Another model sampler is finished and I am thrilled with it

Preserve My Heart Secure sampler is finished. I just received it today from a model stitcher and I am thrilled with it. This is stitched with DMC on my sage linen. She did a beautiful job stitching for me...I am so lucky to have so many model stitchers with time to spare.
I need to select a frame...maybe one of my antique frames I have (I have a closet full). Now I need to find some time just to frame some of these pieces.
I have been swamped with stitching mottoes for ebay customers...I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel. One more to go after I finish this current one...and there are days I wonder if my hands are going to hold out. I truly have to quit stitching mottoes for customers. I haven't stitched for myself in ages.
Thanks for stopping by....be sure to enter the custom family name sample chart give-away in a previous post.
Nancy

Custom Family Name Sampler Chart Give-away. Enter Now!

I have completed the Custom Family Name Sampler Chart. An adorable vintage couple stand in the doorway of their little house. It is a nice sized sampler, on 16ct (32ct linen) it is 7x9" and fits any 8x10" frame. Stitch count is 115 x 144.  Shown on cream linen. Lots of colors in this sampler and charted for DMC to make it easy for everyone.
This sampler chart will have your name and date (marriage or other). The font shown with my name (Turner) will fit names with 10 letters. If you have a longer name I will use a slightly smaller font to make it fit. Email me first if you have a very long last name.
A RED variation:

Available in either color combination.
I wanted to make this chart easy . Instead of sending you an alphabet and you have to chart your own name and date in there, I am charting it for you. Your actual chart will be printed with your name and date on it. Does it get any easier than that??
The Custom Family Name chart is $24.99 plus postage. Email nbelgian@aol.com if you would like one.
Lets give one away!!
Rules: You must be a follower and post a comment here. Post on your blog, facebook or your stitching group and get 25 more entries. Send a friend and get another 25 entries.
Drawing to be April 30th to give lots of people time to enter.
Nancy

How much do you like to finish on items? I would love to hear from you

I have always like to do finishing on items. I have given away almost everything I have ever made over the years....so finishing is not new to me. I see a lot of people post that they don't like to do their own finishing....so my question is....how much finishing do you like to do on an item? How simple do you like/need it to be?

I have done simple envelope cushions recently for a customer.....all you need to do is place the pieces right sides together and stitch all around and then you just turn the piece right side out and sew on a button. I tried to get her to attempt this simple sewing project.....but I just couldn't convince her to give it a try. It doesn't get any easier than this. I even attached the linen to the border pieces before she stitched her pieces. Do you think that would be a great idea for some kits? Then all the stitcher would have to do is stitch the insert and sew the pieces together. Maybe sew on a charm or two....hanging ribbons....I love the ruffled bias tape ribbons I use. I will show that in a post later this week. I have dyed several colors that I use and maybe I will dye more colors. The ruffled ribbon bow could be tied in the kit too...then you would just have to tack it on. Or I could even tack that on the back too!

What are your finishing skills?  I will be putting kits together this summer and I would like to know how simple I need to make these. Is it the edge trim you find the most difficult part? I am trying to see how much I can do in a kit to make the finishing easy for you. I have always enjoyed hand sewing and find it easy to attach trims to pieces. Then I hear that others don't enjoy this process.....so I am trying to help as much as I can.
How many of you like the wool applique pieces? I see they are popular on some sites. What if the applique was already done on the back of a piece....just thinking out loud here....and that would be incorporated into the price of the kit for a little more. I guess the kit could be offered both ways, for you to finish or the finishing almost done for you and you just sew the two pieces together and turn. No seam to sew closed. Just tack on a button or charm on the overlap seam.
I would love to hear from you.
Nancy

Working on new samplers and lots of spring sales going on

I am working on a couple new samplers at the same time. I work on one.......then get an idea for another so I jot that down.....then go back and forth as new elements for the design come to me. I truly love to put a design on paper and watch it unfold.

A had a couple requests for my next weekend sales.....and I thought I would extend it all through April to help everyone.
Buy 5 packs of chenille trim and you get one free. I have that sale all the time on ebay.
Buy 5 packs of hand dyed ric rac you get one free. Buy 5 packs of hand dyed buttons and get one free.
Buy 5 yards of cluny ric rac trim and get one free.
Free shipping on the 1795 Sampler floss collection. Worldwide! Saves up to $20. Buy through me as the sale is only in America on ebay for this floss collection.
I am clearing out my eyelet trim and listing lots of new colors. I have a couple more rolls I could dye but maybe I will just sell the natural by the yard.
I need to list a lot of small trims that I want to drop from my inventory. I sold the bulk of each set and need to list the extras. I still have a huge inventory of trim I would like to sell before we move in 18 months. I don't want to have to move all those boxes of trims. I am listing some great bargains in my store this week.
Thanks for stopping by.....
Nancy

This week's sampler....a re-design

This weeks sampler pattern is a re-design of a sampler I did in 2012. I wanted to change the colors and the flowers....well I changed the basket design, motifs, etc. Once I got started I just kept making a lot of changes. It's amazing how different colors can change a pattern. I have dropped the older pattern from my inventory and will be selling the new one. Alphabet and numbers are included to personalize your sampler. Design size is 218 x 139, finished size on 16ct (32ct linen) is 13.6 x 8.7. Now I have to decide if I want to have this one stitched. I love the red and gold together. Fits perfect in my house.
Charts will be printed tomorrow if you are interested.
Teach me to feel another's woe.....how important that is.

