Mercy Goodehart's Sampler

Mercy Goodehart's Sampler, an original design by Shakespeare's Peddler

Finally, Mercy has finished her sampler.  This was definitely a labor of love, and this was a lot of fun to stitch.  I love the colors and am really pleased with the finished design.  Mercy is a fictitious stitcher, and I have sprinkled fictitious initials throughout the sampler (including RW, the initials of her instructor.)  Simon, Mercy's faithful tabby cat is up in the righthand corner, and you may notice tiny initials in each of the four corners: M, M, L and I -- for Matthew, Mark, Luke and John ("I's" and "J's" were sometimes used interchangeably.)

The entire sampler is worked in lovely shades of green, gold, dark chocolate, cream...and even a pale teal blue and a vivid red...all are Needlepoint Silks.  I have also included a DMC conversion, for those who prefer to use these threads.  (See below for the supply list.)

Everyone who sees the sampler is enamored with that crazy striped bird.  He was fun to design, but even more fun to stitch.  The stitches are primarily cross stitch over-two and over-one (for the verse and other words).  I also used Algerian Eye stitches for the large alphabet.  I toyed with the idea of NOT filling in the background behind the smaller alphabet (it added considerably to my stitch time.)  I think anyone could leave the background out, but I'm actually really happy that I decided to plug away at it, as I think that cream stripe adds visually to the piece.

Supply List:

Stitch count: 315 by 273

(about 17 by 15 1/2 inches on 36 count linen)

Fabric: 36 count Vintage Exemplar by Lakeside Linens

Needlepoint Silks:

203

222

315 (I used my first skein down to the last few strands...you might need 2 skeins.)

333

336 (2)

356

505

587 (3)

641

692

693

764

851 (3)

901

953

965

Frame is by Neblitt's, my local frame shop (isn't it gorgeous?)

The chart retails for $18.00, and you can get it and the supplies on my Etsy site: Letters Great and Small.  Or ask your local shop to order it from Norden Crafts or Hoffman Distributing.

On to the next!

Miscellany

It's been a busy few weeks here at the house.  My friend Sue came for a visit from Minnesota last week.  She enjoyed the MUCH MUCH (MUCH) better weather here.  Minnesota has pretty much been a frozen wasteland this winter.  

I took her one afternoon to volunteer at the thrift shop and then the shelter.  And there was a kitten who needed fostering -- she came in during an ice storm about a month ago, and several of the employees tube-fed her and her siblings.  Only Brows survived, and she is thriving.  We'll have her for four weeks or so.  She's funny, sweet, gentle, and very loving.  And what a face!

Sue suggested we tackle a craft project (something we could finish in an evening.)  I dragged out about 20 of my craft books, and she settled on a book called "Fanciful Felties from Mummysam: Sew People to Meet, Places to Go and Things to Do."  (Mummysam is also known as Samantha Cotterill...she used to sell some of her figures on Etsy, but now you can find her at www.mummysam.com.)  

You can find the book on Amazon (and yes, it qualifies for Prime) for about $8 now.  Well worth it if you like to craft.  Above are the two buildings we made.  I had a bunch of felt here, batting, thread, buttons and pins.  We weighed them down (so they'd stand up straight) with those flattened glass marbles you get for floral arrangements (I had a bag of those in my closet.)  I think they turned out really cute, and although we muttered our way through a few of our ineptitudes, we ended up with something cute that will remind us of our time together.

(These are some of the projects you can make using the book -- it really is fun to look through.)

I have been trying a lot of new recipes lately, using Pinterest as inspiration, and digging through my wonderful cookbooks.  Above is a recipe I've made about four times in the last month (the first time I made it, Harrison asked if I could make it again the next day!)  It's VERY easy and tastes like something you'd get at a great restaurant.  Although it's called "Spicy Thai Coconut Soup," it's not HOT spicy...just flavorful.  A few of the ingredients are going to be things you probably won't have on hand, but they are easily found at the grocery store.  Here is how I make mine (I have made a few adjustments.)

