Victoria Sampler : The Silver Needle, Fine Needlecraft Materials


Victoria Sampler has beautiful, delicate, and sometimes very intricate designs. She blends colors beautifully, and challenges you with a wonderful variety of hardanger, pulled thread embroidery, and lots of cut and drawn work, too. Always a touch of silk ribbon, always special silks and threads, her instructions and leaflets are beautifully done. Thea offers classes on-line for her designs... a great help if you're not sure you're on the right track with something! The details for "Cyber-classes" are right on the leaflets!
Oldfield Orchard Farm from The Victoria Sampler Victoria Sampler has a new farm scene sampler -- her sixth -- to companion Pumpkin Patch, Babe's Honey, Ravenhill, Strawberry Fields, and Jingle Bell Tree Farm. All the same 5 x 12 on 28ct size and basic design layout, just like the rest, this is full of its seasonal flavor. Oldfield Farm is an orchard complete with the roadside fruit stand at the bottom. Multiple special stitches and really neat miniature design details, you'll be really good at Lazy Daisy stitches by the time you finish this piece! Coded for all sorts of silks, the accessory thread and bead pack is quite plump -- just like all the fruit trees and berry bushes at Oldfield Orchard Farm!
Halloween Boo Buttons Cathy Jean begins a new set of 6 leaflets -- just like Button Up Birdies -- only this set features 12 kitties all dressed up for Trick or Treat! By the time you've collected all 6 leaflets, you'll have 12 little ornaments ready for a spooky Halloween Tree! #1 Includes a Pirate of the Cattibean and Cattarina Kitty -- a ballerina complete with beaded tiara and gown! The pirate is too cute -- he has a beaded dreadlock -- and looks very Johnny D!!! Stitched on 28ct Dirty Cashel Linen -- 1/2 yard will do all 12 -- each finishes approx 2-1/2 x 3, and can be finished almost any way you want. There are accessory/thread packs available that include the hand-dyed cottons, silks, wire for hangers and black trimming buttons, and we have those separate from the leaflets. We're have an auto-ship on this set to make life easier, because it is so darn CUTE!
Love is Patient You might not have enough patience to stitch this entire sampler... but then again... you might!!! Absolutely lovely, this entire piece measures approx 4-1/2 x 20-1/2 inches on 28ct Natural Cashel Linen. It is FULL of specialty stitches worked in silks and perle cottons... and features so many different 'areas'... that you could stitch just parts and sections, or the entire piece. Stitched in lots of white, with taupe accents and bits of rose hand-dyed, the embellishments include white and silver beads, some tear-drop and tiny round pearls, along with a silver metallic cord. Make it as involved or simple as you want... every part of this is pretty! Make a Ring-Bearer pillow out of the initial block in the center... make a photo album cover out of the verse area... lots of possibilities. Offered as the leaflet with accs pack separate.
Winter Holiday Sampler Oh, The Victoria Sampler has a new Wintery/Christmas Sampler releasing this week that is just charming! Remember Jingle Bell Tree Farm, Santa's Village, Carol Singers, Heirloom Nativity and Christmas Village???? They all match, and any two or three of them would be really happy hanging together on your wall! Thea's Smokey Pearl 28ct fabric choice is a perfect backdrop for all the white lace snowflake bands dividing this medley of winter scenes. Stitch those in your choice of the white silks offered in a separate accs pack -- or use DMC white perle cotton. Offered as a leaflet with separate accessory/silk pack, stitch just a part of this if you haven't got the time to do it all... some pillows would be fun! There are 28 special stitches in here, bead and metallic touches, lots of tiny design details, and LOADS of stitch texture (perle gives you more relief, silk is softer and lays flatter) and interest. Finishing approx 4-1/2 x 21, this whole series of 'Winter-y Samplers' has always been customer favorites!
Valentine Pin Cushion This is the beginning of a promised set of shaped pin cushions! Stitch and construct a heart-shaped mattress approx 5 x 5 x 1/2 in size! Bullion Knot roses, gold paillettes and beads, the main piece is worked on 28ct Summer Khaki Cashel linen, and uses 6 different stitches, while the sides feature another pink linen! Coordinating scissor keep and fob are included in the design set -- really very pretty. Instructions will be wonderful and easy to follow -- the accessory/thread packs for this is a must!
Beautiful Finishing #8 Needlerolls and Christmas Crackers! The Victoria Sampler has a new title in her Finishing Series that includes cute projects, and concentrates most of the publication on the assembly and finishing of the pieces. Joining her darling little houses and biscornus, we have Christmas Crackers. The stitching is done on various colors of 28ct linen -- the accessory pack is loaded with pretty silks and lots of petite beads. There are 4 projects to make -- a Santa, Angel, Gingerbread Man and Snowman. Even though these are shown as stuffed ornaments -- you CAN frame them -- as they are simply small 4 x 5ish band samplers! All of Thea's Beautiful Finishing leaflets are wonderful... just great pics -- TONS of them -- to guide you through each of the featured techniques.
Noel Biscornu With matching scissor fob! Stitched on 28ct Antique White Cashel Linen in hand-dyed and solid silks, this is a 15-sided biscornu shape. It features 5 Hardanger sides that they promise are 'NO CUTTING' sides, and 10 with lovely, intricate needlework vines of pine needles! The leaflet includes some finishing... but if you need more help, refer to Beautiful Finishing #4 -- Sweetheart Roses. This is the best Biscornu finishing book out there! Make 15 teeny-weeny ornaments if you're not 'into' assembly... and enjoy the pretty desgns just the same! Offered as the leaflet with separate thread and embellishment accessory pack.
Cathy Jean's Woodland Babies Oh how cute! You'll have one of this set tucked inside your 2011 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Issue... and here are three more to make a charming quad! A baby bunny, chipmunk and raccoon (the squirrel is on the magazine) are all worked on 28ct Dirty Cashel Linen in Sampler Threads and garnished with tiny red buttons and grey beads. They are mounted into miniature metal tart tins -- you might remember those from Artist's Collection a million years ago! The cutest things! Anyway, Cathy Jean's Woodland Babies all finish a mere 2-1/2 x 2-1/2. These three are in the leaflet -- get that LIMITED IN AVAILABILITY Ornament Issue for the 4th. Just Precious, we purchased a few accessory packs in case you needed the red buttons and such.
Gingerbread Church A charming companion to VS's Gingerbread House... you can begin a stitched village of miniature fabric buildings! Joining our Gingerbread Stitching House comes the cathedral decked in white perle cottons against the Antique Almond 28ct Cashel Linen. The roof can be stitched on black or the almond... notice the color for the main piece is really only in the tiny stained glass windows. Looking MUCH harder than it actually is to assemble... you CAN do this! I think the whole thing finishes approx 10 inches high by 9 inches long... I am adding up the piece dimensions in my head. A delightful addition to the House, the accessory pack includes all the silks, metallics, flosses, pearls, gold cross charm, and snowflake buttons. Charming!
Biscornuments Well... here's a new word! Ornaments made into a biscornu shape! Victoria Sampler delivers a set of 5 miniature stuffed ornaments -- each measuring only 2 x 2! Stitched on 28ct Platinum Cashel Linen in lots of hand-dyed silks, flosses,and metallic braids, each features either ribbon embroidery, pearl or bead embellishments, all in it's 29 x 29 stitch count area! Easy special stitches are used, and there is a lesson included for making twisted cord and tassels. These can be framed, or finished flat -- lots of teeny options for these!
Button Up Birdies from Cathy Jean's Designs Cathy Jean's Designs is beginning a set of 12 birds... 2 releasing each time in a set of 6 leaflets... they are JUST PRECIOUS! Stitched with overdyed flosses and bits of Wisper thread -- for the furry snow. They'd make a pretty quilt, charming ornaments for next year's Christmas Tree, and each would be pretty framed and hanging in a hallway, all lined up! Be creative! Anyway, first is the Chickadee, who is unraveling the mittens hanging on the line to dry! December's Christmas Cardinal features bright red winter color. January's Tree Sparrow is full of more bright color, while February's Whiskey Jack is bringing a tiny red heart flower to his mate. Choose a pretty coordinating Weeks Dye Works Wool to back each bird -- using buttonhole or primitive stitching -- just like the pics on the leaflet covers! We're going to help you collect all 6 of these with an auto-ship... they are too cute to miss! We are now carrying the VS Accessory Packs for each of the Birdie Books as they are released. Along with the necessary Gentle Art and Weeks flosses, they include beads, the wire to curl and use for hanger, and those cute little wooden stick buttons! They are offered separately from the books, and we CAN add them to your monthly-auto, if you'd like.

Pumpkin Patch Farm Here's a charming seasonal scene -- Thea's companion to Babe's Honey, Strawberry Fields, Ravenhill and Jingle Bells Farms!!! All seasonal farm samplers... Pumpkin Patch is jammed full of tiny design details (there are chickens in here that are only 4 stitches tall!), and awesome specialty stitches. Stitched on 28ct Clay Cashel Linen in mouthwatering Autumn shades of Gloriana, Dinky Dyes, Mori and Needlepoint Inc silks, each of the four panels can be stitched by itself, or combined into the colorful 5 x 12-1/2 sampler. All of the coordinating Farm Scenes feature busyness! Small pics of the gardens and greenery, the gatherings and pic-nics, the special stitches are scattered everywhere to add texture and design interest. A very fun seasonal decoration... that you just might leave out all year long! Offered as the leaflet with thread accessory pack separately.