Thanks for stopping by.
Nancy

Free floss this weekend with floss purchase

Another weekend special.....this weekend, Fri-Sunday the 30th......for every 7 skeins of floss you buy (20 yards each), you get one free (20 yards) of your choice. Choose from any in the 1795 Sampler Collection or any of the other colors I have in my shop.

To say you have lots of colors to choose from is an understatement!
You can browse my store http://stores.ebay.com/Victorian-Motto-Sampler-Shoppe
See the category at the left "hand dyed floss".
You can purchase on ebay or email me direct with your order. nbelgian@aol.com
*****If you order through ebay, you must send me a message to tell me you saw this sale to get the free floss. The sale is not on ebay.
Thank you for the nice response I have been having to these weekend sales. I do all I can to help and I love to share.
Have a great weekend!
Nancy
P.S.            If anyone missed the free shipping on the 1795 Sampler Floss collection, 80 skeins, 1600 yards....I will extend it this weekend. Free shipping world wide! Saves up to $20. This will not be combined with the free floss sale.

A different sampler by changing colors

A friend asked me to sell her The charm of Friendship sampler chart but asked me to change the colors for her. No problem! She loves reds and dramatic colors....

I even made the border on the flowers a wider red for her. I love the ease of changing patterns with a stitching program and a few minutes time. I like it so well that I will sell the pattern with this color combination too. I may even send it out to another model stitcher. Charted for DMC.
Back to the drawing board..............
Nancy

The Charm of Friendship Sampler

I just received another model in the mail today....she did a beautiful job on this sampler. I am so lucky to know so many talented people...and generous with their time.
This is shown stitched with my own over dyed floss. It is charted for DMC....but I like the softness of these over dyed colors I chose.
The Charm of Friendship. I am printing charts this afternoon if you would like one. The chart alone is $14.99 for 10 pages. Enlarged color blocks and symbols pages are included to make it easier for you. Chart with my over dyed floss is $19.99. Stitched on natural 32ct linen, finished size is 14 x 16-1/2".
******THIS WEEKS SPECIAL*******
The first 10 charts sold($14.99) will receive free floss! I do all I can to help in this tough economy. Email nbelgian@aol.com if you would like a chart.
      I have just selected a verse for my next small sampler....be sure to stay tuned next week to see the pattern.
     I have quite a few model stitchers but if you are in the states, like stitching on linen and have some time, I would love to trade stitching for floss (and anything else in my store).
                                             Nancy

New Spring Floss Colors

Now that the floss give-away is over I thought I would show the rest of you the new spring set of floss I have added to my store inventory. It is available on ebay or direct from me.
Olde Marigold, Spring Green, Primrose Pink, Sweet Lilac and Forget Me Not Blue.

I will be adding a lot of new colors in the next couple months. I want to get a few more sampler patterns finished before I get back to the dye pot. It has been a nice break, let me tell you. But once more I will put on the rubber gloves and be dipping and dunking thousands of yards of floss as I do every spring.
I wish I could find someone who lives close to me to help put this on the cards. The other gal I had did not work out and it was too expensive shipping her boxes of floss and then returning them. If the postal rates keep going up we won't be able to ship anything to anyone. It is ridiculous these days. A small envelope with a few skeins of floss overseas is $9 to mail! Don't get me started.....
So it is Monday....the start of another new week.....and I guess I better get started! So much to do around here.

Thanks for stopping by....have a great week.
Nancy

The Charm of Friendship sampler is finished

I got an email from Dede who stitched this model for me and sent me this picture...and it is on it's way! I can hardly wait to get the mail this week as you can imagine. This pattern is The Charm of Friendship and I love the verse. The sampler is 230 x 279, finished size on 16ct (32ct linen) is 14.4" x 17.4" . Charts will be available on Wednesday.

She did a great job and I can hardly wait to get it framed. Thanks once again to all of you great model stitchers. I could not do all of these samplers without you! I am spending 25 hours per week on patterns alone......and I am stitching mottoes for customers and that takes up my evenings. If I could just add another 40 hours to each week I would have it made!
Nancy

Changing colors in a sampler makes a big difference

I love to play with color....and I love how it changes the whole look of a design with a few color changes. The new mini sampler I just finished is a good example. I am selling the chart in two color combinations. Some people have a hard time trying to imagine a design with different colors....so here are two pictures for you.

