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