Tuesday 10 May 2011

The Sampler

I've told you already, I know, about the treasure I collect every time I visit my Mum. last time it was the vintage patterns; the time before it was a blackwork sampler.

Mum had worked on it for as long as her hands would let her; but it wasn't finished and she wondered if I'd like to take it on. It's a lovely thing, striking in its monotone simplicity and its beautiful stitching. I've laundered it and looked at it, and thought about the "join" which will surely show. And then I've realised what a good thing that join will be. The work of two generations in one sampler? That's a story in itself.

Yes, it's teal and black and white again. With more rosettes because I'm still loving them; and the 1 2 3 title worked on the paper in cross stitch

Today's layout is brought to you with the help of Gotta Craft's May kit which is filled with Lily Bee's "This and That". I made two more pages with these beautiful papers; and you will find them on the Gotta Craft Blog right here


44 comments:

helena said...

what a beautiful sampler, love it in black and white

and fabulous that it has been made by two generations

Lynn said...

A labour of love - perhaps the small one could also add a few stitches as well! Lovely layout to show it off.

Amanda said...

I don't remember you mentioning the sampler but it's lovely that you've each done a bit and it's a combination of both your talents. I love the simplicity of blackwork too.

......and let's not forget the beautiful layout.

scrappyjacky said...

It's a beautiful piece,Sian....and wonderful to be stitched by 2 generations.

Lizzie said...

I do agree that it will be good to "see the join". Your stitching style/methods may differ, but that will make the sampler all the more special.
Samplers are such a special item anyway, especially those created for a person or people, to mark an event in their life. Could you add a panel to yours, with your mother's name, DOB etc, then your own name & DOB - or your names and the years when the sampler was started - completed? Something to tie it to both of you.
I have made several samplers, for friends' new babies. It's a good feeling, to go for a visit and see my work framed and hung on the wall. I'm still finishing the "final" sampler though - shamefully the "new baby" is now 10 years old! "Life" got in the way somewhat... Almost done now... then it will be framed and added to those belonging to her brother and sister. Perhaps I will scrap about those when it is done!

Ladkyis said...

How wonderful to be able to complete something started by your Mum - and a great layout too!

Lisa said...

oh, sian this is such a great layout not to mention the story! i love lov love that you stitched on the layout!

Jimjams said...

Really gorgeous page and fab sampler - yup I think you should work on it for a while and then get TSO to add some too - three generations are better than two yes?!

WendyB said...

Fab layout and gorgeous sampler, I'm with the others about it going across the generations, including the third. Hope you enjoy doing it.

JO SOWERBY said...

my first love was cross stitch and i have made a number of samplers. no blackwork though. a beautiful lo to accentuate the workmanship
Jo xxx

Cheri said...

It is gorgeous Sian, but what is obvious to you sure isn't to me - I don't see where one left off and another started!

laurie said...

i love all the detail in this treasure!

Anonymous said...

The sampler is gorgeous. I've never heaerd of blackwork over here - must look in to it. I like the idea of you both working on it - what a treasure indeed!

Anonymous said...

What a treasure indeed! And so special that you both will have worked on it. I really the look of the sampler. I've never heard of blackwork before I'll have to look into it.

Alana said...

That's a lovely idea that two generations would have stitched the sampler. What about a third generation? Like hoe you added the cross stitch to your layout.

Cheryl said...

What a gorgeous piece Sian and so lovely that is made by two generations, what a piece of history x

yvette said...

What a fantastic, stunning sampler. Fantastic idea to carry on with it. I love your page, you are very lucky to have such a stunning piece of work.

Jennifer Shaw said...

Oh I love this sampler!!! Lovely LO to document this project. I think it is wonderful that it was created by your Mom and you!!!! The teal goes so well with the photo and I love how you have cross stitched on the LO!!! I have a sampler in red that is about 3/4's done. You have me thinking that I need to pull it out and finish it up!!! It is based on an old sampler that young girls had to do in school as a project. They would then use it as a sort of resume to show future employers how neatly they could stitch. They were all done in red because there was an abundance of red dye at that time. Maybe it was cheap to make?? It was in the 1860's I think. Thanks for reminding me about my project that is tucked away. :)

Bubbles said...