Now I need to decide which color combination I will have a model stitcher do for me.......I love the darker red.....the actual colors I have selected are a little softer than these photos....the stitching program leaves a lot to be desired. Too bad it can't stitch each block as I fill it in with color...now THAT would be a stitching program!!!
Thanks for stopping by.
Nancy

New Smaller size sampler! Be Strong and of Good Courage

After completing several large samplers I am now starting on the smaller sizes. A lot smaller. This one is 7 x 9 inches and will fit in any 8 x 10 inch frame! There are so many beautiful reproduction frames out there....lets start saving some money. You can get a $10 frame at Hobby Lobby.....and if you use the Stitchery Tape (no glue, pins, lacing, etc) to mount your sampler on foam board...you can have it framed in one afternoon. I LIKE that!
This sampler is Be Strong and of Good Courage. Shown with my stitching program on linen (charted for 16ct, 32ct linen)...this one will go out to a model stitcher next week. Speaking of that....I just got an email today that another one is finished and I will have it back next week. I better get to the framing part myself.

I have incorporated some pine trees, birds, violets, strawberries, floral motifs, dogs, a nice border.....your initials and the date. Lots of goodies in this petite sampler.

Back to the drawing board....and another small sampler pattern.
Nancy

We have sampler chart winners today!!

We have sampler chart winners today! As promised.....I picked a couple names. Well....lets pick three! Pick from any of my new sampler charts.
The winners are:
Ellen (With my Needle)
Annette Calif
and Stitch mcFloss

Congratulations!
Please email me and give me your address.

I want to thank everyone who entered. I love to share with all of you...hopefully everyone will get something if we  have enough give-aways!

Now to think of what to give away next!!!!

Have a great day!
Nancy

Another Spring Sampler

After I completed the last sampler, Welcome Spring, I told you how I was going to have it stitched two ways. One as the whole sampler and the other with just the insert and no border or house below it. I thought I would do the chart now so I could show you how different they look.
This is the whole chart:

And this is the second chart I did with just the insert. Both have your initials and the year. But that can be added to any of my charts as there is always room or you could remove any motif to insert your name or initials.

The first sampler is 14.4" x 19",    16ct or (32ct linen).
The smaller sampler is 10.9" x 14.4",   16ct or (32ct linen).
Now I can hardly wait to see them stitched! The colors shown above are pretty close to the actual DMC colors I selected. I am charting for DMC to make it easy for any one to buy their floss to stitch one of my charts. Charts are $14.99. 10 pages, 4 pages of enlarged color blocks, 4 pages of enlarged symbols blocks, pattern info and key.

Thanks for stopping by....have a great day!
Nancy

Weekend discounts for loyal followers

I am always trying to help in this tough economy. I thought I might have some weekend sales and change them up all the time. This weekend...lets see....3-14 through 3-15....lets do FREE shipping on the 1795 Sampler Floss collection. That save you $8 in the states and $20 if you are International. The 80 skeins, 20 yards each, 1600 yards! of over dyed floss will do plenty of projects for you. Set is $156.00.  I have previously done free floss equal to your postage...so lets throw that in. CHOOSE between free floss equal to your postage  OR  free shipping. Such a deal.....think of all that floss! This would run over $600 from the other over dyed floss companies. I am always trying to bring you a great product at an affordable price. Get this while it lasts! 2 days only.............

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!!
Nancy

Welcome Spring new sampler!

Everyone seems ready for spring.....so a Welcome Spring sampler sounded appropriate to me. I wanted to do this one a little different....I am going to have one model stitcher do the whole sampler. I am going to have another stitcher do just the insert without the border or the house, trees and lawn below it....so you have two options. I am also going to over dye the whole sampler after I get it back from the stitcher! I will share that with you when the time comes. For now...here is the new sampler:

The pattern size for the whole thing is 231 x 304 stitches. Finished size on 32ct linen will be 14.4 x 19 inches. Year and your initials go on this pattern but you can add that to any of my sampler patterns as there is always room to add it if you so desire. Charted for DMC. Shown on cream linen with my stitching program. Charts are available now. $14.99 for 10 pages. 4 pages of color blocks chart, 4 pages symbols chart, color key and pattern information.

Thanks for stopping by......time to start on another pattern!
Nancy

Spring floss winners today!!!!

We have some spring floss winners today!!! Special floss will be going out to these stitchers...some Forget-Me-Not Blue, Primrose Pink, Spring Green, Sweet Lilac and a surprise color.
The winners are:
Connie (Primitive country cabin)
Carol (stitching dreams)
Peggy (keep me in stitches)
Penny I
Rachel
 Nancy P
Denise
Patti in MI
Julie
Kathy L
Cal

Congratulations! Please email me and give me your address. nbelgian@aol.com

I love to share with all of you....and we will have another floss give away soon.