Theresa's Spicy Thai Coconut Soup:

Olive Oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 pound white mushroom (fresh -- sliced thin)

1 red bell pepper, cubed

1 inch of fresh ginger grated (or a few shakes of powdered/dry ginger)

4-6 cloves of minced garlic

1-2 tsp. of lemongrass paste (find this in the produce aisle)

4 tsp. Thai red curry paste

6 cups chicken broth

1 can coconut milk

2 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

Fresh chopped cilantro

Salt & Pepper

Cooked white rice (prepare this as you like -- I enjoy Jasmine rice, but you can use your favorite)

Cook the chicken breasts whole in some olive oil in a pan on the stove until finished, seasoning with salt and pepper (and you can do a little garlic powder, too).  When the chicken breasts are cooked through, slice them as thin as you can (after they've "rested" a few minutes on the cutting board.)  Yes, you can chop the breasts first, then cook them, but I find that chicken cooked this way can turn rubbery and lose a lot of its flavor and is less juicy.

While the chicken breasts are cooking, you can handle the rest of the dish.  This comes together quickly! Start your rice.  I use a rice cooker, so I just dump in 3 cups of rice and 4 1/2 cups of water, turn it on, and forget about it.

In a large and deep pan (I use a non-stick wok), heat a splash of olive oil (medium heat), then sautee your mushrooms, red bell pepper, ginger, garlic, lemongrass paste, and red curry paste for a few minutes.  Then add the coconut milk, chicken broth, sugar and soy sauce.  Simmer while your rice and chicken finish cooking.  When the chicken and rice are finished, toss your chopped cilantro and cooked chicken into the soup.

To serve, ladle the soup in a bowl, then add a big scoop of rice.  This is a very satisfying and comforting dish, comes together in really about 20 minutes or so, and tastes out of this world.

I received a call from Amanda at the shelter yesterday.  Trulia, a cat who had been in our care in the Cat Cottage for a number of weeks, was a bit of a hider.  And it turned out she was hiding something important -- she was pregnant.  Yesterday, she had one little calico baby, and the shelter was desperate for someone to take mommy and baby in.  My cats don't typically like another adult in the house, but I knew Trulia was quiet and gentle, and she and baby are now set up in our guest bathroom with the door closed.

I'm waiting to see if any other babies show up -- cats can prolong their deliveries over the course of 36 hours or so.  But I think this little sweetie will be it.  We may name her Mercy (or Marcie.)  She is so strong already, and quite large for a new born.

After hiding for weeks at the shelter, Trulia is genuinely happy to be in a quiet home with a fluffy blanket, her own litter box and food, and a lot of love and affection from my family.  And she is taking very good care of her baby, too.

(Here's a better picture of Trulia taken by the Pet Photography Project folks at the shelter. Trulia is about three years old, a petite cat -- around 6 pounds -- and was found by animal control.  She is very affectionate and will be up for adoption in about a month or so.)

Diane and I are thrilled with the results of our charts for charity project to benefit animal shelters in the United States.  We had another drawing yesterday, and Lynda Ruth Bowers from Canada is this week's recipient of these two autographed charts from Diane and me.  We'll have six more drawings, and in order to quality, go to my Etsy shop Letters Great and Small and purchase Neighborhood Friends and/or Cats in the Garden.  All proceeds will be going to six lucky animal care organizations in the United States (read about how you can vote for your favorite with your order on the Etsy page.)

After this busy few weeks, I am finally rounding the corner on the Mercy Goodehart Sampler.  It is beautiful (if I do say so myself.)  I have a little bit of the verse and a few other small elements to finish, hopefully today.  I will update my blog and Facebook page as soon as it's ready (with a supply list.)  It's been a really fun project.

Keep those needles busy -- and take care of you! - Theresa

Drawing #1

Diane and I have a few surprises in store to keep the momentum going for our fundraiser for animal welfare organizations in the US.  (You can read more about it on my previous blog post.)

Every Saturday, we are going to draw a name to receive two autographed charts (one from each of us.) Each week will have its own theme, and this week is spring on the farm.

Our winner this week is Valorie Ryan from Texas, and she will be receiving both of the above charts in the mail from us (Spring at Bean Family Farm and Mrs. O'Leary's Farm).

