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).