This is a chart that I’ve wanted since the first day I saw it – Smith Sampler by Scarlett House. You’ve probably noticed that I like things that mean something to me (like those non-existing Santas from the 50’s). When Vince and I were not even married yet, one of our favorite restaurants was Smith House somewhere in Georgia and you know how I am . . that may not even be the name of the place but that’s what it is in my memory. Oh, yes! I’m right. It’s the Smith House in Dahlonega, GA. So, somehow, in my mind, I’ve combined Smith Sampler and Scarlett House and it’s Smith House to me so I wanted to make it.
This is the one I had asked The Attic to kit up with silk theads and that was months ago. It was December 18 when I talked to them because we emailed a few times about it. I assumed they had for forgotten about it and yesterday Carolyn, who is in all their floss tubes, and seems like the kindest, sweetest lady ever, called me and they had my sampler kit ready. It was so weird to hear her voice on the phone because I’ve been hearing her on floss tubes and there she was on my phone!
My friend, Marilyn, had told me they had all been sick so I should be patient but I was sure they had forgotten about me and I was sad but . . it’s not like I had nothing to work on so I kinda forgot about and was totally thrilled when Carolyn called. She couldn’t remember if I had asked for fabric too. I had but I told her it was ok . . just send the chart and the floss and I probably had fabric.
I wrote Sheri from The Loopy Ewe and Colorado Cross Stitcher and asked her what count fabric she was using. 40. OK . . this will be my first project using 40 count linen. My eyes may not be happy!
I have a few pieces of 40 count . . not very many . . maybe 3. It’s hard to tell what color the sample is done on from the pictures I’m seeing. Sheri’s looks lighter than the sample but what really matters is what color fabric my floss will show up on which I won’t know til the floss arrives. I looked at the fabric I have and it tends to be darker than I think I’m going to want so I ordered a couple of pieces of lighter pieces so hopefully I’ll have those soon and once the floss arrives, I can see which fabric to use.
I’m excited about this one because it’s pretty and because I used to love going to the Smith House with Vince.
Dorothy Moore says
Dahlonega GA is one hour from where I live and I love that quaint town. The Smith house is still there. And they have the most wonderful quilt shop, Common Thread. You are inspiring me to return to cross stitching then I look at all that fabric I have that I need to use up. Maybe one day? Hope Vince is able to join you soon. Love your blog.
Judy Laquidara says
I wonder if Common Thread was there when we used to go. I don’t remember it but if Vince knew it was there, he probably steered me away from that direction. 🙂 It was in the early to mid-90’s that we were going fairly often.
Deborah Stokes says
Did you see the flosstube Sheri did about this pattern? The center triangle in the top border is bigger than all the others. That would be so easy to miss, she did and had to RIP out a lot. Be careful!
Liz says
The center triangle looks wider not taller, so that makes sense to make the pattern fit and why ripping out was necessary. It would be frustrating to get to the end and realize that you could not make the corner work. Kinda like doing borders on quilts and not coming out even.
Judy – the Loopy Ewe link is missing a “m” on the end. And you can still do Santas for you and Vince – just reverse the last two numbers, or 1984 = 1948, to select the Santa pattern. Or pick the ones you like and switch the years on the cross stitch.
Judy Laquidara says
The way I see it, there’s no changing of any last two numbers that would represent our birth years. I had never planned to make those anyway . . don’t even know what I was thinking when I wrote that. Fixed the link. Thanks!
Judy Laquidara says
Yes, and I’m so glad she shared that because I would have done the same. Get in that rhythm and expect nothing to be different . . til it is!