So far, there have been over 250 orders for these charts, which means a lot of great things for animals in need.  Make sure you go and purchase your charts -- we will be doing other fun events and giveaways as time progresses.

Charts for Charity by Little House Needleworks and Shakespeare's Peddler

Neighborhood Friends by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks

Pets bring so much joy to our lives: they greet us happily at the end of the day, they listen when we need a caring friend, they snuggle up to us when we sleep, and they are our constant loving companions. Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks and Theresa Venette of Shakespeare's Peddler wanted to help this country's homeless animals and have created two designs, the proceeds from which will benefit dogs and cats looking for their fur-ever homes.

Cats in the Garden by Shakespeare's Peddler

Both designers have donated their designs "Neighborhood Friends" and "Cats in the Garden," and Theresa is donating the printing of the patterns. So, 100% of the sales of these two designs will go directly to non-profit animal welfare organizations. When you purchase either or both of these designs from March 1-April 30, 2014, you can nominate an animal care organization in the United States to receive a portion of the proceeds.

To nominate an organization, indicate your choice in the comments section of your order form on Etsy. The organization must be devoted to helping homeless, lost, injured, abused, neglected, or abandoned animals and must be verifiable (we will need either an address, a web site, or a phone number for verification with your nomination.) The organization must be in the United States, but does not need to be restricted to an organization that helps dogs and cats (other animal welfare organizations are welcome!) If you do not nominate an organization, your vote will go to Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org).  When you purchase both charts for the special price of $15.00, you may nominate two organizations.

On May 1st, we will draw from all nominations and choose three organizations to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the charts. Additionally, funds will also go to Southern Pines Animal Shelter (Theresa's shelter of choice), Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue (Diane's organization of choice), and Friends of Homeless Animals Inc., of Rhode Island (chosen by Valerie Morrell, who had the grand idea for this venture.) The charts will continue to be available after May 1st, and funds will be distributed at the designers' discretion.

These graphs will not be available through shops or through the distributors -- this allows us to give more to the animal organizations, since we will not have to give anyone else a cut of the sales. These are not "free" charts. You may not reproduce these graphs for sharing via photocopies, scans, electronic copies, or any other method; the designers retain all copyright privileges. You will be getting an actual pattern in the mail with your purchase -- these charts are not available as a downloadable PDF.

Thank you so much for giving a little -- we are happy to give you a little in return, and in the end, we hope to give a lot to many, many animals.

You can purchase the charts here:

Neighborhood Friends

Cats in the Garden

Both Charts

(Diane's chart calls for DMC floss on your favorite neutral fabric that will ensure the white shows up.  Theresa has suggested Sampler Threads, but has a conversion to DMC floss, and again, she encourages you to use your favorite neutral fabric.  Both designs have the same stitch count of 139 by 75.)

***

A little bit about our three chosen organizations:

Southern Pines Animal Shelter is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Last year, this private non-profit organization took in 6,000 lost, abandoned, abused, unwanted, and neglected animals. They operate a low-cost spay and neuter clinic and an adoption center and have helped reduce the number of local unwanted animals by thousands in the last few years (through low-cost and free spay and neuter surgeries.) Thousands of animals are adopted locally, and the shelter also works with transport rescue organizations to send still more pets to states far away where those sweeties can find loving homes. Theresa is a board member and steadfast volunteer at the shelter, and fosters many, many (many) kittens every year. You can find out more about them (including available pets, and find out how to donate or volunteer, at www.southernpinesanimalshelter.org.)

Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue: "We don't get the elegantly coiffed, classically beautiful, completely trained, perfectly behaved dog. We get the leftovers. Dogs that other people have incompetently bred, inadequately socialized, ineffectively "trained," and badly treated. Most Rescue dogs have had it. They've been pushed from one lousy situation to another. They've never had proper veterinary care, kind and consistent training, or sufficient company. They've lived outside, in a crate, or in the basement. They're scared, depressed and anxious. Some are angry. Some are sick. Some have given up. But we are Rescue and we don't give up. We never give up on a dog. We know that a dog is a living being, with a spirit and a heart and feelings. Our dogs are not commodities, things, or garbage. They are part of sacred creation and they deserve as much love and care and respect as the next Westminster champion. So please, please don't come to rescue in the hopes of getting a "bargain," or in need of "getting" anything. Come to Rescue to give, to love, to save a life -- and to mend your own spirit. For Rescue will reward you in ways you never thought possible. I can promise you this -- a rescue dog will make you a better person." - written by Diane Morgan. You can learn more about the Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue at https://southern-az-golden-retriever-rescue.org/. 

