Snowflake Sampler :: 3 Star Flowers + 3 Posies

Whew. It was really close whether or not I'd finish this month's Snowflake Sampler blocks before month's end, but I made it! There were two 11" x 21" blocks. The Star Flowers were exactly that, composed of plenty of snowflake and star stitches, weaving, and then finished off with backstitched stems. I really enjoyed that there was a good mix of stitches intermingled for this block, as it definitely made me feel like I've learned something about chickenscratch embroidery this last year.

Then I especially enjoyed stitching the Posies block, though I did run out of my primary colored thread, and luckily had a different but contrasting variegated thread that let me finish in a way that looks cohesive.

So, just one more block to stitch in January, and then it'll be time to piece a quilt top!

X and O Star   +   Tiny Snowflakes   +   Lacy Flowers

Large Snowflake   +   Woven Star   +   Pearvocado

Classic Star   +   Simple Woven Flower

Favorite Coffee Mug   +   Small Classic Star

Five Diamonds + Flowers with Borders

Flower Pot + L'Orange + Lacy Star

Snowflake Sampler :: Flower Pot

Right off, I'll admit that this month's Snowflake Sampler block was supposed to be a coffee pot, but I decided to change it up a bit and instead, made a "Flower Pot." I kept the block size the same - 21" x 21", and used the same stitches, just altering the design into a diamond.

That way, I actually was able to place five flowers in the center, rather than the originally intended three, and I liked that.

I feel just a little naughty for forgoing the proposed design, but I think this will suit my desired finished project better. Plus, it was fun to kind of make things my own.

Snowflake Sampler :: Simple Woven Flower

Another block in the Snowflake Sampler block-of-the-month, this month's design was easy to follow once I got comfortable with it. I may not have ever actually said this, but for each block, it's up to the maker to mark the gingham squares with the stitching design, at least the foundational stitches. I've been using a Frixion pen to make a tiny dot in each square that needs a stitch, per Blair's suggestion. The dots are usually covered by my stitching, but I also press the block once I'm done, which has taken the dots completely away. I don't usually use these pens for marking on the right side of a fabric project, but it seems just fine for this particular use.

Again, most of the work on this block consisted of star stitches, so by the time they were complete, the variegated weaving was a treat for sure. Once trimmed, this block will measure 10" x 20".

In case you missed my previous blocks, here they are!

X and O Star   +   Tiny Snowflakes   +   Lacy Flowers

Large Snowflake   +   Woven Star   +   Pearvocado

Classic Star

Snowflake Sampler :: Tiny Snowflakes

Once I had the X and O Star block done for the Snowflake Sampler, I immediately started in on the second block! I was excited to try my hand at the Basic Star Stitch sure, but I was even more anxious to do the subsequent weaving. So far, on both blocks, that has been the most fun for me, I'm sure because it feels new and definitely is a way of stitching I haven't tried before. And obviously it adds so much  to the white 'base' stitching.

This block is also 11" square, though it'll get trimmed up before final quilt assembly. The spool of Aurifloss I used for this block was variegated blue, with a good bit of white in it, so some of the snowflakes look 'frostier' than others. But all's good, and I look forward to the next block being released in a few weeks.

Snowflake Sampler

One of the most satisfying things about this long stay-home time has been that I've picked up hand-stitching again. With all the Dropcloth Samplers, and Stitch Club, I've been wondering what could/should be next. And then Blair/wisecraft announced this....

At first I didn't know what I was seeing. But after reading Blair's post I was seriously mulling over if this just might be it. I didn't even know that this kind of stitching was called Chicken Scratch Embroidery (AKA Snowflake Embroidery) but it looked vaguely familiar. And it led me to the hooks in the laundry room where I keep my aprons, and lo and behold, look what I found!

That pretty much settled it. This vintage apron was stitched by my husband's paternal grandmother, Caroline, for his mother, Dorothy. I'm pretty sure it was handed down to us after Dorothy passed away. At any rate, I knew at once that I wanted to experience that kind of stittching for myself. So yes, I signed up! And if you are even vaguely interested, go take a look, because you can sign-up at a nice discount until December 17.

So stay tuned! It'll be late January before I actually get to stitching, but I'm looking forward to it!