Mistletoe Stocking Geometric patterns grace the front of this stocking, rather than Santa flying through the sky! Quite a different design subject, this reminds me of the old Cross Stitch and Country Crafts wallpaper stockings, and Just Nan's vertical band sampler stockings. Offered as a leaflet, Mistletoe Stocking features bands of mistletoe, separated from the bands of Hardanger Embroidery by lots of specialty stitches. LOTS of texture and design interest... putting a dark lining behind your Hardanger really showcases your stitching talents! Worked on 28ct Taupe Cashel Linen in STUNNING threads of #4 Vatican Gold Braid, Bordeaux Gloriana Silk, Moss Waterlilies, 4mm burgundy silk ribbon, white pearls, and cranberry, cream and gold beads, this is an elegant stocking presentation that finishes into a generous 10-1/2 x 16-2/3 inch piece. Perfect for Santa's treats! Offered as the leaflet, with linen and accs pack separately, use white perle cottons #8 and 12 from your stash, or add those packs!
Beautiful Finishing #7 Spring Box Wow... this is a miniature work of art! Victoria Sampler delivers a lovely stitched set of octagonal box, pin keep, scissor case and tiny matching fob -- and all the instructions to make it look perfect! Your 5 x 5 x 3-ish box is fabric-covered mat board, and garnished on top with Hardanger Embroidery and other specialty stitches. All the accessory pieces match -- all are worked on 28ct Light Sand Cashel Linen (11 x 13 should do all!) in brilliant yellow and deep lavender and green silks and flosses. Issue number 7 in Victoria Sampler's Beautiful Finishing series, you get 4 pages of all the stitch diagrams and charts, and 5 pages of VERY detailed finishing instructions --complete with 40 small color pictures of the actual assembly process. The point of the book is to instruct you in this type of technique so that you can make ANY sizes and shapes of boxes, fobs and keeps! The Accessory Pack contains all the necessary silks, cottons and embellishments. All of it is just Breathtaking!
Forget-Me-Not Sampler Oh... the verse on this is so charming! It is a story of a little blue flower that has come timely... but he has forgotten his name. When his little face reaches up to God for help remembering... God reminds him that his name is Forget Me Not! By Linda Rosser, this is a pretty band sampler full of special stitches and soft, dusty Springtime colors of silks and metallics. Stitched on 28ct Light Mocha Linen, it finishes approx 5-1/2 x 15-1/2, and is filled with delicate little flowers, butterflies, rows of Bargellos, Scotches, Herringbones... all sorts of fun stitches, and of course little blue Forget-Me-Not flowers! The Accessory Pack features silk thread and ribbon, and gold/silver metallic braid and petite glass seed beads. Very pretty, the chart is huge, and so are the diagrams -- so easy to deal with!
Milday's Reticule What a pretty stitched set -- the reticule is a vase-shaped bag decorated with a garden scene on the front, and Hardanger Embroidery on the back, while the biscornu is decorated with design element take-outs from the bag. IT is my favorite! Look at the four flower buds -- they are silk ribbon flowers, which all garnish the reticule! Stitched on 28ct Cream Cashel Linen, the bag finishes approx 5-1/2 x 9-1/2, the fob -- a little under an inch in size, and the Biscornu is 3 x 3. The Accessory Pack of threads includes all the silks, floses, silk ribbons, silk twist cord, and seed beads, all in a medley of soft garden-y greens and soft pinky-peaches. Offered as the leaflet with accs pack separate.
Linda's Ort Bag Here's an interesting shape -- a rounded cube -- beginning to open up like a tulip! A new designer for Victoria Sampler, Linda Rosser has designed a little holder for your stitching ends -- or Orts! Stitched on 28ct Summer Khaki (lots of other colors will work for this!) linen in pastel shades of raspberry, olive greens, cream and silvery-gold metallics, this finishes approx 4 x 4 x 6, and is decorated with lots of Satin Stitches, Long Arms, Queens, Smyrnas and Eyelets. Stitching on all four sides is basically the same, but you could personalize your bag with your name on it! You'll need almost all of a fat quarter of linen to do the bag and matching fob. Available in leaflet format with silk and metallic thread pack separately, as always, the stitch diagrams are huge and clear, and the finishing instructions - very detailed. Looks kind of fun to tackle, because nothing looks too hard!
Quilting Bee Sampler Victoria Sampler has a new piece - a tribute to Quilters and Quilting Bees. The charming scene at the top -- the gathering of friends of work on their quilt -- and then the quilt in the center, what a pretty piece! Each square of that quilt (which COULD be stitched just by itself, you know!) features loads of specialty stitches and quite a collection of Whitework Embroidery. Stitched on 28ct Natural Linen in 8 different brands and labels of silks, cottons and wools, this 7 x 16 piece uses 28 other stitches besides Cross! If you aren't going to finish the entire sampler, think about little ornaments and fobs from those tiny quilt squares! Pretty colors, lovely charts and diagrams... offered as the leaflet with silk/thread/bead accessory packs separate.
Precious Memories This is a lovely intermediate-level needlework piece that doesn't involve much Cross Stitch at all! Stitched on 28ct Platinum Linen, this intricate vine finishes approx 3-1/2 x 5-1/2 in size, and showcases any verse or personalization of your choice. Ring Bearer Pillow, Photo Album Cover, Jewelry Box Top, perfect for so many occasions... the stitching consists of Bullion, French and Colonial Knots, along with lots of Silk Ribbon Embroidery, some Rhodes Hearts and Satin Stitches. Unbelievably pretty, so much texture and stitch interest, this is enchanting! Offered as the leaflet with excellent stitch diagrams and tips, the accessory pack is separate.... but you'll really need it because of all the silk ribbons. (too hard to find elsewhere) Very elegant, very different, truly lovely embroidery!
Bargello Biscornu (and Scissor Fob!) Ohhh... stitch this awesome little cushion in either Christmas colors, or dusty blues and lavender... leaflet is the same... you simply have two color-pack choices! Victoria Sampler has added a bit of Hardanger Embroidery to 5 of the panels of this 15-sided Biscornu. Actually, there isn't much stitching in this at all! It just looks that way. Simple Bargello and Lazy Daisies with silk ribbon adorn the 10 stitched 2 x 2 squares, Hardanger, the other 5, and do you notice that the Christmas version has wrapped bars done in gold metallic? Just lovely! As always, the leaflet and charts are beautifully done. If you own the Beautiful Finishing IV Book of Thea's, it contains dozens of photographs for biscornu assembly, and can help with your finishing. Stitched on 28ct Platinum Cashel or Antique White Linen, although each tiny square needs only a 3 x 3 piece to work on... you may want a bigger cut to fit in your stitching frame. We can cut you any size!
Winter Box - Beautiful Finishing Part 6 Stitch the lid designs, along with matching pin cushion and little fob... and assemble the entire set to look as lovely as the one in the pic! Victoria Sampler has released her 6th booklet of Finishing Techniques... this one features a charming 4 x 4 x 6 Etui Box that has a lift-off lid. Showing off your pretty needlework, lift that lid, and the box sides cascade down to reveal your matching cushion inside, as well as places to store needles and scissors. Everything is stitched on 28ct Natural Linen in luscious red, green and cream silks, with lots of gold metallic accents. Great instructions, you stitch all the little pieces, and then follow the dozens of photographs for assembly. A few Algerian Eyelets, French Knots, Smyrnas and Four Sided Stitches, this is really a pretty project, and a fun finishing technique to master!
Santa's Village Sampler It's a busy Christmas Eve Evening... Santa and The Mrs are checking their lists and the elves are getting reindeer ready for the upcoming flight, snow is falling, it promises to be a Big Night! Victoria Sampler has a new Christmas sampler that companions her Ravenhill Herb Farm, Jingle Bells Christmas Tree Farm, and Strawberry Fields Farm pieces -- this is Santa's Farm!! Offered in leaflet form with silk packs separately, the verse on this reads: 'It's Christmas Eve, such a magical night as Santa and reindeer prepare for their flight... His sleigh and huge sack filled with more than just toys... they hold love, peace, contentment and true Christmas joys.' Stitched on 28ct Misty Blue Cashel Linen in lots of pretty silks and perle cottons, you'll see two lacy borders that each feature tiny red jade heart embellishments!!! Accessory Pack contains the colored silks and embellishments... there is a separate silk pack of JUST white silk for the snow... optional as you might have another white you can use... and chart does require 1 ball each of #8 and #12 white Perle for those lacy bands. As always, VS has stuffed this with cute, tiny detail, and LOTS of specialty stitches. Tons of texture, lots of charm! Finishes approx 7 x 15-1/2 inches.
