This sampler is brought to you as part of a series of “Little Gems” that are available as a pdf download by Hands Across the Sea Samplers. The project has been rated as suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability and can be stitched either on Aida, Linaida, or linen.
Where Flowers Bloom is a small design by Nicola that has been inspired by a border found on an antique sampler in her collection and her own garden. Blank graph paper and a chart of an alphabetic and numerical font has been included so that you can personalise your sampler. We hope that you enjoy stitching the sampler and that it will brighten your days.
In winter the days are short, and often the weather is gloomy. The winter of 2020/2021 has seemed harder than most due to the pandemic which has greatly affected people’s sense of wellbeing and mental health.
We all struggle at some point in our lives with stresses and strains but needlework is a way of achieving mindfulness. First World War veterans practised needlework as a form of therapy for shellshock. Just as it helped reduce their stress, anxiety, and depression through the repetitive and rhythmic motions of stitching, it has helped us too.
Lockdown has brought social isolation to many, particularly people living alone or those who have been shielding. However, our needles and enjoyment of stitching samplers have provided us with a sense of community through groups on social media.
As I stitched my way through the cold and dreary days of January and February, it was a comforting thought that spring is almost here. The days are already starting to get longer and the nights shorter.
When I wander through my garden there are sights, sounds, and smells to be enjoyed as nature springs back to life after its winter slow down. The snow drops, daffodils, and primroses are bursting into bloom. Soon there will be blossom; dense clusters of blooming flowers will appear on my cherry, apple, and pear trees. The white and pink petals are nature’s confetti – a sign of winter receding and the promise of a harvest to come.
We cannot help but feel better when we see the colourful beauty of flowers full of life and energy. They remind us of better times and encourage us to just keep going through whatever bumps life may give us. Where flowers bloom so does hope.
There are 4 versions of the pdf. You will be able to download any or all of the following pdf and graph versions:
Version 1 ~ A six-page colour chart.
Version 2 ~ A one-page colour chart (intended to be viewed/used on your tablet, phone, laptop, or computer).
Version 3 ~ A six-page black and white symbol chart.
Version 4 ~ A one-page black and white symbol chart (intended to be viewed/used on your tablet, phone, laptop, or computer).
At the very core of Hands Across the Sea Samplers there is a team of needleworkers who are passionate about antique samplers and being able to share those samplers with you. Hands Across the Sea Samplers are on hand to help those stitching our charts.
If you need assistance or have any questions, we can be reached via email, address shown below, or the contact page on our website. Our website has stitching tutorials which can be found in the “Sewing Basket and Tools” section.
Guest checkout ~ Upon completion of purchase you will instantly receive an email confirming your order and giving you a link to download the .pdf. It is important that you ensure the correct email address is given. If the email is not received into your in-box please check your spam folder. You may find it easier to register as a user on our website as you will then be able to visit your account to download the .pdf directly to your PC.
