Is it just me, or when you are searching through your charts for something in particular you find all sorts of wonderful stuff you forgot you had?? As I have just posted about the Berlin Woolwork Sampler by Needles Prayse, I thought I would give equal time to one by a French designer, Reflets de Soie (Isabelle Mazabraud). It is another reproduction of a Berlinwork Sampler that is in her collection. I think the Darlene O'Steen design is also a reproduction? I have the first installment (of six) of this design. This sampler is stitched lengthwise. Instead if long (top to bottom) this one is supposed to be nearly five feet wide!! Another one I would love to stitch, but I would like to do it in the called for silks (of course). My financial situation...as you all know...is prohibiting any costly new projects. I hope to at least collect the charts, though I only have the first. It is cool as they come with "lettres"--the sampler is called Lettres a Elise. A fun concept--you get a letter with each installment. I have seen quilt samplers like this. I can dream anyway...
And this fun chart, Sing a Song of Sixpence by Abbey Lane Designs, I pulled out as I was quickly going through my box of charts. I saw it in someone's stitching album and I really loved it. I think I could pull together all the supplies from my own stash---something I could consider "new"--all kitted up. It even came with these cute little charms--a blackbird and measuring spoons.
And as for the Berlinwork charts...well, I will continue drooling, and try and keep myself from any rash silk/fabric ordering! As these are almost like spot motifs and call for specialty stitches, I thought a good substitute might be Drawn Thread's Tocatta One. I have that one in my stash and it is on my goal list this year. It calls for all sorts of specialty stitches. That one sits by my bed...as do a few others!