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Issue 25 February 2008

DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR CROSS STITCHERS

WWW.THEGIFTOFSTITCHING.COM

PRAIRIE SCHOOLER

New Products

Descriptions and reviews of new products forcross stitchers.

Page 4

Designer Profile

We interview new designer Deanna Carter ofCarousel Charts and there is an exclusive chartto stitch called Love Ewe.

Page 7

Your Shopping List and Stockists

All the threads and fabric for the projects in thisissue listed in one convenient place.

Page 8

All Things Counted

Counted Thread Embroidery from Turkey. Turkishcross stitch designer, Banu Demirel has designedan Ottoman Table Runner to compliment thearticle.

Page 12

Product Profile and Competition

Win a years membership to the new online portal,Loose Thread Stitchers.

Page 13

Blackwork by Lynne Herzberg

St Jermones Cross

Page 15

Feature Pattern

Four Seasons by Pam Smith of Prairie Schooler.Stitch as one sampler or divide into four littlepinkeeps.

Page 19

Valentine Bookmark and Hearts by MelindaMedeiros of Medeiros Needlecraft Design.

Page 21

Mystery Sampler

Historic Countries Mystery Sampler andChatelaine by Papillon Creations.Part Six - Spain

Page 29

Whimsy Thoughts by Helga Mandl

Perfect Love

Page 31

Stitch Diagrams

www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 25 February 2008 Page 1

Contents - Issue 25 February 2008

Hello readers,

Last night we had the most terrific thunderstorm in Sydney. When the black clouds rolledover, our beautiful summer day turned to gail force winds, non-stop rain and continuouslightening and thunder - all within ten minutes. It was quite a spectacle. Fortunately, theonly damage was a few broken plants. I know many of you are now shivering in the NorthernHemisphere as the height of winter is upon you. Although we have become used to theInternet bringing us closer together, we are still hemispheres apart and all experiencingfour seasons at the same time. Our feature pattern this month is from the wonderful PrairieSchooler who have designed a sampler with the four seasons. You can stitch it as onepicture or divide it up into four little pinkeeps.

We interview new designer, Deanna Carter from Carousel Charts. Her designs aresweet and quick-to-stitch. Youll love the little love ewe. We also have another Valentinepattern from Medeiros Needlecraft Design where you can stitch a heart bookmark or sewhearts on perforated paper to create envelope seals. This is a lovely novel idea which canbe stitched up quickly for the 14th February.

In All Things Counted this month we travel to Turkey where embroidery has a longand rich tradition. We delve in deep to find out about counted thread work and I hope youenjoy the results. Turkish designer, Banu Demirel has created a lovely table runner inspiredby Ottoman Period embroidery.

Well, that is just a taste of what is in this months issue. Whether you are trying to keepcool or warm, I hope you find the time youd like to relax and stitch.

Kirsten EdwardsEditor


From The Editor


New Products

Palestinian Embroidery Motifs:A Treasury of Stitches 1850-1950

Author: Margarita SkinnerPublisher: Melisende/Rimal

Using the experience of living in the Middle East for 20 years, MargaritaSkinner has researched and documented over 200 motifs from Palestiniancostume. Drawing on the world-renowned costume collection of collectorWidad Kawar, she has covered the different Palestinian regions duringthe period 1850-1950.

It is the first time such an extensive catalogue has been publishedand its exciting to see another embroidery book with such wide andcarefully collated research.

The first twenty pages introduce us to Palestine, the womenfolk, thecostumes and regions, giving us a good outline of what Palestinianembroidery is and what it is used for. The rest of the book documentsby types, the different motifs used. An example is photographed, themotif is charted and then the name and region of the motif is writtenunderneath.

The book is beautifully laid out with 210 full colour on gloss cardpages. It is paperback and measures 23 x 20 cm (9 x 8).

For the collector of embroidery books and those with a keen interestin ethnic and traditional embroidery, this book a must have for yourcollection.

Sales enquiries should be directed to [email protected],www.melisende.com or 442072699890 (UK). The RRP is 14.95 Pounds.

This month we interview newdesigner, Deanna Carter fromCarousel Charts. Deannas designsare fun, quick-to-stitch and will appealto many stitchers.

Visit the Carousel Charts Websitewww.carouselcharts.com

Where are you from and what is itlike?Im from Utah Valley. Its in NorthernUtah, about a half hour south of SaltLake City and Park City where a lotof the 2002 Winter Olympic eventswere.

It is a really beautiful, family friendlyplace to live. Looking out my window,we have a lake on one side andmountains on the other. We canusually always find some sort ofmuseum or cultural activity to attend.If we are feeling outdoorsy there isplenty to do too. There are timesduring the year when we could gosnow skiing in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon. During thesummer we can go camping andfishing in forested areas (near rockfaces with some great climbingroutes!), and then take a quick drivesouth to some sand dunes to play forthe day. I love it here.

