A while back I shared with you a "sampler" cloth. Where I stitched, sat it aside, picked it up and stitched some more. And the layers piled up. I'm pretty sure that piece is at the Somerset offices right now. And I miss it. I didn't realize how often I picked it up and touched it and stitched a little more.
So I'm starting anew. On a french towel I bought in Paris last year. I love that heavy stiff fabric. Kaari gave me the low-down on all the types of linen and hemp and even nettle fabric when we chatted over dinner in Omaha last month. So now I'm more in love with linen than ever. You can have your silks, leave the linen for me.
Well, there's cotton. I can never forsake cotton. Maybe it's because I live in the southland. Maybe because this is one of my favorite stitching books. For me, cotton is more of a heart thing, sort of in my blood. But linen, just the feel of it makes me happy.
So when did this turn into a fabric lesson? What I meant to show you is the beginning of my new sampler cloth. Liking it already. It will be what I pick up when I am standing at my studio table with that glazed-over-what-am-I-doing-here thing I have going on sometimes.
No matter what your level of stitching, you should make one of these. There is therapy involved in the touch and feel of it. And if you have little ones, teach them to stitch. My grandmother taught me when I was wee tiny. Oh how I love her for taking that time.
Oh! I am inspired to have one of those! I'll be looking for the right towel or other "substrait" to begin working on. It will help to keep my fingers busy when my mind can't focus!
Posted by: Susan Beth | 02 December 2009 at 11:05
Rebecca, your sampler is absolutely lovely. What a charming document of your days and moods and ideas. I am a cotton and linen girl, too, from my clothes to my home decor so I appreciated your diversion. Enjoy your days.
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly in Canada | 02 December 2009 at 11:22
It is beautiful! I tried the sketch technique you taught us and loved it! I'm giving it as a gift this Christmas. So glad you posted today. You were missed.
Posted by: Suzette Ladouceur | 02 December 2009 at 11:49
No long ago my husband asked me to ride along with him as he checked out a job site- not one for taking long drives I brought along some linens and threads so I could stitch because I am so inspired by your lovely pieces of art. I thank your Grandmother al well :)
Posted by: lorraine lewis | 02 December 2009 at 11:50
Good morning Rebecca;
When ever I see that you have posted something new on your blog, it makes me smile and adds happiness to my day! What would our lives be without stitching the stories together!
Love and blessings,
Dagmar
ox
Posted by: Dagmar Leuenberger-Swift | 02 December 2009 at 11:53
You're inspiring me, Rebecca. One of these days, I will start my own little one too.
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | 02 December 2009 at 12:36
Rebecca, everything you touch is beautiful. BTW, I went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market with Heather, Amy, Pam and Jenny last month. I won the prize for the most creative tote. Wanted you to know that a lot of it was inspired by what you do. Thanks so much!
Karen @ Elderberry Street
Posted by: Karen B | 02 December 2009 at 12:37
I am now in search of the perfect piece of cotton fabric to begin a project like this. The larger projects intimidate me, but these small squares are do-able. I think I can learn some skills, experiment with beads and color, and still not commit to a large piece that will get left behind. Thank you for sharing your beautiful linen with all it's stitches of inspiration!
Posted by: Cheryl | 02 December 2009 at 12:45
i am breaking in my first sewing machine and love the sampler cloth idea.
Posted by: ludid | 02 December 2009 at 13:05
Rebecca, your work is always beautiful because it comes from the heart. I think a 2010 sampler might be something I will work on this year.
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | 02 December 2009 at 13:16
it is sooo beautiful!!!
I wish I had learned to stitch and sew. I am getting a sewing machine from Santa for Christmas...I gotta start somewhere!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Beth Perry | 02 December 2009 at 14:00
So lovely, Rebecca...
This project is on my short list for 2010. Thank you for the inspiration.
Posted by: Dawn | 02 December 2009 at 14:39
Hi Rebecca, I can tell this will be a special piece! After your first sampler I started hunting for just the right fabrics and have a small collection. I am going to make my very own, thank you for the inspiration. Wish I could fly over to attend a Silver Bella class with you! How about coming to New Zealand!! :)
Carole
Posted by: Carole Brungar | 02 December 2009 at 14:52
Lovely.
Posted by: Dee Dee | 02 December 2009 at 15:43
Dearest Rebecca,
What is the stitch you used for the pearl flowers with pink stems and how many strands of floss do you like to use.
Smiles, Andra
Posted by: andra | 02 December 2009 at 16:39
I was just thinking about you yesterday. I had to look back at your past Christmas ideas to find the ones about glass bottles. I love the sampler cloth, is the little picture paper?
Posted by: Rainy | 02 December 2009 at 16:50
Oh, another wonderful project! I will have to start one and leave it lying around like you do. It is a joy to visit your blog!
Posted by: Shirley Pando | 02 December 2009 at 16:58
this is just lovely rebecca, you have me all inspired xx
Posted by: Jo Wholohan | 02 December 2009 at 17:29
This looks so lovely. I like linen and cotton to. There's just something about the texture that's pleasing both to the eye and to touch.
Posted by: Vickie | 02 December 2009 at 20:37
well, i wish i had such a beautiful project to show for all of my glazed-over-what-am-i-doing-here times.
Posted by: Lori S. | 02 December 2009 at 21:11
On the 28th of November while watching a couple of movies, I hand-stiched an older piece of play around fabric to some sheet fabric and added some felt and that is going to be my sampler, its 5x7 in size. Happy happies.
Posted by: joyce | 02 December 2009 at 21:47
Rebecca the beginnings of another beautiful piece. What size fabric do you suggests we 'newbies' start with. It looks so pretty and would be perfect to just pick up every now and then as you do
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | 03 December 2009 at 05:15
More lovely inspiration! Thank you! I bought the book Crazy Quilting, The Complete Guide while on a Shop Hop this summer - not because I Crazy quilt but for all the lovely stitching designs. Your sampler is the perfect inspiration for trying out some of those stitches!
Posted by: Sharon | 03 December 2009 at 08:13
I've started one but put it down, and seeing this just reminded me why I started in the first place. I'll be picking it up again when I get home. Inspired all over again.
You're work is stunning.. and love it when I see a new blog post from you!
Have a fabulous rest of the week!
Francesca
Posted by: Francesca Di Leo | 03 December 2009 at 08:40
I must start on this after the holidays-thank you for the link to Kaari's blog, I have her jewelry book as well as "Home Sewn", and her work speaks to my heart just as yours does. My grandmother also taught me to sew, I still feel connected to her every time I pick up a needle.
Posted by: kp | 03 December 2009 at 08:58