Beautiful beautiful and beautiful!
The colours work perfectly with the sampler for this layout, and it's just stunning!

alexa said...

What a very beautiful page, Sian! I love the way you've used the theme of the cross stitch and the colours are perfect (I LOVE teal). The sampler is particularly fine. I can't wait to show my Mum these lovely bits on your blog about your family's stitching because - as an embroiderer too of blackwork, whitework and every colour inbetween like your Mum is - she will be fascinated. :)

furrypig said...

The simplicity of the LO i very striking and what a great peice of history you have there in your sampler

Lisa-Jane said...

This is such a lovely story and a lovely layout too. I don't know if you would be able to see the join but I think I would make sure you could! Maybe the third generation will take it up and make it into something else like a cushion or a quilt and then future generations will add panels to it. Oooh, I might just have to start one myself!

Gem's Crafts said...

How lovely to be able to add to something that your mother has started, You could start a new tradition and pass it down the generations :)

Unknown said...

A beautiful layout Sian!

Jennifer Grace said...

The sampler and the layout are both so beautiful. I love how you cross-stitched 123 onto the layout. x

Anonymous said...

So beautiful! Love the layout as well, everything the banner, the color combo, the story!

scrappysue said...

Such a beautiful sampler Sian, and what a fabulous idea to finish it off. Great LO too, I just love all the details!

Kirsty.A said...

Oh it's beautiful. The black and white is really unusual (and might the join less noticeable if you don't want to highight it)
What did you do with the vintage dress patterns? i bought some from a chariy shop but I haven't a clue how to use them

Jo said...

The sampler is gorgeous and it's lovely that two generations have worked on it, the layout is great too

Anonymous said...

That is one beautiful sampler and one beautiful page to do it justice. Love them Sian.

Alison said...

Love how you cross-stitched on the LO..and that sampler is a beauty..it's bound to become a family heirloom
Alison xx

Melissa said...

Beautiful - I do like the teal & black together.

Sandie said...

Everything about this is lovely Sian. The colours, layout (less is more), and the story. My Mum has never been creative so it must be lovely to share that with your own Mum. I think it is wonderful that you will finish her piece, what a keepsake for your own children.

Maria Ontiveros said...

What an absolutely gorgeous sampler! It is beautiful and touching in its simplicity. And I adore the layout!
Rinda

Lou said...

A beautiful layout Sian and the sampler is a lovely memeory to have. I did wonder though if you could include tso, a third generation xx

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Amazing work by both you and your mom, Sian. I love this!!!

Sue Althouse said...

That is a beautiful sampler and an inspiring layout. The black and teal is stunning.

Wanda said...

It is a beautiful sampler, made even more so by the fact that you and your mother both worked on it. When you finish it, especially if it ends up framed, you may want to consider adding a copy of your layout (or at least an explanation of the two generations' work on it)to the back of the frame. It will certainly add context for whoever sees it in the future. Good luck with the stitching!

Scrappi Sandi said...

I agree that any visible 'join' will indeed be a good thing...& it is a stunning sampler!! Enjoy!! Maybe...if you take it slow...there'll be a little space left for The Small One to add her 'join' too!!! :)

Ginger said...

The teal is a lovely complimentary colour in this layout. Like the addition of the stitched heart :)

Ruth said...

Good grief, woman! Is there no end to your talent??

Miriam said...

This is beautiful Sian, I love how you and your mother have worked on it. perhaps your daughter will add some stitches?

Rhona said...

What a beautiful sampler and your Mum's stitchwork is wonderful. I agree that any seam in it will show how two generations worked on it and that it is a piece made with love. Can't wait to see it finished :) xx

Sandra said...

Only one word needed ..... "STUNNING"

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