When did you start stitching?Im not sure how old I was. I think Imust have been in elementary school.Every year for my birthday, mygrandma would take me out to dinnerand then we would go pick a birthdaypresent afterward. One year I picked

out a cross stitch of a little pink rose,and the rest is history!

When did you start designing?My background is in graphic design,but I started designing folk art stitcherypatterns a few years back. I movedto cross stitch when the opportunityto design with Carousel Chartsopened up for me.

How did you become involved withthe Carousel Charts company?Carousel Charts was really my sistersidea, and she talked my mom intostarting it. After a while, my mominvited me to design with her.

What type of patterns do you liketo design?I like to keep it fun. I love to play withdifferent font styles and enjoy tryingto translate them into cross stitch.Every now and then Ill find a sayingor phrase that I think would be greaton a design. I really like folk art, sothere will definitely be more from mealong those lines. I am also drawn tothings that are more playful and moremodern than traditional. I preferdesigns that are simple, partlybecause they are easier on my eyes,and partly because I know people arebusy and nobody likes to start aproject that will end up tucked awayin the Ill finish eventually pile. Mymom and I have very differentdesigning styles, so its always fun tocompare and see what she is up to.

What inspires your designing?I love to walk through craft malls orflip through country craftingmagazines. I just love the casual,comfortable look. It feels so happyand welcoming! I try to make thingsthat would fit in those environments,or fit in homes of people who like thatstyle as much as I do. Other than that,my family has really been myinspiration. For example, I did theBaby Girl Nursery Sampler when Ifound out I was expecting myyoungest daughter. The Togethernew design came about after webought a new home. I wanted to dosomething to hang by my front door.Most of what I do is sparked by somemoment or event I have at home withmy family.

What are your favourite threadsand fabrics to work with?Although I love linens that have agood texture to them, Jobelan isprobably my favorite fabric to stitchon. I love the look of over dyed floss,but I realise that DMC threads areeasier to get for many people, so I usethose quite a bit too.

Do you attend needlework eventslike retreats or shows?Carousel Charts is a long timeparticipant in the Online NeedleworkShow, and Stitch-a-Gift.com has takensome of our designs to the NashvilleNeedlework Show in the past.

Has there been any particularperson who has had a greatinfluence on your stitching ordesigning?My mom has been great to givefeedback on my designs. She is anamazing artist and often sees thingsthat I dont. My grandpa used to bean art professor, and not only did heteach me a lot of basics, but hes a


Designer ProfileDeanna Carter of Carousel Charts

Together

Words to Live By

pretty punny guy and Ive sat aroundlistening to him joke, jotting ideas fromthings hes said as soon as I gothome. I also have several friends whohave a terrific eye for putting thingstogether in ways I wouldnt havedreamed of, and I think just beingaround them gets my creative juicesflowing.

What do you want stitchers toexperience when they stitch yourdesigns?I want them to feel successful and feellike they have taken on a project theycan finish. I want them to feel excitedto share what theyve done with otherseither by displaying it in their homeor passing it on as a gift. And ofcourse, Id love for them to come backand see what else we have that theycan stitch!


Designer Profile Continued...

Twinkle Willow Tree Sampler


Love Ewe by Deanna Carter of Carousel Charts

Stitching Instructions

Total design size: 55 x 59stitches

Finished stitched area:14/28 count: 4" x 4 1/4"(10 x 10.5 cm)16/32 count: 3 1/2" x 3 2/3"(8.5 x 9.5 cm)18/36 count: 3" x 3 1/3"(8 x 8.5 cm)20/40 count: 2 3/4" x 3"(7 x 7.5 cm)

Add another 4 (10 cm) toeach side for framing.

The model is stitched on18 count Aida FidlersOatmeal with two ply ofDMC over one square. Themodel has been framedwith Black Hanger Framefrom Eastside Mouldings.

Symbol Key

Symbol DMCS 310D 420B 729W 815X 937

Shopping List

Love EwePage 6__ Aida, Oatmeal__ DMC 310__ DMC 420__ DMC 729__ DMC 815__ DMC 937__ EM, Black Hangup

Valentine BookmarkPage 19__ Z Vintage Country

Mocha__ GAST Geranium

or DMC 3832__ GAST Hibiscus

or DMC 961__ GAST Holly Berry

or DMC 347__ GAST Raspberry Parfait

or DMC 3721

Perfect LovePage 29__ Misty Blue Aida__ DMC White or A 1__ DMC 310 or A 403__ DMC 722 or A 323

