl link has come very close to making me want to learn how to stitch! I must somehow figure out a way to combine knitting and literature.
Posted by: Stefanie | July 20, 2009 at 08:24 AM
These are darling and I love seeing your work in progress.
I really liked the accordion book and of course you can only imagine that as soon as I saw that I wished I could make it. Maybe one day I'll have to try a class in needlework.
Posted by: iliana | July 20, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Oh I like The Bookshelf, especially the top images and the words 'The bookshelf' beneath it. When you say 'stitch' you donot mean 'crossstitch' do you? This is where the english language gets me all confused. You've made quite some progress on the beehive!
Posted by: Catharina | July 20, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Love your samplers. You do lovely work.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | July 20, 2009 at 10:56 AM
I love the Bookshelf, my favorite writers and authors. Beautifully done!
Posted by: Jackie | July 20, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Darlene--The bee skep is looking pretty good, actually. I love the colors. This is one I will definitley get framed. And isn't The Bookshelf great--I really must stitch it--I have the floss and fabric all ready to go...
Rebecca--I think The Sampler Girl has some simple designs with just words or quotes, too. Something like that might not be too hard to graph--but then there is the whole choosing colors thing and maybe choosing some sort of a border. I'm not veyr good on doing these sorts of things, and am happy there are so many talented designers out there.
Vipula--I really enjoy it but I don't always have the time to work on it like I wish I could. I tend to go in phases with it! And I have some projects just as old, I think! :) Thanks for the link, by the way, it puts me very much in the mood to read more Daphne du Maurier!!
Stefanie--Stitching is really easy if you ever want to learn--much easier than knitting I think. I wonder how you could mix knitting with literature--if you came up with something you could make your fortune! :)
Iliana--I really want to make one of those little accordion books. I have also seen larger books with the alphabet--one letter per page. It's amazing the things people come up with!!
Catharina--Yes, this is regular old cross stitch. I also like designs that include fancier stitches, but this one is very straightforward. I love The Bookshelf chart and really, really must stitch it! And the bee hive is coming along nicely, if a bit slowly.
Susan--Thank you! This is coming along nicely.
Jackie--The designer chose well with this one. I have seen some stitchers change the names a bit and vary it according to their tastes. I like her choices of authors, though!
Posted by: Danielle | July 20, 2009 at 10:06 PM
You do beautiful work, Danielle...counted cross stitch has been one of my favorite crafts...and it is nice to see a link to designs literary in nature, so thank you for that!
Posted by: Wendy | July 20, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I love those literature-inspired designs! I think they would be fun to stitch, although they might tempt me to return to the books instead of working on the stitching!
Posted by: Dorothy W. | July 21, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Oh, my goodness, thank you. I think I have just found my friend Sophie's birthday present.
Posted by: Oolookitty | July 21, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Wendy--The designs are clever, aren't they! I think many stitchers also love reading, so I'm not surprised that they've come up with designs to appeal to those who like both!
Dorothy--It's hard juggling both hobbies. Maybe this is why I've never gotten very far with the Bookshelf chart--it tempts me to much to read instead of stitch! :)
Oolookitty--If your friend likes stitching and reading, I am sure she will like any of these!!
Posted by: Danielle | July 21, 2009 at 10:04 PM