Sweetheart Roses -- 3 Biscornu Set #4 In The Beautiful Finishing Series by Victoria Sampler, this leaflet offers patterns in two different colorways for the three different sizes of Biscornu cushions, and excellent assembly instructions for each! The smallest is a fob -- 2 sided. Next, is 6 sides (it looks like it has 4 panels on the top -- but that is all one stitched piece!) It features Hardanger on its 4 other sides. Finally, is the grandest -- the 15-sided piece! 5 on top, 5 around the sides (again, these feature Hardanger Embroidery) and 5 on the bottom. Absolutely intriguing... their assembly is really very easy, when you have a minute to study the pictures and instructions. Stitch your Sweetheart Roses in perle cottons and silks of fresh lime greens and rich lavenders or pink and ecru. The Violet thread pack features a gorgeous, deep purple silk ribbon for the spider web roses, the Pink pack uses peach silk ribbon. Each cushion is embellished with bits of beads, and a pretty central button. The leaflet features 38 ADDITIONAL actual photographs (besides all the regular charts and stitch diagrams!) of the Hardanger steps, and the assembly process for each of the three cushion sizes. Unbelieveably clear, you can really tell what's going on here!!!! An excellent reference tool for future Biscornu finishing!!!
Count Your Blessings 'Count your life by smiles not tears, Count your age by friends not years.' This is a charming needlework case with matching 'smalls' to stitch and use, or tuck into your curio cabinet of neat, finished needlework projects!!! Stitched as one long piece, this is actually folded -- kind of pleated -- to create two pockets inside, to hold the pin keep and scissor sheath, or just anything. When opened, this measures approx 5 x 19. It is stitched on 28ct Platinum Linen in lots of varied silks and metallics, and garnished with lots of petite seed beads, tiny gold balls and stars, and a gold filagree heart charm. Loaded with 29 special stitches -- notice the outlining vine -- NO Cross Stitches in it anywhere! Every leaf is a Lazy Daisy, every flower is a different stitch! The 18-page leaflet is jammed with charts, full instructions for everything... tons of photographs of the assembly process, just amazing to page through! There is even a Hardanger Heart for the case front that is optional -- and Thea has done a DVD to teach you its basic stitching technique! Quite a lovely etui! Offered as the leaflet, with thread accessory pack and DVD separately.
Cathy Jean Honeysuckle Hill Sampler Cathy Jean presents house #2 in her 4-seasons of houses on the hill with their lavish gardens!!! Honeysuckle Hill is the summer version which is stitched in pretty hand dyed silks. There are two teeny Mill Hill glass butterfly treasures in the accessory pack, as well. Almost 4 x 9, there is a smattering of special stitches that garnishes the band sampler in the hill.
Hardanger Heart DVD By Thea Dueck of The Victoria Sampler, this is a DVD that features beginning Hardanger Embroidery instruction! Designed to complement the Count Your Blessings Stitcher's Etui pattern, you would need that leaflet if you were to do the entire Etui project... But I have a hunch that the Hardanger instructions in here will be invaluable, even if you choose not to do that particular pattern. The heart shape is very basic... you'll learn easy Algerian Eyelets... it promises stress-free cutting (!), Easy Blanket Stitches, Weaving the perfect Dove's Eye and making perfect Bullion Knots. If you're the kind that needs pictures to help you... or the quiet of your own stitching space to absorb things... this DVD is for YOU!

The Alphabet Sampler Series The 24th and final sampler in the set of alphabet letters by The Victoria Sampler has arrived! Quite an imaginative set of designs... each celebrates a letter of the alphabet with stitches and motifs of that letter. Actually, quite a comprehensive 'dictionary' of small designs, borders, fonts, and specialty stitches... you could take favorites from a few and create your own tiny band samplers, sewing cases, or anything! Absolutely charming... each is offered as a leaflet with accessory pack which includes multiple brands and colors of silks (Silk 'n Colors, Waterlilies, Gloriana, Needlepoint Inc, Soie Perle, Au ver a Soie, Silk Mori, #4 metallic braid, beads and #12 perle.) Stitched on 28ct Platinum Linen, each sampler will finish approx 3 x 13. Each leaflet offers the same design suggestions for the entire set... you choose what you want to do with all of it. You may want to stitch just the first letter of your name, or do the entire alphabet... Very pretty colors, motifs and stitches... whatever your choices... this is a winner of a set!

Babe's Honey Farm Sampler Victoria Sampler has a new farm scene that is companion tp Ravenhill Herb, Jingle Bells Christmas Tree Farm, Strawberry Fields. This delightfully busy garden of beeskeps complete with the roadside stand is as charming as needs to be, to keep all those bees buzzing! As always, cute motifs and pretty little scenes are scattered everywhere, and lots of specialty stitches give everything texture and interest. The thread pack is stuffed full of a multitude of specialty threads -- silks, cottons, silk ribbons and tiny brass bee charms -- the pages and pages of diagrams and instructions tell you what to do with all of it! Thea lives near lots of neat farms... this whole series has been inspired by her neighboring farms, all through the seasons of the year! Stitched on 28ct Light Sand Cashel Linen it finishes approx 5 x 13. Offered as the leaflet with thread pack separately.
Friends in Stitches This is a small 3 x 11 band sampler that is full of special stitches... but presented in a beginner-level format... to help you 'get your feet wet' with 'fussy stitching!' If you have a stitch group that never does these kinds of things... you could all stitch it at the same time... kind of like a book club. If you can whip this kind of thing out quickly... it'd be a pretty gift for a special friend. You could even change the sentiments to a birthday or gardening theme... just about anything. Offered as a leaflet, there are two different colorways of thread packs -- roses or blues. Just a pretty wisp-of-a-thing!
Four Seasons Simple, seasonal bellpull designs, the leaflet delivers charts for all 4, and the accessory pack includes the threads and beads for all, as well. The complete alphabet is included... so actually, you could spell something different inside of these... nothing SAYS you have to stitch 'Summer' with the summer colorway! Petite bands, each measures approx 3 x 11, and sports pretty edging treatments. You can probably see the dramatic shading along those edges that is the responsibility of the hand-dyed threads you'll be using. Very 'Quick Stitches' this is offered as the leaflet with accs pack separately. Each season uses a different linen color to accent it's colorway. Spring uses Cream, Summer uses Olive Green, Autumn is stitched on Dirty, and Winter calls for Pearl Gray.
Mermaid's Song Stitcher's Pocket Set Victoria Sampler has released an awesome set of stitching cases and a matching fob... all with a mermaid and ocean theme! Absolutely charming... the main Stitcher's Pocket measures approx 7 x 8, and is stitched on both sides. You'll notice the Hardanger flap on the front, and the tiny coastal village on the back. Bargello decorates the bottom, just like a scallop, and check out all the silk ribbon kelp! Garnished with lots of tiny shell charms, it's simply a stunning piece. Next... there is a miniature needle shell. It's actually a scalloped square that folds open and closed... and features that same commanding Bargello stitch. Third, is the mermaid scissor case... she's on there, with more of that kelp! (at first I thought that was a eel!!!) Finally, the tiny lighthouse fob... just the cutest... it comes from that seaside village on the main bag. Pages and pages of charts, stitch diagrams, wonderful instructions as always, are included for ALL the assembly, as well. In fact, there are 3 solid pages of finishing steps that include 25 MORE photographs! I just love paging through the book! Next, is the exquisite package of threads and embellishments, offered separately. Petite seeds beads in white and aqua, at least 5 or 6 charms in here (clam shell, mussel, sand dollar, star fish) metallics and silk perle, there is Gloriana hand-dyed silk ribbon for the kelp, and a TON of hand-dyed cottons, silks, perles -- I counted 25 different threads in here! Enough is included to stitch all the pieces. All is stitched on 28ct Amsterdam Blue Cashel Linen... you'll need an 11 x 38 Cut, and need to purchase that all at once, so everything matches. Just a lovely set of needlework pieces... what an heirloom! I envy everyone who lives near the water...hmmm.......!
Hands To Work Sampler A pretty kitchen garden... just like one Thea found in Olde Sturbridge Village, MA... stroll through the garden beginning at the bottom with the beds of carrots, radishes and cabbages. (there was a little frog in the radishes!) Next... the onions, squash, potatoes, strawberry patch, ... cauliflower, peas, parsnips, and lettuces are in there -- all between rows of specialty stitches. Orchard trees in the backyard, charming farm houses... there is so much color and detail in here, it is so much fun to look at! Stitched on 28ct Confederate Gray Cashel Linen, the accessory pack, once again, is full of all sorts of hand-dyed silks and cottons! Measuring *a petite 4 x 7& (how charming is that!?) I love the fabric strips and wall hanging finishing idea for this! Simply a lovely piece -- for anyone who has a kitchen!!! Offered as the leaflet, with separate accs pack.
Snowdrop Hill Sampler 'Come gentle spring, snowdrops bow to thee.' A Springtime sampler... calling for Spring to COME! The bands are special stitches, verse over one, the bunny amidst the carrots at the bottom is pretty cute! Stitched on 28ct Antique Almond Linen... you might want to change that to something a bit lighter... as it doesn't remind one of spring! But, then again, Cathy Jean wants her sampler to have an antique flavor -- so you decide! Finishing approx 8-1/2 x 4 on the 28ct, the accessory pack of threads includes lovely shades of silks and cottons.
