PLUM STREET SAMPLERS

July 17, 2019

We Have a Winner!

Chrissy E, you were the first to guess it! Congratulations! I am so happy there are still people who are willing to stop by my blog to check on me. 🙂 Thank you so much to everyone who guessed — I got some amazing ideas from your guesses, that’s for sure. Those were so much fun to read through!

I also want to say hello to Tracy C! Welcome to my much-neglected blog, and I’m so happy you like my designs!! Woohoo!

And to Deborah — there will definitely be a Winter Delivery at some point, but the only patterns in the series available to date are Halloween Delivery, Harvest Delivery, Spring Delivery, and Summer Delivery. If anyone has any other delivery suggestions, I’m all ears. 🙂

By the way, Tired Trio will be releasing very very soon, along with Sampler Lesson Four and The Beekeeper.

Thank you all once again for still reading. I sure am blessed by you.

July 10, 2019

Guess!

I don’t know if anyone peeks in on my blog or not, but just in case, I thought I’d pop in and let you super loyal readers (I love you!!) be the first to know that I have another animal stack coming out in a few weeks. and whoever can be the first to guess what the next animal is will win a free copy of the chart, sent to you when I send out the shop automatics!

I won’t announce this blog post on Facebook (heck, it’s been so long since I logged into Facebook on my PSS page that I have no idea what my password is any more!), so only those of you who are checking the blog will know about this.. although I do believe my blog is linked to Twitter (which I also don’t know the password to.. can somebody please bring me back to the 21st Century? I’ve been living under a rock for a few years).

I’ll give the title here, and you can guess. If no one is reading this, then I’ll be the winner.

The first person who responds in the comments section correctly will win the new chart when it comes out! Are you ready? Here it is (it’s an easy one!):

August 11, 2018

Tomorrow.

I woke up at 4 this morning, unable to get back to sleep; I’ve not slept well this week, knowing that August 12 is coming up on me very quickly.

I’ve been blogging for a long time, even though for the past few years, my life seems to have settled into a routine that leaves little time for taking photos. Mostly my pictures are through Instagram, and when they are of my family, I will sometimes get a comment or two about how some of you have watched the girls grow up on my blog.

Which brings me back to August 12. Tomorrow my baby girl leaves for college.

For those of you who have been with me for a while (thank you so much for that!), you may remember some of these moments with my crazy, sweet little Sophie.

Remember when Bre left for college, and Sophie snuck into her closet and played dress-up?

And since Bre’s car was left at home, Sophie had a grand time being sneaky here as well.

Remember when I found out she had been taking Steve Irwin selfies on my camera?

This one was from when Bre’s Tilly was a baby, and she and Sophie became fast friends.

Then we moved into the middle school years, when her hair extensions were her pride and joy.

And then came Sophie’s own Tilly. She had been missing Bre’s Tilly, and when the humane society had named this one Tilly too, we knew it was meant to be.

Sophie graduated in December of 2017, so she didn’t walk with her class in May of 2018. But we still surprised her with a party, and had her don Sabrina’s old cap and gown.

And then she turned eighteen.

Today is August 11, and tomorrow we move Sophie into her new dorm at the University of Nebraska — Lincoln. It’s not far from home, but that hasn’t really been a consolation to me. This child is my heart, just like her sisters are. She’s finally beginning the part of her life she’s most looked forward to — being an adult and choosing her path; the part I always looked the most forward to — being a stay-at-home mom — is ending.

But I know my tears won’t last long, as my girl has promised to keep me updated on everything new she’s experiencing. And I’ll be jumping for my phone every time I hear a text come in from her! How on earth can the sadness stay, when God has given so much?

Please pray for my girl this week. but mostly pray for me.

We’re coming for you, August 12.

February 26, 2018

Market Releases — Part 2

Earlier this month, I released the first of a series called Noah’s Christmas Ark. (Please go backwards a few posts to see all the information on the whole series, as well as the details for if you’d prefer to stitch all twelve blocks on one piece of linen.) I don’t know that I’ll actually stop at twelve blocks for sure, but at least for 2018 that’s what is lined up. My friend Pat Ryan is stitching all of them for me as individual ornaments, and at the same time, she’s stitching them all on one piece of linen for the shop. I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished!