Friends of Homeless Animals, Inc. of Rhode Island (a 501c 3 charity): "We rescue small dogs with big hearts! We do not have a shelter; all dogs are fostered in volunteers' homes. Every dog we take in is nurtured and given all necessary medical care as we work to find them forever homes. All dogs under FOHA's care are spayed or neutered before adoption. It is the strength of our members that makes the difference-caring individuals who step forward to save, nurture and rehome dogs who would otherwise face life in a puppy mill, shelter or even euthanasia. We hold many adoption events throughout the greater Rhode Island area all year long. Learn more about Friends of Homeless Animals, Inc. of Rhode Island at www.fohari.org/.

Some Finishes from Around the WWW

I was just thinking the other day about www -- how long (already) it's been part of our vernacular, and how useless (ultimately) it is, because really, what other system do we have in place?  It's kind of like telling someone your address, but first stating that you live on Earth.  (Occasionally, I accidentally type in "qqq" and wonder if I'll stumble onto some whole other Internet.)

I'm always really pleased to see when someone has felt inspired enough to stitch one of my designs, and I always enjoy checking out how people make the designs their own by creative framing or by changes in my original instructions (which really are just suggestions.)

Cyndi stitched this piece, and Jill Rensel did the framing (the picture here is from Jill's fantastic framing blog.  Jill has done the framing for Shepherd's Bush for eons, but she also does other creative framing (and yes, you can ship her your piece if you don't live nearby.)  The design is Witchy Washy, a design I came up with almost ten years ago already.  Rod at Hoffman Distributing said at the time he felt the design had "legs," meaning it would be popular for a long time...I still sell about 30-50 of these charts a month, even ten years later.  It is my all-time best seller.  (Love the purple mats and spooky frame on this one.)

Cindy stitched my Jenny Bean Friendship Sampler and said she's on her way to stitch Jenny's Christmas Sampler as well.  She said she had a really fun time stitching it.  I had fun stitching my own model, too.  I typically don't enjoy stitching my own designs as much, because I'm fretting about color choices and deadlines, but I did like doing this one.

This is my (Raise the Roof) "Cackle" design, performed by Cyndi and framed by Jill Rensel.  I used just a few colors of floss in this one, so I've seen a number of different versions with different purples and oranges and such.  No idea how I thought of the saying for this one, but it still makes me smile: Cackle and the world cackles with you; shriek and you shriek alone.

Here's WW again ... a pretty green mat this time.  Marilyn stitched this version -- she did a great job!  I also see she dates her pieces.  I never think to do that anymore.

Jen stitched my Elizabeth Milner piece -- how pretty it turned out!  Jill Rensel did the framing.  This is a frame I've used a few times.  It's a Larson-Juhl frame and is made to look old and beat up (some of the beading is even missing.)  And it's expensive...funny how we pay so much for things like weathered jeans, crackled furniture and beat up frames.  Our forefathers would shake their heads.

(You may notice that the border seems crookedly stretched ... well, Elizabeth had some "issues" with stitching a straight line, and so her border is actually a little more freewheeling than we're used to.)

Lyn said she stitched this version of my Passport Pincushion for an exchange, so this one is going to live with someone else.  I love how she made a quilted pincushion base!  She said she had fun picking out the motifs from the chart included with the instructions and will also be making one for herself.

WHAT?  Here's WW again -- this time stitched by Marilyn.  Jill put some bats on this mat and polka dots one one of the interior mats.  Great job Marilyn and Jill!

Veena worked and worked and worked her way through Ann Dale, which is larger than large (did you know there are 60,000 stitches in it?)  She made some changes to the colors (her version ends up brighter than mine), and I think it's just lovely.  Don't you?