Window of my Heart All the Windows of my heart I open to the day! Cathy Jean has such a colorful and uplifting design that just bursts from the cover of her new leaflet! Stitched on 28ct Antique Almond Cashel Linen... a lovely hand-dyed gingerbread-y color... the threads used are a mixture of hand-dyed cottons and silks, and are just bold and lovely! Most of the center heart is regular Cross Stitch. Notice the vines all over the heart? They are a Double Running, decorated with Lazy Daisy leaves. Next, the red border is Blanket Stitched... then comes the rest of the Lazy Daisy leaves. Finishes a mere 6-1/2 inches square, this is offered as the leaflet with hand-dyed thread packet.
Birds of a Feather Sampler Just a fun little piece dedicated to stitchers everywhere! A 2-1/2 x 11 band sampler with matching biscornu cushion, once again, like the rest of Thea's designs, this is packed with special stitches in a thread palette of awesome variety. Silks and beads, lots of tiny rows full of textures, it's a charming little set! Offered as the leaflet with thread and embellishment pack.
Bumblebee Lace Sampler This is quite a lovely study in Hardanger, Silk Ribbon Embroidery and a little bit of Stumpwork!!! Lots of needlework talent tucked into this 4-1/2 inch square, you're working with silks, metallics, ribbons and wires. None of the techniques used in this are really difficult to execute... they're just scary to tackle when they're all on the SAME and GOOD piece of fabric! Lovely Cut & Drawn Thread work, that little bee features organza wings that are wired edged, and actually stick-up from the fabric, so you can bend them!! Offered as the leaflet with all the necessary threads, and great, clear instructions!
Carol Singer's Sampler What a pretty piece! Thea's secular version of her Heirloom Nativity piece, this has elements reminiscent of her Christmas Village sampler as well. Absolutely charming... you can stitch the entire 5 x 24 inch piece, or split up the sections, adding whichever parts of the verse you want. We love Santa up there in the sky... you could stitch just him and that first village... with or without the snow below...but the entire piece is stunning! Offered as the leaflet, this is stitched on 28ct Smokey Pearl Cashel Linen, in LOADS of exquisite silks -- some overdyed, metallics, silk ribbons and bead embellishments. Packed full of special stitches, there is so much texture and interest... even the chart itself is pretty and fun to look at! I just love the tiny street scenes and snowflakes scattered everywhere. Offered as the leaflet with two thread packs and linen separately.
Twelve Days Sampler Stitch a lovely bell pull for an empty, skinny wall, or a set of ornaments to scatter on your tree. Victoria Sampler has taken the words from 12 Days of Christmas and tucked them all into a 3 x 28 inch sampler -- loaded with pretty stitches and color! I love hanging this sort of thing in that thin little wall space between two doorways, or beside a window, or in a funny little wall niche... it's a surprise for anyone who walks by! 12 Days is stitched on 28ct Natural Linen in deep, rich shades of silks (lots of hand-dyeds), cottons, metallics, and is embellished with beads, pearls and little gold spangles. Charted for both the long sampler and each ornament individually, along with all the fun stitch diagrams -- 4 pages worth! -- there are finishing instructions for everything as well. These kind of designs always seem to stitch so quickly, because the rows are short (only 3 inches wide!) and with every bit of a new stitch or little figurine... your sampler grows and grows! Offered as the leaflet, with thread accessory pack and linen offered separately.
Snowbabies #1 and #2 What an endearing set of old-fashioned children playing in the snow! Cathy Jean has 4 grandchildren... so naming her Snowbabies was easy for her! Thomas and Emily are in #1, and Joey and Olina are on #2! Stitched on 32ct White, in soft denim blue, moss green and rose silks, what adds to the fun is the bit of Appleton brand Crewel wool, for the Turkey Work snowballs. Just sweet little designs, each finishes approx 3 x 3. We're offering the charts with the threads, as you need that wool for the snowballs and the opalescent metallic for the flakes.
Gingerbread Stitching House Well, if this isn't the most charming sewing case!!! Victoria Sampler has designed a 4 x 4 x 5 actual little Gingerbread Cottage that is a pin cushion, Scissor fob, Needle and Scissor Keep (the roof!) and overall tiny storage box for anything small and precious! Doubling as a mantle or tabletop decoration, it is stitched on 28ct Antique Almond Cashel Linen in lots of brilliant silks, and embellished with TONS of tiny bead and button 'candies!' White silk icing drips everywhere, too! You can see two stitchers at home inside the front windows, there is a tiny Hardanger window on the backside, and the snowman in the backyard is watching the miniature gingerbread birdhouse!!! A pin cushion snowball fits inside the chimney. Beautifully presented in a full color leaflet, the assembly instructions are artwork in themselves. 4 complete pages with 32 actual color pics of the step-by-step finishing process, they are amazing to read thru! Accessory packs include all the necessary silks, ribbons, beads and buttons -- but you will need 2 balls of Perle Cotton that are not included. I recommend a 1/4 yard piece of the linen... as there are at least 10 different small pieces to this, and you'll want a little lee-way with piece placement -- especially if you do the scissor case, mentioned below. Absolutely TOP NOTCH! A few special stitches scattered throughout, this piece is just over-the-top unique and endearing! A DEFINITE! The scissor tree case that is shown is featured in the 2009 Just Cross Stitch Magazine Annual Ornament Issue, so reserve one of those NOW if you haven't!
Sugar and Lace Sampler This is a sweet little piece -- a tiny showcase of your stitching talents! A tiny angel trims her Christmas Tree, amidst the falling snow! Finishing a mere 3 x 11 on 28ct Willow Green Cashel Linen, this is stitched in elegant colors of light blue and ecru silks and sparkling gold metallics. Lots of fun stitches, and Hardanger at the bottom, your Blanket Stitches do the finishing! The leaflet also includes an ornament design that looks like a piece of wrapped candy! All white and gold, with Hardanger edging, it's just beautiful! Accessory pack contains all the silks, beads, metallics, sequins, a heart charm... tons of stuff!
Tea Party The Victoria Sampler has a charming new design, very antique in feel to me! 'Come share with me a cup of tea, and let our earthly troubles be.' Stitched on 28ct Country Mocha Vintage Cashel Linen in loads of silks and a bit of silk ribbons, most of the piece is cross stitch, and it features that flourishing vine that is worked in 'counted crewel embroidery!' Loads and loads of special stitches... I just LOVE that vine and all the colorful flowers it brings. Beautiful stitch diagrams -- even the leaflet is fun to browse through and study. Finishing approx 8 x 9-1/2, there are finishing instructions for a tea cozy, and also a chart for a small coordinating tea cup pin cushion. Glorious colors, a charming theme, and that awesome Crewel embroidery -- this design is stunning and a welcome change to your stitching stash!!!
Jazz Sampler Here's a tribute to musicians, Jazz music and the city of New Orleans! The top band represents the Garden District and French Quarter of the city of New Orleans with balconies and colorful old architecture. There is a row of parading ladies -- all playing instruments -- the little trumpet is even included in the silk thread pack! The Blackwork heart row reminds you of all the wrought ironwork throughout the city. Offered as a leaflet, with complete silk/metallic/bead and embellishment packet, this finishes approx 5 x 11 on 28ct Cashel Linen. Lots of fun stitches and bold colors!
Stitcher's Garden Sampler Victoria Sampler has published a sampler piece with a southern flair, and lots of Hardanger flavor. 'In search of my mother's garden... I found my own.' is the featured verse, and nestled in the garden's greenery and critters... you'll find a stitcher. Truthfully, some of the gals in the shop have commented on the deep blue linen color ofthis piece... and the jury voted that an ivory, buttermilk, or something light would be lovely as a background color. If you are 'not into' Hardanger as a stitching technique, leave off the edge treatment, and the bottom embroidery -- you'll be left with a delicate spot motif sampler that showcases the bits of silk ribbon work, and the Cut & Drawn Openwork up in the verse. Offered as a leaflet with thread and ribbon accessory packet, the hand-dyed silk threads and ribbons are all included, as well as the pearls and bead embellishments. Lovely specialty stitches all perfectly diagrammed in the instructions, the main piece finishes approx 5 x 11-1/2 on 28ct.
Tea & Stitches This is quite a set! Framed main sampler, 5 x 7, (shown as a sewing box top) a scissor fob and case combo, and matching needlebook. A stitcher waits for her friend to join her for tea in the garden... this sampler is charming!!! (Please, work with me... I don't care for the pink showing through the openwork areas... I'm thinking Natural Linen, with a rich antique ivory lining behind the lighter and softer ivory threads...) The border features 14 separate Whitework areas full of Hardanger, Pulled and Drawn Threadwork. Inside the leaflet, the pictures are STUNNING -- there are actual photographs of all the stitching procedures for all the intricate work -- they are amazing! Lovely stitches, and wonderful instructions to go along with them!!! Offered as the leaflet with silk thread pack!
Heart's Delight Stitcher's Set Wow... a Nametag Pocket, Bookmark, Needle Biscornu and Scissor Fob... you get a lot in here!!! This is a fun little set that features lovely silks, bits of metallic, some silk ribbon, pearls and beads, and some rose quartz hearts. Easy Hardanger, a few Lazy Daisies some Queen Stitched hearts... do only the little pieces... or show up at the next stitching retreat you attend, in real style! (Of course you could stitch a set of this for everyone in your group, if you're an over-achiever!) Nothing too hard, just really very pretty! Offered as the leaflet with all charts and finishing instructions, and thread packet.