Nancy

Rejoice in The Lord Sampler chart with floss

I failed to mention that the Rejoice in The Lord (Mary Long reproduction sampler, my adaptation) chart with floss is now printed and available. Add that to the list of charts that you can choose from in the give-away listed below.

Charted for DMC but I have this listed with my own over dyed floss. I love the berry color....and the soft rose on the motifs and flowers. Shown on my dark antique champagne linen. The pathway is a taupe brown and so is the fence. Pattern size is 177 x 164 and finished size is 11.1" x 10.2". Chart with floss is $19.99. 10 pages in the pack. Color blocks and symbols charts are included. Enlarged for you to make it easier.

I have been swamped with ebay orders again but have started on another sampler pattern that I hope will be finished next week. I am having fun with these...I love looking for beautiful sayings to go on the samplers that I design. Trying to decide when one to use next is the hard part!
Thanks for stopping by. Be sure you have entered the give-away for a sampler chart.
Nancy

Pick a Sampler chart give-away!

I had to laugh....one of my followers "reminded" me that I said I was going to have a give away for a sampler chart.....I do tend to get very busy.....so thank you for the reminder!!!

There are now 8 new sampler designs to choose from....look at the bar on the right to see them all. Pick your favorite....a couple have over dyed floss that will be included...the rest are charted for DMC and do not come with floss.

Sooo.......you must be a follower and post a comment here. Post on your blog and get 25 more entries. Send a friend to follow and you get 25 more entries.  Drawing to be March 21st.....lets give a couple charts away! Remember that you have to check back to see if you are a winner....mark your calendar. I ship world wide. Good luck!
Nancy

Switching colors in a sampler design

I had a customer ask me if I would show one of my sampler patterns to her with different colors....she couldn't picture it but wanted softer colors. With a few tweaks to the stitching program here it is in softer colors. I still haven't sent this one out to be stitched...I am going to use even softer, faded colors. I need to select them soon and get this mailed out. I love getting them back all stitched and beautiful and ready to be framed. Any ways....I just wanted to show you how different a sampler can look with a few color changes. Thanks for stopping by!
Nancy

2 Samplers back from model stitchers

Even though it is snowing....and the light isn't as good as I would like it to be....I wanted to show you what the new samplers looked like. The first is a reproduction of Elizabeth Cripps. Finished size on 32 count natural linen is 16 x 21 inches. My own over dyed floss on this one. I charted it for DMC but will be selling the pattern with my floss as an option. Pattern is $14.99. With floss $19.99.

Next is a reproduction of Louisa King. Once again I used my over dyed floss. This is a much smaller sampler, finished size on 32 count linen is 10 x 10 inches. I love the large samplers but you quickly run out of wall space to hang them.
This fabric is a beautiful over dyed champagne and it just doesn't show in this photo.

I thought this one was lost in the mail and the model stitcher and I almost had a heart attack over this last postal mix-up. It was finally found sitting on a shelf at the post office. Gotta love those postal employees......
This chart is $14.99  and chart and floss are $19.99. Email if you are interested. nbelgian@aol.com

Nancy

Leave No Tender Word Unsaid, new sampler

I completed another sampler pattern last night and did some fine tuning on the chart cover this morning. Of course it will be replaced when the sampler is stitched...which will be a ways down the road. This design is179 x 127 stitches, 11.2" x 7.9" finished size. 16ct (32ct linen). I wanted this to fit any 9 x 12 inch frame to make it easier for you. It has a nice two tone leaf border. It reads:

Leave no tender word unsaid
Love while life shall last
The mill will never grind again
With water that is past

I put a date on this one....I don't know why I don't like putting dates on samplers. Maybe because the antiques had dates...it's nice to see the old ones...but I just don't care for dates on new ones. You could add your initials instead of the date...that's an option. You could also leave the date off all together.
The colors I am actually using look darker/brighter with the stitching program. Colors are softer and more subtle. Charted for DMC and full cross stitches
I have two patterns that need to go out to model stitchers this week and I received two back from model stitchers. I would show pictures of those but we are in a snow/ice storm and it is too dark to take nice photographs so they will have to wait. You not only make hay while the sun shines....you also take photographs!
I have to stitch a couple mottoes for a customer so this will be a long week ahead. I have a verse in mind for the next sampler so I will whittle away at it each day.
Stay tuned for a give-away for a sample pattern of your choice. You knew we would have one!
Thanks for stopping by.
Nancy

New Sampler, Preserve My Heart Secure

I am pleased that I managed to finish another new sampler pattern.....and I still can't believe I squeezed in another 25 hours into a busy week.
I had seen this verse years ago...on a sampler from the 1800's.....some times I can find verses in old hymn books....they are wonderful reference books for beautiful verses. This one says:
Preserve my little heart secure
From every hurt and stain
First make it and then keep it pure
And shut to all that's vain