__ DMC 3687 or A 68__ DMC 963 or A 73__ DMC 972 or A 298__ DMC 937 or A 268__ DMC 829 or A 906__ SSS Mango

or DMC 3340/727/367or A 329/293/217

Four SeasonsPage 15__ Wichelt, Lambswool linen__ DMC White__ DMC Ecru__ DMC 355__ DMC 407__ DMC 422__ DMC 758__ DMC 842__ DMC 898__ DMC 927__ DMC 3052__ DMC 3371__ DMC 3768__ DMC 3772__ DMC 3826__ DMC 3828__ DMC 3862__ DMC 3362__ DMC 640

Ottoman RunnerPage 10__ 25 ct evenweave__ DMC 561 x2__ DMC E3852__ DMC 3816__ DMC 3328__ DMC 760__ DMC 973

St Jeromes CrossPage 13__ SMF, Irish Hillside__ DMC 550__ DMC 554__ DMC 699__ DMC 820__ DMC 939__ DMC 972

Definitions

A: Anchor six stranded cottonDMC: DMC six strandedcottonEM: Eastside MouldingsFramesGAST: Gentle Art SamplerThreadsSMF: Sugar Maple FabricsSSS: Six Strand Sweets hand

dyed six stranded cottonZ: Zweigart

Stockists

Anchorwww.coatsandclark.com

The DMC Corporation, USAwww.dmc-usa.com

Eastside Mouldingswww.eastsidemouldings.com

The Gentle Artwww.thegentleart.com

Six Strand Sweetswww.sixstrandsweets.com

Sugar Maple Fabricswww.sugarmaplefabrics.com

Wichelt Imports / Mill Hillwww.wichelt.com

Zweigartwww.zweigart.com


Your Shopping List - Issue 25 February 2008


All Things CountedCounted Thread Embroidery from Turkey

Looking at a map of the world, it iseasy to see that Turkeys expansiveembroidery heritage is due to itssituation. Known since ancient timesas a link between Asia and Europe,it has been home to numerouscivilizations throughout history andevery civilization has left a trace oftheir culture.

During the Ottoman Empire(1500-1900 AD), embroidery hadreached a superior level ofsophistication and diversity.Professional court embroiderers

called nakkas producedsome of the worlds mostexquisite gold and silkmasterpieces, with silkfrom China, metal threadscotton from India, andlinen from Egypt.

Although the averageTurkish home could notalways afford silk andprecious metal thread, thediversity and productionof embroidery for thehome and clothing wasextensive. Stitches andstyles of embroidery varyacross the countrys regions andsome of the counted thread varietyinclude:

- Akma: Twice repeated backstitchon a loose weave ground giving apulled work appearance.- Antep Isi: A form of drawn threadwork or hardanger. Depending onthe region it can appear in white orin colour.- Hesap Ignesi: A form of countedthread work that appears the sameon both sides of the fabric. It lookslike a cross between Bargello anddarning work. Small horizontal anddiagonal stitches form designs thathave the appearance of stepping upand down. It does not cover the

whole surface like Bargello work, butforms geometric repeating patterns.- Örnek Bezi: Turkish for sampler,an example of counted threadpatterns and stitches used forteaching and remembering.- Tel Kirma: Worked in flat silverthread to form a diagonal z on oneside and a cross is formed on thereverse.- Turk Isi: A form of crewel workwhere an outline is created of theobject and then the blank spaces arefilled with different stitches.

Items that were decorated in the homeincluded towels, hangings, cushions,bed covers, book covers, saddlecloths, quivers, tents, belts, curtains,

ceremonial objects,purses, grave coversand engagementtowels, not to mentionall manner of clothingitems. The style of

embroidery was deeplyinfluenced by its Muslimculture. Instead ofanimals and humanfigures, stylised plantsare embroidered inswirling curves orrepeating borders.Tulips and carnationsare popular traditionalmotifs. Round motifs aremore common,resembling Persian orArabic culture. It is not surprising to

still find handembroidered pillow

Examples of traditional Turkish embroidery. Images from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Top Left:Backstitch on red cotton ground with filling stitches. Bottom Left: An 18th Century sampler fromTurkey. Bottom Right: An example of Antep Isi or Turkish drawn thread work.


All Things CountedCounted Thread Embroidery from Turkey Continued...

cases, bed spreads, table cloths andwall hangings in homes. Preparing adowry for a young girl is still a tradition.Mostly traditional patterns are usedon dowry items and these patternsand techniques are passed down toeach new generation.

Not unlike their predecessors,Turkish embroiderers continue to takeoutside cultural influences andcombine these with their ownembroidery traditions. With thepopularity of the Internet, differentkinds of embroidery including crossstitch, have become more and moreaccessible. Cross stitch is a now apopular form of embroidery. Flowerpatterns are preferred and so is theuse of gold thread.

Local groups throughout Turkeyspend time learning the traditionaltechniques and combine these withmodern threads, fabrics and countedthread styles such as cross stitch.Although there are no guilds for crossstitch, there are cross stitchmagazines and books beingpublished in Turkish.