Noah’s Christmas Ark II (Doves and Honeybees).

Stitch count for each block: 58w x 48h

Fabric used : 36 ct. Patriot’s Brew by R&R Reproductions

Weeks Dye Works in Bullfrog, Parchment, Garrison Green, Kudzu, Grapevine, Molasses, Baked Apple, Galvanized, and Crimson.
Classic Colorworks in Stepping Stones and Hazelnut.
DMC in 3033.

These charts are cross stitched over two linen threads, and you will back-stitch the honeybees’ legs and stingers.

The finishing was done by Joy Hayward of Finely Finished, and as I mentioned above, Pat Ryan stitched the models! 🙂 (It takes a village to get models done. or at least some very helpful friends!)

Pennsylvania Fraktur.

Stitch count : 125w x 58h

Fabric used : 36 ct. Ligonier Latte by R&R Reproductions

The Gentle Art in Old Red Paint, Mulberry, andds used: Maple Syrup.
Classic Colorworks in Hazelnut.
Weeks Dye Works in Bullfrog, Charcoal, and Sanguine.

Trim used : Vintage Pom Poms by Lady Dot Creates

Stitches used in this design are cross stitch over two linen threads; the motto on the bottom is stitched over one linen threads, and the flower stamens are long-stitched.

(This chart was originally released as a club piece for The Colonial Gathering club.)

Soul Sisters.

Stitch count : 62w x 169h

Fabric used: 32 ct. Patriot’s Brew by R&R Reproductions

Weeks Dye Works in Blackboard, Driftwood, Parchment, Sanguine, Garrison Green, Grapevine, Onyx, and Chrysanthemum.
Classic Colorworks in Deep Fennel.
DMC in 758.

Stitches used for Soul Sisters are cross stitch over two linen threads, and cross stitch over one linen thread on the friends’ faces and hair.

The frame is by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and Pat Ryan came to the rescue again on the model!

(This design is a companion to A Hundred Ways, released earlier this month, and was originally released as an extra chart for the Dyeing to Stitch retreat in the fall of 2017.)

Babushka’s Bees.

Stitch count : 145w x 82h

Fabric used : 36 ct. Toasted Almond by Hand-Dyed Fabrics by Stephanie

Classic Colorworks in Clay Pot, Hazelnut, Stepping Stones, Wasabi, Rose Petal, Antique Lace, Sunkissed, Pine Needles, Cappuccino, and Hickory Sticks.
Weeks Dye Works in Bee’s Knees (new for market!), Charcoal, and River Rock.

This design is stitched in cross stitch over two linen threads, and a tiny bit of over-one stitching on the queen bee’s shoes and crown. There is also some long-stitching on the bees’ wings, legs, and stingers, and a back-stitch for Babushka’s lips.

The frame (love this moulding!) is by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and the model was stitched by Deborah Bixby!

And that’s a wrap!

On deck for the near future is Noah’s Christmas Ark III, and I honestly have no idea what else. I’m working on it though!

Thank you again for stopping by my blog. I know in this fast-paced, instant world we live in, it’s hard to settle down to read a blog post, but I do so appreciate your taking the time to do so. It means so much to me! My blog, though mostly neglected in the past few years, has always been a place for me to settle in and feel like I’m really talking to friends. So I am grateful to you.

Market Releases — Part 1

In the past, I have shared with you my love for coffee and crowns, but until recently, I don’t believe I’ve mentioned my love for cows.

(I guess I also love the letter c.)

Perhaps you’ve seen my new market releases online somewhere, but just in case you haven’t, I’ll be posting them here, in addition to all the supplies you’ll need if you’re interested in stitching any of them. And don’t forget to let your shop owner know, so she/he can preorder a chart for you! 🙂

This is Bovinia.

Stitch count : 86w x 61h

Fabric : 36 ct. Winter Brew by R&R Reproductions

Classic Colorworks in Black Coffee (the first run of charts has Black Crow listed, but this is incorrect!), Toasted Marshmallow, Pine Needles (new for market!), Joshua Tree, Cinnamon Toast, Red Currant, Used Brick, and Jakey Brown. It also uses DMC in 754.