If early thou would'st have me die
O that no harm will be
Into thy arms I then will fly
And ever be with Thee

I did a different border...with twining roses. Lots of flower, birds, an alphabet......lots of goodies here. I love making it up as I go along. It fits any 16" x 20" frame....that's always a plus. There are so many nice antique frames that you can pick up instead of paying a custom price. This is charted for DMC....and then you could always antique it after stitching...stain it any way you'd like...and make it an instant heirloom.
Design size is 240 x 304 stitches. Finished size is 15 x 19". Charted for 16ct (32ct linen). Pattern is 10 pages, color blocks and symbols pages. $14.99. nbelgian@aol.com
Mine will be going out to a model stitcher soon. These arthritic hands are having quite a time just doing patterns these days...I wish I had time to stitch all of these but alas....I will have to save major stitching for retirement.
   I think we need a give-away for sampler patterns.....soon!

Thanks for stopping by.
Back to the drawing board.....
Nancy

Always Remember motto

I was asked by a friend to design a small motto with the quote from A. A. Milne:
"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
She wanted to give it as a gift when her grandson graduates this year. She wanted a masculine design so I did a simple border. Shown in blue, green and brown.....but if you changed it to cranberry, pink and green it would be nice for a girl. Chart is $9.99. Color blocks and symbols pages. 7 pages total. Pattern size is 143 x 114 stitches. 16ct (32ct linen) finished size is 8.9" x 7.1". Fits any 8x10 frame. If you would like one, email me at nbelgian@aol.com.

I have had a very busy week and now need to get to my next sampler pattern.....and cram another 25 hours into this week if possible! Wish me luck.....
Thanks for stopping by.
Nancy

Is it time for a Spring floss give-away? YES!!! 10 winners!

I hear everyone wishing for this very cold and snowy winter to be over....I love the snow...but understand those who don't. I love spring...I just dread our hot and humid summers that we have here...so I enjoy winter!
Spring will be here before we know it....and of course we have to have a Spring floss give-away! So lets try to hurry it in with anticipation.......and lets give some floss away!!!!

Lets do some new spring colors.....lets give 5 skeins (100Yards!)  to 10 lucky winners! 50 skeins (1,000 yards!) is a nice give-away. Rules...you must be a follower and post a comment here. Post on your blog and get 25 more entries. Send a friend and get 25 more entries.
Drawing to be......how about March 10th? Sounds good to me. The first day of spring is the 20th.....but that's a little too long to wait. This will give lots of stitchers time to enter.
Good luck....and be sure to check back to see if you are a winner. I truly don't have time to track you down and after all....you must follow!
Nancy

Youths Flowery Season new Sampler design

It was another busy week and another sampler pattern completed. I wanted to show the difference when you change the background color on the stitching program....it really changes the look of the sampler just like clicking on a color and changing it...it can go from bright and new colors to old and faded with a click.....talk about easy!
This new design is called Youths Flowery season. Another quote from a very early sampler.
Youths flowery Season soon will pass
And Beauty's Bloom decay
But Knowledge, Wisdom, Virtue, Grace
Will never fade away.
In the fair regions of the Blest
External roses Bloom
No Storms nor Blights can enter there,
No Pain, no Death, no Tomb

I liked the flowing border I had just done on the Patience sampler so I did a vine and added rose buds and leaves. A nice spring sampler.....birds, flowers, butterflies, bees...all wrapped in one sentiment. I just keep drawing until it is filled...talk about fun!
Charted for DMC. I like to make it easy on everyone. You can always change the colors if you wish. Pattern size is 267 x 331. 16.7" x 20.7" finished size.
I send 10 pages with each chart. Four color blocks pages, 4 symbols pages (use the one you prefer) pattern information and color key. Chart is $14.99. I will put the chart in my ebay store today. I will be sending this out to a model stitcher but that will take a while to stitch. Email nbelgian@aol.com if you would like a chart.
I have several verses I want to use and now to decide which one for the next sampler......
Thanks for stopping by....have a great day!
Nancy

Happy Valentine's Day and some winners!!

Happy Valentine's Day!! I hope each and every one of you will have a wonderful day.....with the loved ones that make our life so worthwhile.

I am happy to announce the winners of the give-away....lots of goodies in red going out of here. The winners are....... and  yes I picked a few more!!!!!
Tara
Vickie (A Stitcher's Story)
Monica (hoopless stitcher)
Mary B
Wichitastitcher
Nan (Nan's Needlework Notions)

Congratulations!!! I have some wonderful packages ready to go out to you. Please email me and give me your addresses. nbelgian@aol.com

I better get busy and think of what to give away for a spring give-away....we can't let too much time go by around here without sharing!
Have a wonderful day.....thinking of you.
Nancy

Another busy week,another new sampler

It's been another very busy week around here...and another new sampler pattern emerges....An Almighty Friend.
Everyone seems to be anxiously awaiting spring and warm weather...and I thought a sampler with flowers....birds...bees and butterflies...and roses on the gate would be fitting. Lots of color in this design.....and a flowing leaf border. Charted for DMC to make it easy for all. Design size is 174 x 174 stitches. Finished size is 10.9 x 10.9 inches. Pattern is $12.99 plus postage. Color blocks plus symbols charts included.. Email nbelgian@aol.com if you would like one.