Cross stitch designer, BanuDemirel is from Turkey and shedesigns patterns under the name ofSeba Designs. She loves to combinetraditional Turkish embroidery motifswith modern cross stitch andBlackwork. Her Blackwork designsare more free flowing, with the focuson traditional swirls and flowers. Manyof the cross stitch patterns are

influenced by Turkishtiles and Kilims.Banu Demirel hasdesigned us a beautifultable runner. Atraditional Turkishborder is at each endfeaturing trees andcarnations in gold andbright colours. Thepattern starts on thenext page. Visit SebaDesigns Website:www.sebadesigns.com

Bibliography- The NeedleworkersDictionary, PamelaClabburn, Pitman Press,England, 1776.- Embroidery, MaryGostelow, CavendishHouse, England, 1982.- Republic of Turkey,Ministry of Culture andTourism Website,www.turizm.gov.tr- Turkish Culture PortalWebsite,www.turkishculture.org

Examples of modern Turkish embroidery. Top Right: An example of Turk Isi. Bottom Right: A modern example of Antep Isi (hardanger).Bottom Left: A modern example of Hesap Ignesi.


1. Cut a piece of off-white 25 countevenweave 32 x 14 1/2 (81 x 37 cm).2. Starting from the bottom left of the fabric,measure up 2 (5 cm) and right 1 (2.5 cm).3. Complete all cross stitches with two ply ofDMC six stranded cotton or metallic threadaccording to the symbol key.4. The chart needs to be repeated twicehorizontally. The only row to be stitched onceis the far right row.5. Complete all Scottish stitches with two plyof DMC 973.6. Complete the backstitch on the trees withtwo ply of DMC E3852.7. Straight stitch the outside of the roses withtwo ply of DMC 760.

8. Extend the two side borders (single rowof cross stitch) right to the top end of the fabricleaving a 2 (5 cm) seam at the end.9. Turn the fabric 180 degrees and repeatall the stitching at the other end.10. At each end, fringe the 2 (5 cm) seam byremoving the horizontal threads.11. To create a decorate fringe: take 8 verticalfringe threads, count across another 8, thentake the next 8 and knot together. Do not knotthe centre 8. Take the 8 threads in the centreand knot with the next 8. Repeat along theentire fringe.12. Trim the long sides to 1 seam if they arenot already. Fold over 1/2 then 1/2 againtowards the back. Iron and slipstitch into placewith matching sewing thread.


All Things CountedOttoman Table Runner by Banu Demirel

Symbol Key

Symbol DMC

3328

561

760

3816

E3852


Ottoman Table Runner Chart


Product Profile

FEBRUARY 2008 COMPETITIONThis month we are giving away 10 one year memberships

to the Loose Thread Stitchers website.

To enter go to:www.thegiftofstitching.com/competition.php

Loose Thread Stitchers is a needlework website thatenables stitchers to find out EVERYTHING they need toknow about needlework. It offers stitchers the ability tofind information regarding cross stitch, needlepoint, quilting,crochet and knitting all in one place. No more searchingthe internet for outdated and incomplete information!The LTS website is unique in the fact that the industryprofessionals add unique company information to thewebsite. Shops, designers, manufacturers, magazines,consumer shows, etc., all have the ability to add their oneof a kind company offerings to the website. This not onlylimits errors in information communication, but makes allthe information current and up-to-date. As an added bonus- they can also add the information AT ANY TIME! Thismeans if a shop decides to hold a last minute sale, theycan add that information to our site and it will postIMMEDIATELY! How great is that? No more wonderingwhen events are held, who has the latest and the greatestand where to find it, IT IS ALL HERE!!!!!

What does LTS offer?

* Interviews with designers, manufacturers, distributors- you can even submit your questions!!

* Information regarding the who, what where and whyof retreats, classes, charity events, new releases,consumer shows from all 50 United States.

* The ability to contact shops from across the UnitedStates regarding products that are unavailable in yourarea.

* Tips, tricks and reviews of new products that makeneedlework easier.

* 100s of dollars worth of prizes each monthand MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!

The LTS mission is to expand the needlework community.They endeavour to do this by supplying members withmuch needed up-to-date information on all the happeningswithin the community. We know stitchers LOVE to be thefirst to know about the latest and greatest.

At LTS we will ALWAYS bring it to you one Loose Threadat a time!

Special Discount for TGOSM ReadersWe will be launching our website this month and offeringall TGOSM readers a discount for joining during February.Instead of paying $15 US for a years membership, payonly $10 US.Please join their Yahoo group:(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LooseThreadStitchersCrossStitch/) for more information or visit their website:www.loosethreadstitchers.com


Blackwork is a very old form of embroidery dating back to the Sixteenth Century. It is traditionally stitched with black thread on white using the Holbein Stitch. It wasused to decorate clothing. Lynne Herzberg has taken this traditional form of embroidery and applied it to todays fabrics and threads. Join us in this column as Lynneexperiments with lines and textures to create designs that are colourful and relevant to todays stitcher.