There is mostly cross stitch over two on this chart, but the crows’ faces are stitched over one thread, as well as a tiny bit of grass and Bovinia’s eyes.

The frame is by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and the model was stitched by Katrina Devine!

Next up, we have The Milk & Cream Co...

Stitch count : 123w x 127h

Fabric : 36 ct. Vintage Pecan Butter by Lakeside Linens

Classic Colorworks in Black Coffee, Frosted Sage, Prairie Grass, Eggshell (2 skeins may be necessary), Pine Needles, and Joshua Tree.
Weeks Dye WorksBark and Baked Apple.
The Gentle Art in Tin Bucket.
DMC in 632, 640, 950, 3371, 3779, 3857, and 3865

Stitches used in this design are cross stitch over two threads, with cross or ten-stitch over one thread on the mini cows’ eyes and noses. You’ll also have a little long-stitching on the bucket’s handle, and a tiny back-stitch on the milk maid’s mouth.

The frame is again by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and Katrina Devine was the model stitcher! Thank you, Katrina!

Jack’s Sweet Shoppe: Woolemina is up next.

Stitch count : 74w x 70h

Fabric : 36 ct. Weathered Shingle by R&R Reproductions

Classic Colorworks in Persimmon, Bunny Honey, Pine Needles, Weeping Willow, Cinnamon Toast, Blushing Beauty, Hickory Sticks, and Tennessee Red Clay.
DMC in 640, 822, 950, 310, 3829, and 3813.

Stitches in this design are cross stitch over two threads, as well as a few tiny areas of over-one stitching (Woolemina’s eyes, the bee, and the tiny heart). There is also a little long-stitching on the bee’s wings, legs, and stinger.

This chart was originally intended for a Wilton’s 4.5″ tart pan (like all the other Jack’s Sweet Shoppe patterns), but at the last minute, I decided I wanted to frame it instead! So Nataly Koplovsky, the model stitcher for this design, suggested the Etsy shop called Signed and Numbered, and I was immediately smitten with their frames! I chose the 4×4 Circle Opening Frame in the color White, with the finish Vintage.

By the way, Nataly also named this chart. 🙂 Thank you, Nataly!

Those are the first three designs! I’ll be back shortly with the remaining four. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, and have a great Monday!

February 18, 2018

Correction!

When I wrote up the instructions on the Noah’s Welcome Mat (found a couple of posts down, or in the «Freebie» category in the right sidebar), I didn’t realize that I had said to stitch the design with one strand over one linen thread. The design was definitely stitched over TWO linen threads!

My sincerest apologies!

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

I sort of really like George Washington.

Maybe you knew that.

So to celebrate his birthday this week, I’ve got a free chart for you! (This little design was inspired by one of my favorite peep-peeps, Wendy Davis, because she was thoughtful enough to send me an e-birthday card this morning — for George’s birthday, of course; mine was last month. Thank you for the laugh, Wendy!)

If you’d like to download and print the chart, the link is below the image. 🙂

Happy Presidents Day Eve! (Don’t worry, Mr. Lincoln, I love you too.)

I’ll see you all soon!

February 09, 2018

Flash Release!

I’ve been asked on more than one occasion how far in advance I come up with a design before I release it. My usual response is that I’m an eleventh-hour designer who doesn’t realize it’s the Christmas stitching season until about December 20.

I say all that to let you know that I had intended to come out with these designs earlier, but I couldn’t, because I had not thought them up yet. 🙂

Shipping to your local needlework shop (those on my auto) next week are two new releases that I’m very excited about! I don’t know why, other than each contains a favorite thing of mine: the color pink, and little stitched animals.

First, the color pink.

I’ve always loved Jane Austen quotes, and the one in the design below comes from Emma. My dear friend Pat Ryan stitched the model in no time at all, and she used a gorgeous linen by R&R Reproductions called In the Pink (32 ct). (The color equivalent of In the Pink would be roughly DMC 225, to give you an idea of what it should look like on your monitor.)