I love the man that scorns to bend
beneath afflictions blast
Who trusts in an almighty friend
for his reward at last

The next sampler will be another large one....just getting the rough draft done on the pattern....and it looks like another 25 hours or more to chart this one. You can see why I send these out to model stitchers.

We still have lots of snow on the ground here...but I do love winter. I like spring...but our hot and humid summers follow....so I will enjoy winter for a while yet.

Make sure you have signed up for the Valentine's Day drawing that is quickly approaching.

Thanks for stopping by.......back to the drawing board.
Nancy

Forget Me Not Sampler Completed

My Forget Me Not Sampler is finished and I will be taking more photos and printing charts on Monday. Charted for DMC but chart is available with my over dyed floss as shown in the photo or just the chart alone.
 I need to frame this.....It's going to take a lot of stretching as ironing wouldn't take out the creases....it was mailed back to me in a flat envelope and folded. You can imagine how flat the envelope was smashed by the time I got it. These crease lines are so hard to remove when you can't use steam on over dyed floss...that's why I always mail in a small box. Wish me luck on this one.

I am working on the sampler pattern with the delicate leaf border...I am pleased with how it is coming along. I have to decide on a verse to use...I have quite a few verses I have found over the years and I am always looking for others. Do you have a unique verse you would like see on a pattern? I would love to see any you might have.

I need to take a break and go bake a birthday cake for my son who will be 43 tomorrow....where did the time go! My son is the joy in my life....and a Mother couldn't ask for a more caring and loving son. We are the best of friends....I love to spend time with him and his sons....all great guys if I may say so and I am so lucky to have them. Am I proud or what?!!

Thanks for stopping by....the chocolate cake is calling me....
Have a great weekend.
Nancy

New Patience Sampler!

It has been a long week and another sampler pattern is done. I love old samplers...but I prefer to design my own. These will be the future heirlooms and antiques a hundred years from now. I like to look at the pictures of the old ones... and then take the drawing wand and go for it. This border is similar to one I had seen from an 1827 sampler. There were a couple from that same area that did similar borders and then I wanted to add birds...one of my favorites....and a house of course.....and on and on and on......and I left a space above the roof if you wanted to put in your family name, initials, a date, etc. Your family name would be nice.

Patience
Patience will wipe away the streaming tear
And hope will paint the palid cheek of fear
Content will always happiness supply
And virtue calls a blessing from on high

This chart is 249 x 314 stitches. The finished size on 32ct linen will be 15.6 x 19.6 inches. This will take my model stitcher a while to do....so I am printing charts from the stitching program picture on linen. It is charted for DMC floss and I am blending a few colors together. The actual sampler will be stitched on some very antiqued linen....a dark caramel....and then I may over dye the whole thing once it is stitched! Since it will be DMC and color fast I may have a go at it and dip and dunk it into some dye wash to age it further. I have done that with other samplers and love the finished result.
Charts will be $14.99. Six pages of color blocks that are easy to follow. Not a lot of colors so it is not too confusing. I have had many stitchers tell me they like my charts simply for this reason. Easy to follow. Symbol blocks chart also included for reference.
If you would like a chart email nbelgian@aol.com. Postage is extra. Charts will be ready to mail tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by....back to the drawing board. I am working on a sampler with a leaf border that is stunning.....hope to have that one to show next week and then it will be off to a model stitcher. Have to keep those needles busy! Mine have been busy in the evenings stitching mottoes for customers....my goodness are these hands sore. Chart all day and stitch all evening. My break time is do the laundry...cook dinner....iron trims for ebay orders...pack kits.....after 9 years of 7 days a week with my ebay business I am ready for a vacation. Maybe later this year....if I last that long!
Have a great day.
Nancy

First Sampler Completed

Some lightening needles have completed one of my first sampler patterns, Mary Long. I just received this in the mail an hour ago and I can hardly wait to frame it. She did a beautiful job stitching...front and back look perfect.

I will print charts tomorrow and list this in my ebay store as soon as I have it framed for photos for the cover. I will also be selling charts with or without floss. Charted for DMC but model is shown with my over dyed floss.

Chart only will be $12.99 With my floss $19.99.

Shown stitched on my hand tinted 32ct linen. Finished size is 10 x 11". 177x164 stitches.

 

Back to patterns....I am going to have a hard time keeping 23 model stitchers busy....especially when one is as fast as this one!