St. Jerome's Cross


Design size: 48 x 48 stitches

Finished stitched area:14/28 count: 3 1/2" (8.5 cm) square16/32 count: 3" (7.5 cm) square18/36 count: 2 2/3" (7 cm) square20/40 count: 2 1/2" (6 cm) square

Add another 4 (10 cm) to each side for framing.

The model has been stitched on 20 count Lugana,Irish Hillside by Sugar Maple Fabrics.

Use one ply of DMC six stranded cotton to completeall Holbein stitching (double running stitch) accordingto the symbol key. Stitch diagram in on page 31.

Symbol Key

Line Symbol DMC

550

554

699

820

939

972


St. Jerome's Cross Chart


Feature PatternFour Seasons by Pam Smith of the Prairie Schooler

In our September 2007 issue, we interviewed Pam Smith of Prairie Schooler and she designed us a littleAutumn Pinkeep. A subscriber wrote and asked if there would be three more seasons to complete the set.We thought, What a great idea!, and we asked Pam if she would be keen to design the rest of the seasons.Here it is! Four Seasons by Prairie Schooler can stitched as one sampler or make into four little pinkeeps.We provide instructions (on the next page) for both.

Visit the Prairie Schooler and see all their beautiful designs.www.prairieschooler.com


Feature PatternFour Seasons by Pam Smith of the Prairie Schooler


Four Seasons SamplerDesign size: 77 x 71 stitches

Finished stitched area:14/28 count: 5 1/2" x 5" (14 x 13 cm)16/32 count: 4 5/6" x 4 1/2" (12 x 11.5 cm)18/36 count: 4 1/3" x 4" (11 x 10 cm)20/40 count: 3 7/8" x 3 1/2" (9.5 x 9 cm)

Four Seasons PinkeepsDesign size of each pinkeep: 34 x 31 stitches

Finished stitched area of each pinkeep:14/28 count: 2 3/8" x 2 1/4" (6 x 5.5 cm)16/32 count: 2 1/8" x 2" (5.5 x 5 cm)18/36 count: 1 7/8" x 1 3/4" (5 x 4.5 cm)20/40 count: 1 2/3" x 1 1/2" (4.5 x 4 cm)

Add another 2 (5 cm) to each side for finishing.

The models have been stitched on 32 count Lambswool

linen from Wichelt.

Use two ply of DMC six stranded cotton over two linenthreads according to the symbol key.

Use one ply of DMC six stranded cotton over two linenthreads for backstitching according to the instructionsbelow.

Summer: Windows in DMC 407 and border in DMC 898.

Autumn: Windows in DMC 3828 and border in DMC 3371.

Spring: Windows in DMC 407 and border in DMC 898.

Winter: Eyes in DMC 3371, windows in DMC 355, nose inDMC 3826 and border in DMC 3362.

Pinkeep Finishing Instructions

Materials Needed for each pinkeep

- Roller blade, ruler and cutting mat- Glue, scissors- Matching sewing thread- Cardboard- Quilters batting- Matching cotton fabric- Small black headed pins (model used Dritz #79 Color

Ball Pins, Size 17-1 1/16)

1. Trim the stitched piece so it has a seam of 1/2.2. Cut two pieces of cardboard and quilters batting slightlybigger than the size of the design.3. Cut one piece of matching cotton fabric the same sizeas the stitched piece.4. Glue the batting to the cardboard and then centre thestitched piece over the batting and cardboard.5. Turn over, clip the corners, and glue the excess fabricto the back of the cardboard.6. Repeat with other piece of cardboard, batting and thepiece of matching fabric.7. Place the two pieces wrong sides together and slipstitch around the edge.8. Insert matching pins as in the model.

Symbol Key


Feature Pattern - Left Chart


Feature Pattern - Right Chart


Valentine Bookmark and Hearts

by Melinda Medeiros of Medeiros Needlecraft Design

February 14th is the day when many sendtheir loved ones chocolates, roses and lovenotes. This lovely collection of hearts designedby Melinda Medeiros can add a special touchto your Valentine gift. The bookmark has beenstitched on linen and then the heart motif hasbeen adapted for perforated paper. The littlehearts can be slipped into a letter or used totie the envelope closed. They look lovely. Seemore of Melinda Medeiros designs at herwebsite: www.needlecraftdesign.com



Finished stitched area of bookmark:14/28 count: 2 1/2" x 6 1/3" (6 x 16 cm)16/32 count: 2 1/8" x 5 1/2" (5.5 x 14 cm)18/36 count: 1 7/8" x 4 7/8" (5 x 12.5 cm)20/40 count: 1 2/3" x 4 3/8" (4.5 x 11 cm)

Add another 1 (2.5 cm) to each side for finishing.Stitch diagrams are on page 31.