Stitch Count: 62w x 169h

Fabric: 32 ct. In the Pink by R&R Reproductions

DMC 3045 , 758, 950, and 3721;
Weeks Dye Works in Artichoke, Charlotte’s Pink, Chablis, Oscar, Pelican Gray, Blackboard, and Gunmetal;
Classic Colorworks Bamboo.

There is a little bit of over-one stitching in the faces and hair, as well as a few little letters, but other than this, all cross stitch is used.

Framed beautifully by: Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, VA (Hi, Sherri!)

You’ll notice the four DMC colors I listed above; I always give a conversion to DMC on all of my charts, for all of the colors. But in this case, there were two colors that were used for only a very small number of stitches. Therefore, I decided to go with the DMC color, rather than switch to a more expensive overdyed floss. Read on, if you’d like further explanation:

Generally, when I’m reviewing the colors of a chart before it’s finalized, I will take very similar colors in that design and condense them into fewer colors, so that there aren’t so many colors to purchase for one design. Other times, I really do prefer the subtle differences, so I leave them as they are. Recently, however, I’ve taken to noting how many stitches per color are in my designs, and I’m going to try to start using DMC where there are very few stitches used. Of course, if you prefer all overdyed flosses, then simply ask your needlework shop what their suggestion is, based on the dye lots they have in their inventory.

My next release is the first in a series of Christmas ornaments! This will be a year-long series, with two ornaments per chart released 6 times throughout the year. There are 12 ornaments total (plus one more — I’ll explain in a bit!), which can be stitched as they are shown on the covers, or all together, on one piece of fabric! It just depends on if you want a larger sampler at the end of the year, or 12 + 1 individual ornaments.

And here is the first of Noah’s Christmas Ark.

Here is a little bit of info for you.

If you choose to stitch these as ornaments, each block will be 58w x 48h . But if you want to stitch them all on one piece of fabric (three horizontal rows with four blocks each, pictured below), your stitch count will be 244w x 152h . This stitch count includes four blank rows (or 8 threads if using linen) both horizontally and vertically between each of the twelve blocks.

The ornaments will be stitched on 36 ct. Patriot’s Brew by R&R Reproductions.

The threads used on just the Crocodiles and Giraffes are as follows:

DMC 3072;
Weeks Dye Works in Sanguine, Dove, Bullfrog, Parchment, Garrison Green, Kudzu, Grapevine, Collards, Molasses, Cayenne, and Gunmetal;
Classic Colorworks in Stepping Stones and Hazelnut.

If you want to have all the threads on hand for the entire project, regardless of how it is stitched, you will also need the following six colors:

DMC 3013 and 3033;
Weeks Dye Works in Tin Roof, Galvanized, Crimson, and Baked Apple.

I would also recomment that you have 2 Grapevine and 2 Parchment on hand.

All of the ornaments are stitched in full cross stitch over two threads, but there are just a couple of blocks with a few back-stitches or long-stitches in them.

Finishing by: Joy Hayward of Finely Finished. Thank you, Joy!

Here is a suggested layout for the ornaments, if you’d like them all stitched as one project:

I would not, however, suggest stitching all of the borders first, as there is one upcoming release that actually extends into its own border by just one stitch. I can’t say which one that is, bc it’s not out yet, but also because I don’t know where you would like your animals placed on the grid above! It’s completely up to you! 🙂

But wait! There’s more!

As a way of introducing this series, I’d like to offer you a complimentary chart called «Noah’s Welcome Mat.» It’s yours for the printing, and it is the 13th block in this series I mentioned earlier. The grid above shows all twelve borders for the regular releases. you may, of course, choose to stitch Noah’s Welcome Mat in one of the blocks, but if you use an even-grid layout, one of your animals will have to be kicked off of the ark, so to speak.

Here is what the finished Noah’s Welcome Mat looks like, stitched by my friend Pat Ryan (who also stitched the first two above, and will be stitching the entire series! Thank you, Pat!). The printable chart is available in the link under the photo.

Click here to print your chart: Noah’s Welcome Mat

I hope you like these first two Plum Street charts for 2018! I think this is going to be a fantastic year, and I hope you have lots of fun with your needlework projects. even if you don’t start your Christmas stitching until December 20. 😉

Thank you so much for stopping by to visit my blog. I’ll see you all again soon!