Susan stitched this version of my Boo Scurry Yum (Raise the Roof) design on a fun over-dyed fabric.  Jill did the framing, once again.  This was another one of mine that I actually really enjoyed stitching -- I love Halloween colors.

If you have finishes you're proud of, share them on my Shakespeare's Peddler Facebook page.  I am proud of all of the work that went into creating these pieces -- nicely done, ladies!

Needlework UFO Adoptions

For over a year, I've been kicking around the idea of how to facilitate a UFO swap online.  There are so many of us with so many projects we aren't finishing, won't finish, don't have time or energy or desire to finish, and so these poor projects sit idly by in a dark drawer with some other orphan buddies.

Back in 2001, my husband and I went to London, and we visited the Victoria & Albert Museum, which has a wonderful needlework collection, including many, many UnFinished Objects.  And while there is a certain amount of beauty in something that has been started, the satisfaction comes when a needlework piece is finished, framed and admired.

So, I have started a new group on Facebook to help these wayward orphans find homes.  I am including here the same rules I have posted on Facebook.  I may edit these rules as issues pop up.  I do not accept responsibility for any transactions (except my own) on the page, but am the administrator in that I will keep an eye on the goings-on.  I hope that you have fun participating in or just watching the group.  You can visit and join the page by going to this link:  www.facebook.com/needleworkUFOs.  Encourage your friends to like and follow the page.  The more people we have, the more fun it will be.

THE RULES:

Many of us have needlework projects we have started that we have either lost interest in or just don't have the time or energy to complete. These sweet little projects sit alone in dark drawers, tucked in boxes, or stacked in totes under the bed with the dust bunnies.

I have organized this page for people who would like to find these wayward orphans new homes where they may someday soon find completion and a place on the wall where they can proudly be admired and enjoyed. Please read the rules below if you would like to participate:

1. Anyone can follow this page, even if you never plan on adopting a UFO. It does not cost any money to join, and you are not obligated to post or adopt.

2. UFO's (or orphans) can be any type of cross stitch or similar handwork project (like you would find in a needlework store...embroidery, Hardanger, punchneedle, ribbon embroidery, Brazilian embroidery, class piece, etc.) Please, no quilting, knitting, crochet, sewing, painting, or other craft projects. I reserve the right to delete any projects or posts that I feel do not match the requirements of adoption or which are spam, offensive, or otherwise unrelated to our group.

3. To post a UFO for adoption, include a picture of the project (if you can iron it first, that may help you take a better picture.) You can also include in the picture the supplies that come with the UFO (if any). If you see a UFO you would like to adopt, simply contact the owner via Facebook. I do recommend that adopters practice first-come/first-served.

With the photograph, include a description with as much information as you can give. Some ideas are what percentage (estimate) of the project is left, the designer's name and title of the piece, how long ago the design came out, the types of stitches used, whether or not you will be sending any supplies along with it (threads, embellishments), and whether or not the piece has been exposed to smoke or pets (this really matters to some people, as they have allergies.) Also, if there is anything missing or damaged, that is good for the adopter to know.

4. The UFO's must come with the original instructions (not photocopies, unless the chart was originally a copyright free design) AND the UFO (the needlework you're got started.) If you've got the fibers and embellishments to send as well, that is great as dye lots will vary. 

5. Include what you would like in exchange for the adoption (this is your "adoption fee.") You can post free adoptions here, if you like. Or, you can ask for a Paypal money transfer (set a price), send it COD, ask for a gift certificate from a shop, swap for another UFO (or specific patterns, supplies, etc.), chocolates, hand cream...or even ask the adopter to make a donation to your favorite charity. It's up to you. The current UFO owner is responsible for paying for shipping, so work that into your adoption fee (or keep it in mind.)

6. Remember when asking for your fee that what a project is worth to someone else is usually not what you spent on it, or the time you put into it (although you may include that information in your listing). Asking for a reasonable fee or swap is the best way to find that orphan a home.  If you are willing to accept "offers," include that in your description, but let's not haggle each other to death.  If your "price" is firm, please say so.