The bookmark model has been stitched on 28 count Vintage Cashel Linen,Country Mocha by Zweigart using six stranded hand dyed thread from TheGentle Art.

1. Top heart: Stitch the Smyrna Crosses withtwo ply of GAST Geranium 7036 (DMC 3832).2. Middle heart: Stitch the Algerian Eyeletswith two ply of GAST Hibiscus 0780 (DMC961).3. Bottom heart: Stitch the Algerian Eyelets with two ply of GAST Holly Berry 0311(DMC 347).4. Stitch each Rhodes Heart with two ply of GAST Holly Berry 0311 (DMC 347).5. Backstitch the lettering and French Knot with one ply of GAST Raspberry Parfait(DMC 3721).6. Stitch the border in Four-sided and Hem stitch with one ply of GAST Geranium

7036 (DMC 3832).

Bookmark Finishing Instructions

1. Trim the two long edges right to the edge of the stitching.Be careful not to snip the actual stitching.2. At the top short edge, count up five linen threads and cut.Remove the horizontal linen threads to create a fringe. Repeatwith the bottom short edge.

Perforated Paper Hearts

The little perforated paper hearts have been stitched with thetop heart motif from the bookmark on cream 14 count perforatedpaper. A long piece of matching thread is cut and wound aroundthe envelope twice. Each end is then threaded through thecentre stitch on the heart from back to front. A bow is tied andthe ends evenly trimmed.


Valentine Bookmark and Hearts Chart


We are now halfway! If youve managed to keep up, well done. If not, then why not join our Yahoo groupfor some encouragement: www.thegiftofstitching.com/chat.php

This month we bring you Part Six which is samplers from Spain. If youve seen a Spanish antiquesampler, youll know they are usually square with lots of satin stitching and eyelets. The satin stitchesreally show off the variegation in the hand dyed silks. The matching chatelaine piece is a pinkeep.

Historic Countries Mystery Sampler & Chatelaineby Yvonne Horn of Papillon Creations

Part Six - Spain


Spanish Samplersby Philippa Corvin Czarnodolska

Part SixSpanish Samplers

History

In Spanish, samplers are calledDechados or Abecedarios. Thereseem to be fewer surviving examplesof Spanish sampler making than ofother countries, but those which existindicate that Spain had an individualstyle of extremely decorative samplersand that a very high quality of stitchingwas expected of Spanish girls.

The majority of Spanish samplersin museums or private collectionstoday date from the late 17th or early18th Century, but sampler makingoccurred much earlier than this: aninventory of Joan the Mad in 1509lists 50 samplers worked in silk and

gold thread!It is probable that embroidery was

taught in convent schools and thatmost samplers were made under thewatchful eyes of the nuns. Titledwidows and dowry-less daughterswere often forced to chose a conventlife and they must have stitched andtaught stitching. Spanish samplersoften have the name of the teacheras well as that of the maker on them.The stitchers name and date areoften to be found embroidered aroundthe central motif rather than acrossthe bottom.

Form

Spanish samplers are for the mostpart very large and more or lesssquare, though band types do exist.

They are often finished with a hemand tassels or ribbon bows at eachcorner as if they were meant to bedisplayed on a table. There isgenerally an important central motif,often heraldic or religious, and allaround this there are bands of borderpatterns of varying width, worked fromeach side in turn. These bordersusually occupy all the ground clothand the pieces are very denselystitched.

Colours

Spanish samplers were stitched inbrilliantly colored silk particularly inblues, golds and greens. Silk wasproduced in Spain from about the 7thCentury, probably introduced by theArabs, so there was a tradition of fine


Spanish Samplers Continued...

thread for the sampler maker tochoose from. The widespread use ofSatin stitch embroidery showed offthe shine of the silks to bestadvantage.

Stitches

The border patterns are embroideredin a variety of stitches including Satinstitch, Drawn Thread work, backstitch,Double Running stitch, Eyelet andvarieties of cross stitch. Sometimesborders of voided work are included.Double Running stitch was alsoknown as Spanish stitch as it wasbelieved to have been introduced toEngland by Catherine of Aragon.Actually the stitch probably came toSpain with the Arabs, as it was thepreferred stitch on Islamic Egyptiansamplers.

