Learning Sampler - Northern Expressions Needlework - Parts 1 & 2 - Completed 15.09.13

I recently found out about the Learning Sampler by Northern Expressions Needlework.  It is being released in parts over about 18 months (I think).  I loved the design when I saw it and liked the idea of learning lots of new speciality stitches, it can only help with my Chatelaine when I get back to it.

This is the picture that I first saw.

I decided I wanted to stitch it in purples and I've chosen six Dinky Dyes colours to stitch it in.  I am stitching on 32 count Pearl Grey Murano.  I had originally thought I would stitch the border in white as shown but I am now doing it in DMC 4215.  The first part of the pattern was released on 1st September and was the border and the first five letters A-E.

Here is mine with part one of the satin stitch border completed.

And a close up of the corner.

When I first looked at the chart I thought the border looked very complicated but the diagram breaking down the border into three easy steps helped a lot.  I did miscount one stitch though which meant frogging a good portion of it but from start to finish the whole border took me three days of stitching possibly an hour or two a day.  I really like how it's looking so far.

And here is part two letters A-E.

And the whole

Keep stitching and smiling

Gathering my thoughts and projects

I feel like I have been neglecting my blog recently.  I haven't posted as many updates as I would like to and feel a bit lost as to where I am with all my WIPs and all those new projects that I want to start.  Sometimes I feel over whelmed with all the projects I want to stitch that I kind of come to a stand still and don't actually stitch anything.  Does any one else ever feel like that?

I am thinking that I will set up a couple of new pages on the blog one for WIPs with photos of the piece as it will look when finished and the most up to date WIP picture.  Then another page for future projects which I will try and prioritise.

As I type this I realise some people may think this is all a bit too much and that you should just enjoy your sewing projects and do what takes your fancy.  Unfortunately I have a bit of OCD when it comes to things like this and I like to know things are organised.

I am currently stitching on two projects that are being released in parts the first is the Learning Sampler from Northern Expressions Needleworks and also the Lizzie Kate Mystery Christmas SAL.  I really want to keep up with the parts of these as they are released so these will be my two main projects.  I am also committed to stitching two more model stitches in the near future so when I have the materials from those I will be making them a priority as well.  I would then like to concentrate on some of my current WIPs.  I also need to go through all my WIPs and decide which are UFOs and if I will ever actual finish them or if the fabric could be put to a better use on a different project.

I hope you will enjoy seeing my updates and I hope to make them more regular again.

Keep stitching and smiling