Heirloom Stitching Sampler Victoria Sampler has outdone herself with this charming sampler dedicated to our favorite people -- STITCHERS! A tribute to the love of needlework passed from Grandmother to Mother to Daughter, this includes three tiny stitching scenes, several verses, and over 38 specialty stitches! Finishing approx 4-1/2 x 31 on 28ct Natural Cashel Linen, the silk thread pack is stunning... so many different hand-dyeds in it, bits of metallics and glass beads, the colors are rich and deep -- lots of creams, cranberries, denims and taupes. The Hardanger scattered throughout is lovely, the stitches and bands tucked between all the alphabets are so textured and varied... this just BEGS to be stitched!!! There are so many small parts you could pull out, and frame just by themselves... in case the whole sampler is too daunting for you. It is just lovely... and of course, the leaflet is beautifully presented, stitch diagrams are large and clear -- the whole thing is just a delight to page through and plannnnnn! Offered as the leaflet with silks and embellishments separately.
Forever and For Always A lovely wedding, anniversary or birthday piece by The Victoria Sampler, this is stuffed full of pretty stitches, luscious silk threads and touches of silk ribbon embroidered flowers. Stitched on 28ct, it finishes approx 3 x 8-1/2, and features a smaller matching design, as well. The colors in the accessory pack are soft creams, yellows, coral-pinks, and soft greens, and it does include enough thread to stitch both projects. Offered as the leaflet with necessary silks, ribbons and embellishments.
Kitty Bun Bun Just a sweet piece for Easter! Kitty is dressed as the Easter Bunny, he's stitched in overdyed flosses with accents of Wisper thread to make his tail and ears furry! Embellished with Just Another Button Co Easter Eggs, he measures approx 4 x 4. Offered as the chart with threads and eggs.
Beautiful Finishing III, Little House Ornaments Victoria Sampler has designed a set of miniature house-shaped ornaments, charted them, and published the assembly process for you to follow in finishing them. A technique you can use for any number of cube or box-shaped pieces, the designs are simple so that you can stitch them, and concentrate on the finishing techniques. The leaflet is well presented, with great photos of the various finishing procedures. We have the leaflet separate from the silks this time around... in case you want to use schnibbles of threads from your stash to make your tiny 1 x 1 x 3 houses! The thread packs do contain lovely hand-dyed silks.. and we do carry all the pretty colors of linens featured, too! (You'll need 6 x 27 of a color for each house, and 5 x 5 Black linen for each roof)
Christmas Hearts Victoria Sampler introduces a band sampler for Christmas, loaded with traditional deep red and green color! Only 3 x 7 in size, the main bell pull features very basic Hardanger, along with rows and rows of always-fun-to-do special stitches! Nothing hard in this little piece, the ornament makes a nice companion, to showcase your work on the tree -- beside the bellpull on the wall! Offered as the leaflet with awesome threads and bead embellishments.
Christmas Treasures Collection Bride's Tree Box and 12 Ornaments New from The Victoria Sampler is this awesome set of 12 ornaments, and larger sampler, designed to be inserted into a box (top) that stores the precious ornaments! Inspired by a German tradition that suggests a couple's tree needs 12 specific ornaments for happiness in their life's journey together, what a wonderful wedding gift, or momento to celebrate Christmas together! Each (1 to 1-1/2 inch-ish) ornament has a specific meaning, outlined in the pattern. Loaded with pretty specialty stitches and cool silks, metallics and a few beads, finishing instructions are supplied for the ornaments. (VS suggests their Beautiful Finishing Ornaments Leaflet, which has dozens of actual finishing pictures all along the construction process, if you want a little more help on the finishing end. It's very nicely done.) Next, stitch the main sampler, which incorporates all the ornament motifs. Stitched on 28ct Taupe Cashel linen, it measures approx 5 x 7, which is a GREAT, FINISHABLE size! Shown in a lovely Olde Colonial Dowry Box... well... you'll need that, too, and we'll have them! (Price shows as $00.00 because we don't know it yet!) Accessory Pack contains Perle Cottons, Silks, Waterlilies, Gloriana, Needlepoint Inc and Kreinik, along with shiny gold pailettes -- little gold spangles! Truly a Family Heirloom to be!!! The Fat Quarter linen cut will be enough to stitch the entire set and box top.
Snow Much Fun By Cathy Jean, this is a charming piece, with a real 'retro' feel to me! Two little sledders enjoying the freshly fallen snow... she says her grandechildren were the models! Offered as the chart, with wonderful threads in the accessory pack, this finishes approx 4-1/2 x 7 on 28ct. Threads used include Gentle Art's new Simply Wools, and overdyed flosses, Dinky Dyes hand-dyed silks, and Needlepoint silks as well.
Cardinal Just a lovely, plump bird... full of bright red winter cheer! Offered as a single chart, he is stitched on 28ct Clay linen in Weeks and Gentle Art overdyeds. His face features a bit of black metallic braid.
Mystic Needlework Smalls The Victoria Sampler brings us a really fun little set of 'fixtures' for our stitching 'Power Tools!!!' Mystic Needlework Smalls is a 6-piece set consisting of a Stitcher's Pocket, Scissor Fob, Scissor Case, Biscornu and 2 Needlebooks. All inspired by the nautical flavor of Mystic, CT... each piece features lighthouses or tall ships, and repeats motifs from each other. The Biscornu is worked in a beginner-level Hardanger Embroidery, and in reading the instructions, I find that it is made first, THEN the Hardanger top piece is added on! Stitched on 28ct Confederate Gray Cashel Linen in an awesome array of exotic silks, ribbons and metallics, the main case folds to a 3 x 5 size, fob is a mere 1 x 1!... scissor case just 2-1/2 x 4, books are bigger at 3 x 5, and the Biscornu an impressive 5 x 5 before finishing! Cute seaside motifs all over, do one part of this, or the whole set! All are offered together in one leaflet, and the accessory pack allows enough thread to stitch EVERYTHING! As always, beautiful stitch diagrams and great instructions!
Where Stitchers Gather A collection of needlework pieces dedicated to the friendships we make as we get together to stitch! The Victoria Sampler brings us a Stitcher's Pocket that stores a matching scissor case and fob, along with a needlebook piece. Packed with specialty stitches worked in silks and more silks... overdyed flosses, metallics, silk ribbons and touches of wool, each piece is stitched on 28ct Natural Linen, and uses the threads included in the accessory pack. Yummy roses, teals, creams and greens, the set is simply charming! 'Where Stitchers Gather... Friendships Blossom' is the verse on the Pocket front; it finishes approx 7 x 6 when folded. Scissor case measures approx 2-1/2 x 4, Fob is a mere 1-1/2 inch square, and the needlebook measures approx 3-1/2 x 5. Offered as the leaflet with complete stitching and finishing instructions, the accessory pack is filled with wonderful threads, and the charts are mouthwatering!!! I want to start mine NOW! We're offering a 1/4-yd cut of linen, so all your pieces match, and you have the capability of making more matching fobs and scissor cases for your stitching friends!
Living Free By Cathy Jean, this is such a Springy piece... the trees and flowers are dancing just as much as the baby goat! Offered as the leaflet, it is stitched with Sampler Thread overdyeds and finishes approx 6 x 7 on 28ct. French Knots and Lazy Daisies... and that lovely verse...!
Desert Garden Sampler Another (actually the 13th!) in Victoria Sampler's set of different seasonal and geographic gardens... this design takes us to the desert, and all the special vegetation a loving gardener would care for and appreciate! Stitched on 28ct Ice Blue Cashel Linen in silks, and a few overdyed flosses, the 2 x 8 band sampler is loaded 'with rich earthy ochre colors and the unexpected blooms of dozens of graceful drought resistant native plants.' There are little animals scattered throughout the garden, lots of desert flowers, and special stitches for them as well! A MUST if you live near or in the desert... or if you vacation there! Offered as the leaflet with silks, flosses and bead embellishments. Don't miss the other new designs, including this month's Alphabet Sampler, shown farther down this page.
Welcome Hearts Sampler Bell Pull Here is a study in some basic Hardanger... it creates the backdrop for your lacy and delicate Welcome! Stitched on 28ct Flax linen in silks, perle cottons and featuring bead embellishments, your piece finishes approx 3 x 15. The letters are simple cross stitch, the Hardanger decorations on the borders simply repeat themselves, but look stunning in the process! You'll look like a PRO when you've finished this! Greek Cross, Blanket, Hemstitching, Nun, and Dove's Eyes... they are all beautifully presented in stitch diagrams, with a few real photos tucked in the leaflet. Very pretty, it is offered in two colorways -- lighter heirloom is the pink, darker heirloom is the red. (Click the image at right to see both options.) Offered as the leaflet with your choice of colorway silk packet.
Trust & Contentment By Cathy Jean for Victoria Sampler comes this charming piece... 'Trust and contentment radiate from a good friendship.' Just look at that fireplace and the cat and dog... and I need no more words! The accessory pack contains lots of Gloriana silk, as well as Gentle Art's Simply Wool hand-dyed thread -- it makes the braided rug a little furry! Soft and pretty, this is offered in a leaflet format with the necessary threads. Stitched on 28ct Dirty Cashel Linen, it finishes approx 6 x 8. Very 'homey!'