Motifs

Spanish samplers sometimes havean alphabet, but never more than oneand they never include religious verse.The border patterns are generallygeometric and non figurative, andmany are similar to those in earlypattern books. The use of geometricborders may also be a heritage of theArabs who ruled in parts of Spain fromthe early 8th Century to the end of15th Century. Some patterns show amarked resemblance to traditional tiledecorations or carpets. The centremotif was frequently a double-headedeagle, which was part of the arms ofthe Habsburg monarchy, who ruledSpain in the 16th Century. Theimperial eagle, symbol of the HolyRoman Empire is shown with twoheads as it rules over both East andWest. Some samplers have diagonalcorner motifs like those on Germansamplers, an indication of a commonorigin. The eight pointed star, theLozenge, the S and the X patternscommonly found on Spanish samplersare all probably of Arab origin instead.

Mexican Samplers

Mexican samplers are in many waysvery similar to Spanish ones and arealso characterized by their borderpatterns. After the conquest of Mexicoin the 16th Century, Spain introducedthe Roman Catholic religion and along

with the priests (toconvert the natives),came the nuns to teachthe little girls. Theybrought with them theirown particular style ofsampler making, but theatmosphere of Mexicomust have influencedthem as well becauseMexican samplers arefreer and lessconstrained than Spanishones. The colours arebrighter and Mexicansamplers were worked inmany more types ofstitches including Aztecstitch. Mexican samplersoften include stylizedbirds and animalsresembling pre-Colombian art.

Top RightAn example of a typicalsquare Spanish sampler,early 19th Century.

Bottom RightAn example of a 19thCentury band samplerfrom Mexico.

Images courtesy of TheMuseum of Fine Arts,Boston.

Bibliography- Samplers in the EuropeanTradition: Mustertuch, Merklap,Sampler, Dechado byKathleen Staples and MargrietHogue; Curious Works Press,2000.- Samplers by CarolHumphrey; CambridgeUniversity Press, 1997.- Samplers from the Victoriaand Albert Museum by ClareBrowne and JenniferWearden; V&A Publications,1999.


Historic Countries Sampler LayoutPart Six - Spain

510 stitches wide

320 stitches high

Mystery Sampler Stitching Instructions

Stitching InstructionsPart Six - Spain

See Issue 20 September 2007 for general stitchinginstructions and thread/symbol keys.

Work in cross stitch using one ply of thread accordingto the symbol key.

This months stitching is the bottom left corner of thesampler. The greyed out area shows the overlap with thestitching from Part Five - Holland.

Band AFour-sided stitch and Satin stitch: Work this area with twoply of DD Outback / GAST Burnt Orange / DMC 722.

Band BHerringbone stitch and Double backstitch: Work this areawith one ply of DD Ocean Pines / GAST Deep Sea / DMC3808.

Band CDouble backstitch: Work this area with one ply of DDOcean Pines / GAST Deep Sea / DMC 3808.

Band DSatin stitch: Work this area with two ply of DD Ningaloo/GAST Blue Jay / DMC 322.Band E

Holbein stitch: Work this area with one ply of DD Charcoal/ GAST Soot / DMC 3799.

Band FSatin stitch: Work this area with two ply of DD Sunflower/ GAST Summer Meadow / DMC 743.

Band GCross stitch and Satin stitch: Work the cross stitch accordingto the key.Work the Satin stitches inside the cross stitch diamondswith two ply of DD Hawtorn / GAST Cidermill Brown / DMC3045.Work the Satin stitches outside the cross stitch diamondswith two ply of DD Natural / GAST Picket Fence / DMCWhite.

Band HSatin stitch: Work this area with two ply of DD Aquamarine/ GAST Tropical Ocean / DMC 597.

Band ISatin stitch: Work the large satin stitch diamonds andbackstitch tendrils with two ply of DD Dreamtime / GASTMidnight / DMC 311. See diagram on the next page.Work the stars inside the diamonds and the partial starsoutside the diamonds with two ply of DD Lemon Sherbet/ GAST Apricot Blush / DMC 3531.



Motif JSmyrna Cross and Partial Divided Eyelets: Work this areawith two ply of DD Cabernet / GAST Purple Iris / DMC208. See page 31 for Smyrna Cross diagram. PartialDivided Eyelet Diagram below.

Motif KAlgerian Eyelet, Diamond Eyelet and backstitch: Work thisarea with two ply of DD Kaylas Rose / GAST Cranberry/ DMC 815. See page 31 for the Algerian Eyelet diagram.Diamond Eyelet diagram is at the top of the next column.

Motif LAlgerian Eyelets and backstitch: Work this area with twoply of DD Kakadoo / GAST Shutter Green / DMC 989.

Motif MBackstitch and Partial Divided Eyelets 2: Work thebackstitch (shown in black on the diagram) with two plyof DD Sunflower / GAST Summer Meadow / DMC 743.Work the Partial Divided Eyelet 2 (shown in white on thediagram) with two ply of DD Swan Valley / GAST Pine /DMC 520.