7. How the adoption is handled is up to the current UFO owner and the adopter. I do not gain anything by operating this page and take no responsibility for people who don't pay, for projects that aren't as promised, or for any other flake-out or weirdness. I would hope that everyone can play nice and that we can all trust each other, but, as with anything, buyer beware. It's best not to include your personal information (especially addresses and phone numbers) where everyone can see. Include those in your private messages to each other either via Facebook or e-mail. I really recommend against anyone giving anyone else their credit or debit card number.

(Also, adopters, keep in mind that everyone has different stitching techniques and abilities. We don't all cross our X's in the same direction, some of us are fastidious about our backs, and some of us aren't, some of us are really skilled, and some of us are still learning. If you have any questions about the project, ask them before you adopt. I do not encourage "refunds," but how the adoption is handled is up to the two involved parties.)

8. It is never a bad idea to use tracking when shipping a package, and it is usually an inexpensive addition. Make sure to pack projects securely. If you can put everything inside a plastic bag (or wrap in plastic wrap), that will protect against water damage in transit. When an adoption is either pending or completed, post that information in the comments of your original post, so you don't continue to get questions. I recommend just putting the word "ADOPTED!"  You are welcome to delete/take down your post at any time.

9. Please also feel free to post pictures when you finish a UFO that you adopted here. We'd all love to see these orphans get their day in the spotlight!

10. If there are transaction issues, I will not serve as a mediator, so please don't ask. But, if someone is abusing the system (adopting, but not paying, accepting payments, but not sending...or is being harassing or threatening), I do reserve the right to kick that person off of the page. Please feel free to invite friends. This is an open group, and I hope we can have a lot of fun with it.

I BELIEVE!!! (UFO-ology)

I want to believe I'll work my way through my UFO's.  After making some good progress on my Mercy Goodehart model this week, packing lots of orders, and updating my Etsy site, I was feeling like today might be a grand day to start something new out of my stash.

Buuuuut, my stash is right next to my cabinet with my UFO's (UnFinished Objects!  BWOO-HA-HA-HA-HA!)  How many of those do I have anyway?  I've never really been one of those to keep track, make lists, check things off, come up with a system.  I estimated I probably had about 20, but I was wrong...I had 21.  Twenty-one is too many to justify starting something new (as much fun as that is.)  So, I made a list, and I will let myself start a new something when I check something old off of the list (the Christmas gift I'm still trying to get done doesn't count.) 

I took pictures of a few of them for you to see.  This one is Sampler Sisters of the Thread by The Primitive Needle.  Lisa, the designer, lost her life in an automobile accident a few years ago, and I still think of her.  She was bubbly, and gracious, and kind, and a talented needlework designer.  I really like the color scheme of this one.

This one is Pelouse Interdite by French designer Mouton Rouge.  The words on the sampler mean: Keep off the grass!  I bought this at a trade show I went to with my dear friend, Sue.  We had a blast eating out, drinking martinis, and playing dolly derby in the parking lot (luckily, there were no serious injuries.)  Cedar Hill Designs had some of the Moutin Rouge offerings there, including the models, and I loved this one.  I remember sitting at one of Graham's science fairs working on it.  And it's ALMOST done -- just that bottom left corner left (a turtle and a snail.)

I've stitched a number of Blackbird Designs pieces, so I was surprised that I only had a single UnFinished One in the cabinet.  Sarah Tobias inspired an entire book by Blackbird Designs (and friends.)  I really liked the colors in this sampler (I think there are just four.)  I am about half-finished with this one, too. 

Curtis Boehringer was a big-deal designer about 20 years ago.  His charts were so interesting to me, because although you could tell they were cute, his patterns were just photocopies of the charts, with the flip side sometimes being a line drawing of the piece.  In other words, you didn't really know how it was going to look until you were done!  I bought this set of T-W-E-L-V-E wildflower charts, and to tell you how old they are, they are actually charted for DMC Wildflower Thread, long-since discontinued.

But that's okay!  I am stitching mine in DMC floss (although I haven't probably stitched on this one for ... gulp ... six years?)  Still, I think this is really pretty.  I'm using a super long piece of Glenshee that I had as a leftover scrap.  The linen is really texture-y, and this will look dandy above a door or window when I'm done.  I BELIEVE!!!