Heirloom Nativity Sampler An intricate Christmas sampler... this features lacy Whitework and a bit of Hardanger all tucked between bands of the Angels on High, the Shepherds Watching their Sheep, the Three Wise Men, and Jesus in the Manger. The story of Christmas is told band by band, stitched in silks and metallics on 28ct Smokey Pearl Cashel Linen. Finishing approx 5 x 23... study the bands a bit... there are so many small border designs in this... each of the special scenes could be stitched by itself for a neat little stand-up... connect it all horizontally... it fits! Victoria Sampler is delivering another exquisite piece. The huge Accessory Thread Pack is a 'Who's-Who' of silks, metallics and embellishments! Lovely charts, diagrams and stitches, it promises to spark lots of Christmas memories!
Home For Christmas By Cathy Jean of Victoria Sampler, comes this calming winter scene -- bringing home the Christmas Tree. Offered as a leaflet, the design measures only 6 x 7 and is worked in Weeks and Gentle Art overdyed flosses. No special stitches or embellishments, it's full of good-old-fashioned Christmas 'Warm & Fuzzies!' Wouldn't it be a pretty pillow on your couch?
Harbour Village The Victoria Sampler has released three new leaflets of great designs... and I've chosen to tell you about Harbour Village! (P is for Princess is new, and so is a cool book centering on finishing bell pulls...info about those two shown below. MAKE SURE to check them out!) Back to the water... Harbour is a companion to the Christmas Village published last fall. It is a bustling, small-town-flavored double scene of river and water life! Fishing piers, canneries, tiny boats out for the day... the sky is a crisp blue. Bands of special stitches divide the piece, and surround the verse. Down below, there is a big summer bar-be-que, to complete the busy, busy village! Offered as a leaflet, this includes lots of wonderful stitch diagrams and instructions, and the accessory pack STUFFED full of all the necessary silks, overdyeds, pearls and beads needed for your stitching. There is an optional package of black and white silk, as most of the rest of the piece is in silk... you may want this, too. Finishes approx 10 x 16 on 28ct Rue Green Cashel Linen. Very endearing!
Strawberry Fields Farm Victoria Sampler's third 'Farm Sampler' Strawberry joins Ravenhill Herb Farm and Jingle Bell Tree Farm. Stitched on 28ct Olive Green 28ct Cashel Linen, it finishes approx 5 x 13, and is stuffed full tiny details and special stitches. Thea writes about her first job -- picking strawberries! There is a farmhouse, the strawberry fields, the little picker... another shed for jam making and berry selling, and finally the Tea House at the bottom that advertises 'Tea and Strawberries.' The included thread and accessory pack includes lots of Gloriana, Mori, and Needlepoint Inc silk, along with a smattering of petite seed beads... everything you need to stitch the piece. Lots of crisp greens, red and white... it's a charming piece!
Tropical Garden Sampler Palm trees, pelicans, and pineapple... perfect elements for this tropical garden... we have ice and snow in Oklahoma right now... THIS is a 'world away!!!' A new release by The Victoria Sampler, this is the 12th in her series of small garden band samplers. Tropical Garden is stuffed full of tiny South-Sea motifs, all reminding me of warmer times and fun vacations! Offered as a leaflet, this finishes approx 2 x 8 on 28ct Miracle Mint Cashel Linen. A super-pastel green color, the silks in the included accessory pack concentrate around summer greens, sun-kissed yellows, and coral pinks. The Hibiscus are stitched in silk ribbon, the palm trees are a study in Feather Stitches, and check out that little waterfall at the top... such cool stitches to create all the shapes and motifs! Very pretty, very summer-y, very warm weather and vacation home! Offered as the leaflet with all the necessary silks, ribbons and beads.
Blue Carnations A needle roll, pincushion, scissor fob and name tag combo-set of designs... finished as suggested, or little ornaments... this is a pretty set of small designs that coordinates well together. Presented in a leaflet format with companion accessory pack of lavender, creme and moss green silks, beads, glass hearts and ribbons, they're stitched on 28ct Antique White linen. (Title suggests blue... the colors are NOT blue, they are the soft lavenders and greens -- no pink, either!) Simple Lazy Daisies, Pulled Pins and Satin Wave Stitches, the colors in this set of pieces are so soft and pretty! Nothing difficult, just delicate, smaller projects -- suggesting that you could make a gift of matching pieces!!!
Christmas Village I heard the bells on Christmas Day begins the verse of this charming piece... a bustling Christmas Village scene, full of white lace and snowy winter flavor! By The Victoria Sampler, this is so, so pretty... it's stitched mainly in cross stitches... and features snowflakes stitched in all sorts of permutations of Star and Eyelet Stitches. (That's because no snowflake is exactly like another, you know!) Stitched on 28ct Smokey Pearl Cashel Linen, the accessory pack features 22 different colors of silks, overdyed flosses, #4 metallic braid, and, more silks! The embellishments include seed beads, tiny pearls and star sequins, as well. Offered as the leaflet with accessory packs, colored silk/accessory packs and black and white silks have arrived, too. Your busy Christmas Village finishes approx 16 x 10, and most surely will become a treasured Holiday Heirloom.
Victorian Rose Sampler A bit of Bargello and Hardanger, you can make a long,skinny sampler or a small candy-shaped ornament for your Christmas Tree! (Hint... if you are 'not into' bellpulls... just frame the sampler, omitting the hours and hours of blanket stitches around the edges!) Offered in leaflet format with a delicious accessory pack full of silks, #12 perles, 1/8th in ribbon, Waterlilies Silk, Organza ribbon, and a smattering of glass seed beads, your piece is full of soft pinks, burgundys, soft greens and creamy whites. Finishing approx 3 x 11 on 28ct Taupe Cashel Linen, you're treated to lots of specialty stitches, all done with those exquisite threads. The little piece of candy ornament is also included... and although it looks like a small 'bonus' chart... I think there's more handwork in IT than the main piece! Something to Treasure for years to come!
Silk Bougainvillea Sampler If you're into soft peach and green colors... this is FOR YOU! Designed as a companion piece to VS's Silk Wysteria and Gazebo Roses pieces, this is a generously sized piece at approx 4-1/2 x 17-1/2 when stitched on 28ct Confederate Gray Linen, which has the slightest blue-green tint. Including lots of white Trebizond (4 spools!) and Soie Perlee silks, the accessory thread pack is stuffed with the beads and pearl embellishments along with Gloriana hand-dyed silks like Peach Blush and Arctic Ice, Weeks overdyed flosses, Needle Necessities Moon Cactus #4 hand-dyed metallic braid, and loads of 4mm silk ribbons for the bougainvillea on the vines. With a lacy gazebo at the garden's top, rows of flowers alternating with the verse, your garden finishes with Hardanger gates and Bargello stitches at the bottom. Packed full of neat specialty stitches, I seriously doubt that there is a plain 'ole regular Cross Stitch in this! Its really fun just to page through the book reading about all the different stitches, and imagining how they'll look! Just breathtaking... this is offered as the leaflet with wonderful instructions and diagrams, and the necessary silks and embellishments. Fabric is offered separately.
Gingerbread Garden Sampler Stitch tiny gingerbread cookies, candy canes, and a delicious-looking cottage -- but DO NOT EAT! Stitched on 28ct Dirty Linen -- a great gingerbread color -- your piece is filled with candy-bead embellishments, lots of fun stitches and delicious silk threads of tan, butter, red, rose, greens and creamy, frosty white! Full of festive colors and flavor, the Gingerbread Garden finishes approx 2 x 8 -- just like the rest of Victoria Samplers' charming miniature garden samplers! Accessory pack contains all the necessary silks, beads and metallics!
Heirloom Wedding Treasures This is a set of pieces to coordinate with the previously published Heirloom Wedding Sampler. A trio of ringbearer's pillow, bridal purse and bridesmaid keepsakes... this is just a breathtaking set of pieces! Stitched on 28ct Platinum Linen, (the linen in the pic looks so much darker than that, but it really isn't), it's basically a study in white, opalescent and pearl. Lots of pretty Hardanger Embroidery, with great stitching instructions, the pillow finishes approx 15 inches square; the purse, approx 5 x 6; and the bookmark approx 2 x 7. Offered as the leaflet with an accessory pack of metallic opalescent braid, silk ribbon, silk threads, mother-of-pearl heart beads, and tiny pearls... you will still need size 8 and 12 perle cotton, 10 spools of white Trebizond Silk and white Silk Perlee. Quite an undertaking... get the book and accessory pack first, then study which pieces you'll do, and then gather your needed additional threads!
Jingle Bells Christmas Tree Farm Wow... is this the coolest pattern!!! A frosty confection of snowy whites, icy blues and frosty greens, this is a cozy Christmas Tree farm scene loaded with stitch details and luscious silks (Glorianna, Waterlilies, Needlepoint Inc, and Mori), overdyeds and beads. Finishing approx 5 x 13 on 28ct, the thread pack includes 21 different silks, 8 different bead colors and gold star charms. The featured stitches (lots of Ray, Herringbone, and Fern) add so much texture, especially to the pine trees. Delightful to look at, the chart just calls you to stitch it! The second in Thea's Small Farm Series, it's companion is the Ravenhill Herb Farm piece, shown below. Offered as the chart and thread package.