Chatelaine Instructions and Chart

Mystery Chatelaine Part SixSpanish Satin Pinkeep


The model for this design uses a piece of 32 count linenfrom Stitches and Spice - Spice Blend, Celtic. Cut twopieces of linen 10 cm (4) square.

Refer to Issue 20 September 2007 for the layout ofthe Chatelaine pieces and symbol/thread key.

Start stitching from the centre of each piece.

1. Work the Satin stitch diamond and the Partial Eyeletswith two ply of DD Pacific Ocean.2. Work the inner star on the front using two ply of DDNatural.3. Work your initials and date using one ply of DD PacificOcean.4. Work the outer backstitch line with two ply of DD PacificOcean.

Finishing Instructions

Materials Needed

- Thin quilters batting- Two small pieces of stiff cardboard- Matching pearl headed pins- Scissors or roller blade, matt and ruler- Glue (of if you prefer, strong thread for lacing)

1. Iron each piece on the back.2. Cut two pieces of stiff card to 6.3 cm (2 1/2) square.

3. Cut two squares of quilters batting to slightly smallerthan the cardboard.4. Glue each piece of quilters batting to each piece ofcardboard.5. Trim the two stitched pieces to 1 cm (3/8) from thebackstitch line.6. Place the cardboard on the wrong side of the stitchedpiece, so the batting is against the back of the stitching.Glue the seam allowance to the back of the cardboardand clip the corners.7. Place the two wrong sides of the pinkeep together tomake a sandwich. Using two ply of DD Pacific Ocean,slipstitch through the backstitches, taking care not to piercethe fabric.8. Insert pearl headed pins between the two layers of thesandwich.9. Finished!

You can purchase the fabric and thread kitsfor the mystery sampler and chatelaine

from Stitches and Spice.

www.stitchesandspice.com.au(Click on Gift of Stitching Kits)


Spain Chart - Left


Spain Chart - Right


by Helga Mandl

Helga Mandl is bringing us a seasonal whimsical delight every month. Collect them all, they will be quick to stitch and make greatgifts. Helga is a cross stitch designer from Croatia. Visit her website at http://free-pu.t-com.hr/hmdesigns/index.html

Perfect Love



Finished stitched area:14/28 count: 3 1/4" x 5" (8 x 13 cm)16/32 count: 2 5/6" x 4 1/2" (7 x 11.5 cm)18/36 count: 2 1/2" x 4" (6.5 x 10 cm)20/40 count: 2 1/4" x 3 1/2" (6 x 9 cm)

Remember to add 4 (10 cm) to each side for framing.

The model has been stitched on Wichelts 16 count MistyBlue Aida.

Use two ply of six stranded cotton for all cross stitchesaccording to the symbol key. Use one ply of DMC 310(Anchor 403) to backstitch and two ply of DMC White(Anchor 1) to complete the Smyrna Crosses (snowflakes).

Symbol Key

DMC Anchor Six Strand Sweets5 white 1 - 310 403 -x 722 323 -T 3687 68 -S 963 73 - 972 298 -P 937 268 -M 829 906 -{ 3340/727/367 329/293/217 Mango


by Helga Mandl


Each thread you see here equals one thread on evenweave or linen fabric.Come up to the right side of the fabric with odd numbers, and go down with even numbers.

Cross Stitch BackstitchHalf Stitch Quarter Stitch Petite Stitch

1

2

3

4

1

2

1

21

2

3

41 23 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 789101112

Double-Running or Holbein stitch (Blackwork)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Satin Stitch

13

5

7

9

2

Algerian Eyelet(over 4, 8 legs)

1113

15

1

2

34

56

7

8

910

1112

13

14

1516

1718

Four-Sided Stitch

1

2

3

4

5

6

78

Smyrna Cross Stitch1

23

45

67

89

1011

12

Double-Backstitch

Stitch Diagrams

1

2

3

4

5

6...

Rhodes Heart Stitch

1

2

34

56

7

8

910

1112

13

14

1516

1718

23 4

67 8 10 11

91 5

Step 1

Step 2

Combination Four-sidedand Hem Stitch

(Valentine Bookmark)

This is the last page and a nice one at that!

Our next issue is Issue 26 March 2008. Our feature designer is Primrose Needlework, we interview LauraLattuada from Passione Ricamo and we have some lovely goodies to giveaway from Vikki Claytons Hand DyedFibres.

This magazine has been written in Australasian English.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue.

Any queries regarding this publication should be submitted to the Editor:The Gift of Stitching Pty LtdKirsten Edwards33 Waterford St, Kellyville Ridge, NSW [email protected]

See our website for information regarding advertising. We now sell subscription wholesale to retailers. To findout more contact [email protected]

COPYRIGHT: The Gift of Stitching Pty Ltd 2006-2008All patterns in this issue have been published with permission from the designers. This magazine is undercopyright. It is illegal to republish or distribute in print or electronically either in part or whole.

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