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Nancy

P.S. To answer a few questions...the walkway and fence are my medium taupe, a rose brown and the photo looks more pink than it really is. The flowers are faded pink and the berry border is a dark rose. Hand dyed looks so much nicer than regular DMC.

Waiting for the Angels Sampler

Another week....another sampler pattern done. I especially like this one for the verse. I took several elements from antique samplers, the verse, the birds and a few motifs and designed this one. Waiting for the Angels. The verse reads:
    Only waiting till the angels open wide the mystic gate
At whose feet I have lingered weary poor and desolate
Even now I hear their footsteps and their voices far away
If they call me I am waiting only waiting to obey

The smaller verses in the boxes are:
Call up on the angels
heed their voices call

Listen to thy savior
follow submit to all

The stitching program picture never does justice to a design....so I can hardly wait to see this one stitched. I may show the chart in other colors too....it is amazing how it changes the whole look.
I will be sending this off to a model stitcher tomorrow. This is a 16 x 20 inch  (249 x 317 stitch count) sampler on 32ct linen. After the model is stitched the chart will be available. Full cross stitches in my charts. Charted for DMC but I may offer over dyed floss for the chart too.

I will get started on another pattern......by the time I am done I will have my 23 model stitchers very busy! Oh yes...one of the first models I sent out is almost done! I will have it in a few days and show it to you.
Thanks for stopping by. Be sure you have signed up for the Valentine's Day give-away in a previous post. Lots of goodies to be given away.
Nancy

New Sampler pattern preview

I have another sampler pattern done and it will be off to a model stitcher tomorrow. This is The Charm of Friendship....and is 11 x 14 inches. Using the stitching program it is shown on cream linen as I will be using my antique champagne linen...a mottled antique cream. I have some nice over dyed floss for these patterns. The charts will be available with or without floss. Charted for DMC....but will be so much nicer with over dyed floss.

I have so many verses that I have seen on antique samplers and I hope to design a sampler for every one of them. It will take me a while...it's a good thing I have 22 model stitchers this year! Sometimes the only thing I like about an antique sampler is the verse...or a motif or a border....so I will be combining these elements into my own designs. And then there are times that I just let the imagination go.....and dabble with the motifs and experiment as I did on this one. I love the soft rose colors.....especially on cream. It is 11"x17"
I just thought I would give you a sneak peak at this one. Back to the drawing board......

And be sure to sign up for the Valentine's Day give-away.
Thanks for stopping by.
Nancy

Shall we have a Valentines's Day give-away? Yes! Enter now!

I have been busy....busy...busy these past couple weeks. Business and personal....and there is never enough time in the day. Do we have time for a Valentine's Day give-away? ALWAYS!!!!!

Lets see....it has to be mostly red........so how about red floss....and red trims(and some cream colored trims....cluny lace!)....and red heart buttons...I have wood and plastic hand dyed red buttons.....and I have several heart charms....yes those would be great!!!!! Lets add an Alphabet Ornament chart with your initial.....and the Treasured Friend red heart pattern.

Lets draw 3 names.
Rules: You must be a follower and post a comment here. Post on your blog and get 25 more entries. Send a friend and get 25 more entries.
Drawing to be Valentine's Day....of course!!!!

Thanks for stopping by.....good luck in the drawing!!
Nancy

Sneak preview of a few new samplers

I have had a couple friends ask for a sneak preview of the new sampler patterns that I am working on.....impatient souls........and I always hesitate to show something from the stitching program because it doesn't do it justice. It does show it on linen...but not the beautiful over dyed linen that I have...or the over dyed floss that I will be using....but I will show a preview of the few that I have finished and they are off to model stitchers. Some are my adaptations of antiques and some will be my own designs. So here you are:

 I love designing birds and Forget Me Not Flowers together.

I hope you like the preview. The charts will be $12. I will also offer them with over dyed floss and 32ct linen. These are also charted for DMC. All my designs are full cross stitches.
Some of the colors shown on the charts above are darker than they actually are. I need to show them darker on the stitching program for the colors blocks on the charts. I don't know about you....but I like color blocks to follow when stitching. I will also include a symbols chart with each pattern. So you have the option to use the chart you prefer.
Thanks for stopping by and viewing my work.
Nancy

A great response from model stitchers!

Thank you for the great response to my add for model stitchers.....I had two...now I have 22! I appreciate each of you contacting me to work on these samplers. All I can say is I better get busy! It takes me about 20 hours to do a sampler....if I stick with it a little bit less time. I must say that sitting for 10 hour days really gets to me so I may drop it back to 8 hours at a time. Either way I should have lots of samplers being stitched this year and I appreciate the great response. You stitchers are the best!!