Heirloom Homecoming Sampler Home is where my heart is. It's where I long to be. Comfort, Joy and Laughter with friends and family. Those are the words tucked between the many bands of this piece that features Pulled Thread, Drawn Thread, Cutwork and Hardanger Stitching!!! Offered in two different colorways, Rustic is the mauve and green selection... Heirloom includes teals with soft greens, grapes and browns! (Click the image at right to see the two embellishment packs, so you can choose.) Stitched on 28ct Platinum Cashel linen, it measures approx 5 x 23, and is full of special stitches! The accessory packs feature 19 different silks, rice and heart beads, Mother-of-Pearl and Quartz beads... metallics... SO much in there for your money, and way to much for me to type in here!!! Victoria Sampler's designs are always full of creativity, detail, elegant threads, and excellent instructions! What a pretty house-warming or wedding gift this would make! Offered as the booklet with your choice of colors.
Spring Garden Sampler The newest small garden piece in VS's set of seasonal gardens... we love these because while they're small, and take approx 12-15-20-ish hours to stitch... they are FULL of detail, color, and special stitches!!! Finishing approx 2 x 8 on 28ct Ice Blue... we've done several of these gardens at our Camp Wannasew Weekends because they offer such a nice sampling of interest, and those fun stitches! The accessory pack included features 19 different colors of silk! There are no beads or charms on this... but I bet you could add some, if you wanted! Very Spring-y and colorful... lots of textured details in the beeskep and birdhouse... and check out the little frog sitting amidst the Hyacinth!!! Offered as the leaflet with accessory pack, take a peek at the other small gardens in this set... you're going to recognize them, because of their petite size!
Autumn Garden Sampler The Fall garden in VS's series of delightful, skinny little samplers, this one is just as cute as all the rest! The eighth so far (Rose Arbor, Cottage, Butterfly, Woodland, Noah's, Winter, and Seaside are the others...) this is stuffed full of tiny details and motifs. Winter Garden, taught by our Gale, is our featured Linen Stitching class this Fall in the shop! Anyhow, the overdyed cottons and silks used are yummy, (burnt orange, sable, mulberry, harvest grape...!) the piece measures a mere 2 x 8, and is an absolute delight to stitch because of all the variety of stitches and textures. You never get tired of any of it, because the rows are all so short, they finish in a jiff! Miniature pumpkins, scarecrows, birds and acorns... very cute! Offered as the leaflet with thread packet.
Christmas Cardinal Stocking An ecru, red and aqua to deep blue Hardanger creation, this stocking won't get lost amongst the others hanging off the mantle! Stitched on 28ct Amsterdam Blue Cashel Linen, it finishes approx 11 x 17. Generally, you see Hardanger worked tone-on-tone, which means that this piece would work beautifully on an ecru or cream piece of fabric as well, and still offer the same lacy-looking details and bright, popping colors. Loaded with special stitches, the booklet offers great instructions for the Hardanger, stitches, and even the stocking finishing! Included with the leaflet is the silk thread packet which boasts the most brilliant, true reds, aqua and midnight, taupes, creams and brown silks, gold metallic, and a few metallic teal seed beads. Quite elegant, it offers an alphabet for personalization, and an option for a cuff-only stocking! (See this year's 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue for VS's tiny matching ornament!)
Ravenhill Herb Farm A city/country sampler loaded with special stitches, this highlights the herb garden that grows both in the city and country! Offered as a leaflet with absolutely wonderful stitches and huge diagrams, the main piece (pictured) measures approx 13 x 5 on 28ct linen. There is a smaller version pictured on the back of the pattern that features the top house motif and the verse 'There's no place like home.' Stitched in a multitude of overdyed Sampler Threads, Silk 'n Colors, Waterlilies, Silk Perlee, Mori and Needlepoint brand threads... the accessory pack contains all the necessary threads, and is a really good value -- considering the huge assortment of threads in it! A bit of Hardanger Embroidery, tons of other stitches adorn the herb garden with lots of texture and detail! Grow Herbs, Gather Love... and stitch the top, middle, or bottom of this colorful piece! Leaflet with thread pack.
Good Friends Sampler Such a gorgeous piece with such a neat friendship story behind it... the two designers, Thea and Yvonne. have created something you'll want to stitch for one of your special friends! Stitched on 28ct Antique White in the prettiest rich purple, fuschia and green silk Mori, Waterlilies and Silk 'n Colors colors, there are lavender, pink and white beads and pearls, along with a generous amount of hand-dyed silk ribbon included in the thread pack. Lots of hardanger and special stitches, all of it is beautifully diagramed inside the leaflet. You have two choices for your finished piece... each incorporates the intricate hearts and verse. Available as a leaflet with the accessory pack, which has enough thread for one of the pieces. Just stunning!!!
Sentimental Roses An elegant tribute to a special friendship, this sampler design features a 2-1/2 x 9-1/2 4-band sampler and 4-1/2 x 6 heart-shaped picture frame set. Stitched on 28ct Antique White linen in soft, pastel shades of Silk 'n Colors and Mori... the celery, mauve, light teal, white and softest peaches threads set off the miniature white pearls and silver glass seed beads. Special stitches, all beautifully diagrammed, only the bullion knot flowers may pose a challenge to execute. There are finishing instructions for the heart frame included in the leaflet. Available as the leaflet, with the thread pack that contains enough threads to stitch either the sampler or frame. Sooooo pretty!
Seaside Sampler This is a charming coastal-themed piece stuffed full of so many neat seaside and beach things!!! While you're executing all the fun stitches in silk shades of frosty blues, aged woods, and seashore corals and lobsters... you'll be stitching a ship's anchor, a hungry seagull perched on a piling, sailboats in the distance, seashells, starfish, and the lighthouse in the distance! The seventh in Victoria Sampler's Garden series... this is available as a leaflet with wonderful instructions inside, as well as the full thread and embellishment package. (Fun little sand dollars in there!) So unique, so creative... such a fun and different theme... we don't see much in the way of seaside designs... and this is truly beautiful!!! Finishing approximately 2 x 8... this is 'do-able!!!' We've stitched a few of these garden series designs at our Camp Wannasew weekends in the past... and some gals (OK... the TURBO STITCHERS) have finished them in one day!!! Really fun to stitch because of all the variety and neat silks, metallics and beads that are all there ready to go!!!
Renaissance Lace OK... summing up a beautiful design, presented flawlessly, stitched in awesome burgundy and green silks in two sentences should be a breeze!!! Wow, this is just breathtaking! Tons of stitches, luscious silks, metallics and silk ribbons... this finishes approx 3 x 11-1/2 on 28ct linen. Hardanger, beautiful silk ribbon bullions, and all those special stitches... this is so pretty... you could pull parts of it out and stitch them individually if you'd like. Beautifully presented in booklet format with large, clear instructions... I think the pic speaks for itself!!! The thread pack includes enough thread to stitch the box-top as well!
Winter Garden Sampler This is a small winter garden delight, full of special stitches, tiny details and winter charm! All the winter birds are here, along with a snowman someone built... all in the middle of bands and bands of basic hardanger, a little hemstitching, and a touch of drawn thread. Stitched on 28ct Smokey Pearl linen, it finishes approx 2 x 8, and joins five other samplers in this series! Available as a chart, the accessory pack includes all the necessary silks, -- there are five different kinds in there!!! -- metallics, beads and silk ribbons... in just yummy frosted whites, teals and soft browns.
Welcome Sampler This collection features a trio of designs to finish as a sampler, banner, and keepsake bag. Stitched on 28ct Antique White, each piece is stuffed with special stitches, silk threads, pearls and petite beads. Soft roses, and rich greens... it is designed to be a housewarming gift, or new home blessing! The verse reads, May our home be warm and our friends be many. Available as the leaflet with accessory thread pack -- enough thread for all three projects!
Noel Sampler A very simple piece in Hardanger Embroidery terms, this Christmas piece is understated and elegant! The six page leaflet includes absolutely flawless instructions to create any number of projects, from the bell pulls and ornaments pictured to the larger tea tray project. Designed by Thea Dueck... your cross stitches are familiar and easy. The Hardanger borders and embellishments are also easy to do -- (they just don't look that way!), and beautifully diagrammed and photographed inside the leaflet. Each ornament finishes approx 3 x 3 inches. The Noel Tray design measures almost 5 x 8. The bellpull is almost 3 x 10. Victoria Sampler always delivers a product of superior quality... you won't be disappointed with this one!!! Available as the leaflet with thread pack of gold metallics, soft green Trebizond and rich Burgundy and green silks.