Okay, now we're getting into serious business.  This is Elizabeth Hudson by The Scarlet Letter.  This is a big ole sampler, and the colors are bright and cheery.

This is a picture of the original, and I actually have the charts for this one for sale in my Etsy shop (click here to go directly to that page.)  There is something like a MILE of verse on this one, and it's all over-one, of course.  So you do like a tenth of a mile of verse for a while, and then you stitch a pretty band, and I am really dying to get to the bigger bands of flowers.  I'm stitching mine on 36 count hand-dyed linen with the Au Ver a Soie silks (which have a nice sheen.)  I picked 36, because of all of that over-one verse (I didn't want the words to get all bunchy looking.)

You can see I'm at the Queen Stitch stage with the band of strawberries.  Each strawberry is its own wonky shape (you should see the chart!)  But, I love wonky things, and it makes each strawberry unique.  I actually don't mind Queen Stitches one bit, and with the over-one, some Satin Stitch, and a few other fun ways to pull my thread through the fabric, it's a fun piece to work on.  But very large.  I BELIEVE, THOUGH!  I BELIEVE!  I PROMISE, I BELIEVE!!!

Hannah Pepper is a three-part chart that came out in Fine Lines Magazine about ten years ago.  I was sorting through old magazines here one day and came across the issue with the first third, and it had the reproduced sampler alongside the original.  I noticed that the reproduction was done in bright colors, as the sampler might have first been stitched (red, yellow, brighter greens.)  I liked, though, the antique next to it, in which the colors were faded and dull.  So, I dug through my stash and pulled out colors to make one that looks like the antique.

There aren't too many colors in this one, so I actually just have my threads organized on a wooden palette.  I'm stitching it on a 40-count hand-dyed linen, and so far, it is beautiful.  Once again, I am so anxious to get down to the bottom (alas, I've got a lot of over-one verse to slog through first.  This sampler has TWO separate verse sections, the second of which is much larger.)  The bottom has a nice pastoral scene with animals and plants and such.

So, here is my list of what I haven't finished (but I have stitched probably a few hundred different things in the last 30 years, so I'm not too disappointed).  I have included their "status" behind, in case you're wondering.  If something has been discontinued, try eBay or Etsy.  I've included links where I know you can find some of these charts right now for purchase.

1. Elizabeth Hudson: The Scarlet Letter (available)
2. Hannah Pepper (chart is in three separate issues): Fine Lines Magazine (discontinued -- regularly on eBay)
3. The Flock: SamSarah Design Studio (available)
4. Alphabet Baubles: SamSarah Design Studio (available)
5. Happy Haunting (kit): Shepherd's Bush (available)
6. Pelouse Interdit: Mouton Rouge (discontinued)
7. Life Has No Blessing: Mary Engelbreit (discontinued)
8. Witches Garden Sampler: Notforgotten Farm (available)
9. Birdhouse Sampler: Prairie Schooler (discontinued)
10. Sampler Sisters of the Thread: The Primitive Needle (discontinued)
11. Wildflowers of America: Curtis Boehringer (discontinued)
12. Asenath Whitcomb: Carriage House Samplings (available)
13. All Our Troubles: La D Da (available)
14. Heart that Gives: Ewe & Eye & Friends (available)
15. Christmas Sampler: The Prairie Schooler (discontinued)
16. Roses are Red: La D Da (available)
17. Sarah Tobias: Blackbird Designs (available)
18. Be Mine (kit): The Heart's Content (available)
19. Four Seasons: Marjolien Bastin (discontinued)
20. Colonial Homestead Pinkeep Drum: Stacy Nash Primitive Designs (available)
21. Christmas at Hollyberry Farm: Stacy Nash Primitive Designs (available)

So now I'm off to figure out which one is the CLOSEST to being done, so I can start something new.

How many UFO's do YOU have?  Leave a comment!

(P.S. I work in-hand, if you're wondering, so the pictured needlework all got a quick visit with the iron before I took out my camera!)