Hugs from Nancy

I need a model stitcher in the US

     I have been very busy since I recovered from the holidays. I have completed 3 sampler patterns and two will be in the mail to model stitchers shortly. Now....I will be needing more model stitchers. I have a few requirements.....I need you to be in the US. With high postal costs and shipping time I think you can understand my position. For the samplers...they will be on 32ct linen and they will be around 11 x 11 inches or 12 x 12 inches. The going rate was a penny per stitch....and I am looking for someone who wants to trade for floss. An average sampler would be around $150.00 for you....and I would be happy to send my $156 Sampler Floss Collection (1600 yards and would be over $600 from other companies) and pay all postage. Or linen. Or you could select floss from any in my store. Some samplers will be $200 in pay.....and I would pay half cash and half floss or linen.
These are all full cross stitches. The sayings on some will be over 1 but most are over 2.
    MOST IMPORTANT! I need someone who has the time to stitch. And stitch quickly. And has very nice stitches and neat on the back.  I can't wait 6 months for you to complete this. I am looking for someone who will quickly stitch for me, say within 1 month. I know that would leave out the part time stitchers but I think you can understand my position. I could show the pattern stitched with the stitching program...but the linen colors they offer just don't satisfy me....or make the sampler look as good as it should. I may do that on one here and there....
    So if you think you might be interested....please email me at nbelgian@aol.com. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for listening.....
Nancy
P.S. Several emails have come in...I now have 4 stitchers and still wanting to line  up more.

Happy New Year!

Our year is quickly coming to and end.......and time to ring in the new. I am wishing each and every one of you a very Happy New Year! Filled with love, happiness and hopefully lots of stitching!

Nancy

Free shipping on the 1795 Sampler Floss Collection once again

I hope all of you had a nice Christmas and are relaxing a bit...I know I am. I finished the new sampler pattern and am now in the process of selecting floss for it. I decided to dye some more colors to choose from....I just love playing with all the colors. These will be even more antiqued that the floss in the 1795 collection. I will use them for patterns with optional floss available.

I have had another request (someone spending her Christmas money!) to offer the complete 1795 Sampler Floss Collection with free postage. I am happy to offer this. The set is 80 skeins (20 yards each) and is $156.00. You are getting a couple free skeins with the set as you are just paying for 78 skeins. This set is about 1/4 the price of most of the other companies. It is 1600 yards!
The savings will be around $6-8 if you are in the states as I mail priority mail. If you are International. I mail first class and this will save you around $18. Nice savings.

The free postage is only offered if you purchase direct and not on ebay as I am passing the savings on to you. If you are interested email me at nbelgian@aol.com.

Back to work.......floss is calling me.....
Nancy

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas one and all!!!
I hope all of you have received the gift you wanted the most!
Today I am happy to announce a big winner...for 25 skeins of my floss from the 1795 Sampler Collection. Pick your favorite colors!!!
The winner is Kevin!
Email me (nbelgian@aol.com) after you browse through my store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Victorian-Motto-Sampler-Shoppe

Thank you....one and all......for participating in the Christmas give-aways. I truly love to share with you. Now Santa Nancy needs to rest for a day.....I am almost done with the antique sampler pattern and will shortly select hand dyed threads and it will be off to my model stitcher. After spending 20 hours on a pattern.....I will be sending this one out to be stitched. I can then start on another pattern and hopefully find some time for me to do some stitching....arthritic hands permitting. I am pleased with this antique sampler and will show you as soon as it is available so stay tuned.
Next year looks like it is going to be a good year....I hope it is for all of us!

Love,
Nancy

We have a $50 gift certificate winner today!!

Santa will be very busy tonight.....and Santa Nancy has been very busy too! Today we have a very lucky winner of a $50 gift certificate to shop in my store. The name drawn was:
EvalinaMaria. Congratulations!!! Browse my ebay store and then email me, nbelgian@aol.com, and tell me your selections.

Tomorrow is the big drawing for the 25 skeins of floss....

The rest of you still need to be real good....as Santa will be making his rounds tonight and I hope each and every one of you receives the gift you would like the most.  I know that gifts come in all sizes....and I hope your present is just the right size and what you want. Or it may be what you need. I hope you are all blessed this Christmas as I have been blessed. I have so much to be thankful for. And thank you for being such good friends.
 Love from Santa Nancy

We have a fabric winner today!

I wish Santa would bring me a new camera....I am having trouble with it today with the memory card. I can't show a photo of the fabrics today.....but the lucky winner today can choose from 18ct Aida or 32ct Belgian linen that I have dyed. The Aida is red, pastel pumpkin(light pastel orange), or spice. The linen I have in Antique Champagne, Sage or Light Carmel Brown.
The lucky winner is Lillian Carol. Congratulations!
Please email me, nbelgian@aol.com, and tell me what fabric and color you would like and send me your address.

The big day is almost here and tomorrow and on Christmas day I have two great give-aways. The $50 gift certificate and the 25 skeins of floss. You can still enter on the original posts. Good luck to all!
               Love from Santa Nancy