Close At Heart A wonderful collection of coordinating needlework pieces, this leaflet contains the charts for a sampler, matching needlebook, needleroll, and scissor fob! Stitched in your choice of a pink or lavender colorway, each piece is stuffed full of fun, special stitches, each clearly diagrammed in the instructions. The sampler measures 5 x 5, the roll, approx the same -- only rolled! -- the fob is approx 2 x 2, and the needlebook is approx 3 x 3 when closed. Such gorgeous combinations of stitches and colors, it's available in leaflet format, with the coordinating thread accessory packs, which contain pearls, heart beads, silks, metallics ribbon, perle cottons, and even a touch of Waterlilies hand-dyed silk!. (Rose color pack has pink pearls and rose Quartz hearts... Lavender color pack -- which they call antique Mauve -- features lavender pearls and Amethyst heart beads.) The heart-shaped pin cushion pictured is an additional freebie chart... so we are including the accessory pack for it as well... because you'll want enough thread to do the entire set! The accessory packs, which contain the main sampler threads, the separate heart pin cushion and one painted gold heart charm, contain only one of the painted heart charms. So extra hearts -- in either the pink (rose) or lavender (mauve) painted finish -- to embellish all the coordinating pieces are also available. Stitched on 28ct Antique White Cashel Linen, a fat-quarter cut will do the entire set, with a little extra fabric left to spare! Just yummy, 4 of the Silver Needle gals working the day this arrived immediately bought it! (We'll see who finishes it first!!!)
Friendship SamplerA wonderful sampler full of Hardanger, Pulled and Drawn Thread stitches, tons of special stitches all done in lots of different silks and metallics... and the most delicious thread colors... if you have a special friend... you need to stitch it for her! (or him!) Lots of smaller 'satellite' designs, there are several variations on the main design, depending on your project preferences. Everything is beautifully diagrammed, all the finishing instructions included, stitched on 28ct Antique White Cashel Linen... and the thread packages include all the silks, beads, metallics, and specialty silk perles to complete all the designs shown. The colors are rich lavenders, pinks, teals and greens, gold metallic, along with coordinating metallic beads, and opalescent whites. So, so pretty! The main sampler finishes approx 4-1/2 x 11, and the box top approx 2-1/2 x 6-1/2. Available as the leaflet with thread packs for all the projects, this is just beautiful! Because of all the various projects... please choose your favorites, and order linens after you've decided on which you'll do! (too many variations to list... but we stock everything!)
Noah's Garden Sampler Stitched on either 28ct Summer Khaki or Olive Green Cashel Linen, it measures approx 2 x 8 inches in size. Stuffed full of deep silk colors, pairs of animals, special stitches, and charm, this is the fifth in VS's Garden series! Joining Rose Arbor, Cottage Garden Butterfly Garden and Woodland Garden, the leaflet is available with the complete thread pack of silks and Water lilies. As always, great instructions, and a really clear stitching guide photo of the finished piece.
Heirloom Christmas Sampler In three sentences or less... I was going to try to tell you how breathtaking beautiful this creation is! But it's indescribable!!! Stitched on 28ct Platinum Linen in your choice of a teal, blueberry and mauve color scheme, or cranberry and deep greens, this sampler finishes approx 5 x 23 inches. Available as the leaflet with your choice of thread colors and yummy bead and pearl embellishments, it features a fantastic selection of beautiful stitches. The tree at the top is so elegant... and all the bands below are full of lacy stitches, Holiday greenery, and the verse "Sing the joy of Christmas, Of peace that never ends, share the love within your heart, With family and friends." The bulging accessory packs include all your necessary silks and overdyed flosses, metallic #4 Braid and the silk ribbons. The bead embellishments are tiny Mother-of-Pearl stars, Pearl disk beads and wonderful colors of Mill Hill and SJ glass seed beads. Excellent, clear instructions with enlarged photos, as well! Choose the pattern and one accessory pack for the piece. (unless you can't decide... then get both color packs!!!)
Christmas Virtues This is a collection of four ornaments for your tree, each featuring different specialty stitches. Measuring only 3 x 3" on 28ct linen, they are really pretty, and will make heirloom ornaments! The book has wonderful, clear instructions, as well as two color combinations to choose from! The thread and embellishment packs that you'll need to stitch them include all the special silks, flosses, silk ribbons, beads, metallics, and tiny pearls necessary to stitch all four in the set. So many cool threads in these packs... definitely some things you won't have in your stash! Choose to stitch them on White using the Pack #1: Victorian red and green colors, or Platinum Linen, using the Pack #2 mauve and soft greens. Just stunning... don't pass these by!
Christmas Roses A leaflet containing a sampler, gift bag and stocking design, these are full of special stitches, cool threads, and lots of wonderful silk ribbon embroidery! The instructions are perfect... and there are actual-sized full color photographs of the stocking cuff work which is just indescribable! The sampler measures 5 x 13" and features the same ribbon and raised work that is on the stocking cuff. Gorgeous!
Woodland Garden Sampler The fourth in Thea Dueck's Victorian Garden series of band samplers... this is so restful and pretty! Stitched on 28ct Confederate Grey Cashel Linen in yummy Silk Mori colors of salmon, lavender, burgundy, greens, teals and slate blue, there are also Evergreen and Rainforest Waterlilies hand-dyed silk featured, along with touches of gold metallic! Lots of special stitches, it finishes approx 2 x 8," just like the other three. The Confederate Grey linen has a dusty teal-blue tint to it, so it really highlights all the greens, lavenders and soft browns. Very clear, complete instructions, all of the silks and metallic threads come with the leaflet; the fabric 8 x 14" 28ct Confederate Gray Cashel Linen is available separately.
Heirloom Memories This is a breathtaking band sampler stitched entirely in silks, packed full of special stitches that commemorates someone special to you, or a very special occasion. Stitched on Platinum linen -- 32ct measures approx 4 x 10" for the larger sampler, 3 x 7" for the smaller -- fabric not included, but available separately -- the colors are raspberry and blackberry, soft greens, taupe and creme. The threads and embellishments needed are all included, and are so delicious to look at! You'll be stitching with Waterlilies overdyed silks, Trebizond, regular silks, silk perle, and silk Mori, as well as metallic braids and two different widths of silk ribbon. There are glass beads, pearls, and tiny Mother-of-Pearl heart beads, too! The special stitches -- there are 24 of them -- are beautifully diagramed, and there are charts and pictures included of the smaller designs that match, as well! Such an elegant collection of designs, it's a pattern that I've just loved looking through over and over again... wishing I could start it tonight! Four matching patterns in the booklet... click the image at right to see them all... along with the necessary threads and embellishments: $41.50 (For the fabric: since there are four designs available in this set, please use the write-in box on the order form to type in which projects you want to stitch, and which count you want. Consider Antique White as another fabric color option; it's equally as elegant, just a smidge lighter! We'll cut each piece to order!)
Lavender Hearts Sampler A breathtaking set of designs, these are stitched in five different kinds of lavender, creme, and green silk threads, with lots of metallic, pearl, and bead touches! Pretty areas of hardanger and bargello, you'll get to do a little hemstitching and lots of specialty stitches. Everything is done on 32ct Platinum Linen... but there is enough thread to work it on a 28ct, if you'd rather. Just beautiful! Leaflet comes with all the necessary silks, metallics and embellishments -- even the one shown on the mat.
Friends are Treasures Sampler A soft and lovely friendship verse: Friends are Treasures from the Heart, is featured in this delicate band sampler. Finishing approx 2 x 8 1/2" on 28ct white Cashel Linen, it's stitched in the yummiest mauve, pastel yellow, lavender, and soft green silk mori, and white perle cottons, with tiny pearl and white bead embellishments. The matching scissor fob (1 x 1" design), and sachet (2 x 2") designs feature touches of the specialty stitches the larger sampler has, and there is an alphabet included for you to change wording to "Mother, Sister..." or a special name. It's really very pretty, and the instructions are beautifully done. Available as the leaflet, with the thread and embellishment pack. Fabric -- 28ct white Cashel Linen -- available separately; let us know if you need enough for the fob and sachet, as well!
Butterfly Garden Sampler An absolutely beautiful springtime sampler, this is a companion piece to the rose arbor and cottage garden samplers! Stitched on either 28 -- finishes approx 2 x 8" -- or 32ct linen, it features really unusual, neat special stitches, in yummy pastel silks of mint green, lavender, pinks, and soft yellow. The embellishment is a painted butterfly that is shown in the center of the matching pin cushion design. It's so pretty, and features very clear, easy to follow instructions!
Heirloom Wedding Sampler This is absolutely gorgeous!!! If you don't know anyone who's getting married, stitch it anyway, and leave off the names and dates! Stitched in beautiful white silks, it also uses Trebizond -- a heavier weight silk thread -- opalescent metallic, white silk ribbon, perle cotton, a touch of taupe silk, and 2 sizes of pearls for embellishments. Stitched on 28ct Platinum Cashel linen... the larger finishes 5 x 21", the smaller, 3 x 16". It's loaded with special stitches, and features some really pretty hardanger embroidery in the design. The book includes excellent instructions and diagrams, to stitch both a larger and smaller version of the design. You will need to purchase your fabric separately.

Cottage Garden Sampler The latest in the Victorian Garden Series, this one is just lovely! You start your garden walk by coming through a trellised gate, wandering through a beautiful Victorian garden and ending at an authentic English cottage. Stitched all in silk threads, the design features lots of neat specialty stitches, all well diagrammed in the leaflet. All silk threads are included in the accessory pack that comes with the leaflet. All you need to add is the fabric. If you are a gardener, or have a gardening friend, you won't want to pass this one up!