As of last night, here’s the progress I’ve made on Thy Love Divine by Samplers Across the Sea.
There are two things I’m doing with this one that I’ve not done before. First, I’m using silk thread (Soie d’Alger). I have to say . . I’ll never use only silk for my stitching but if I woke up tomorrow and had all the money I’d ever want, I’d use only silk from this day forward. It feels so good. I’ve stitched everything shown above and have no had one problem with the thread tangling or making a weird mess on the back. It is a dream to work with . . not so much of a dream that I’m willing to part with the amount of cash it would take to use only silk but it is nice!
Second, I’m stitching in hand – not in a frame, not in a hoop. This is a small piece so it’s easier than it would be with a larger piece but I think my stitches look nicer and I find it more relaxing.
I’m using this fabric from Cross Stitching Supplies and I’m loving it. It’s a 40 count Zwiegart linen. The color is Cream. It’s less expensive than most of the hand dyed linen. It feels really good. Not stiff. Not limp. No slubs at all, though I’m sure since it’s linen, occasionally there may be slubs. I can see this being one of my favorite linens to use.
Yesterday I stitched 203 stitches, which isn’t bad considering how much time we spent in town and I took a nap. As of last night, I am 4.15% finished. Not very far! My goal every day is to get 500 stitches done. Rarely does it happen. I don’t think we’re going anywhere today. I’m sure I’ll cook. I’m sure I’ll unpack a box or two but hopefully, I’ll get some cross stitching time.
Susan says
Are you stitching over one or two threads?
Judy Laquidara says
Yes. 40 count with one strand and stitching over two threads.
PAMELA BECK says
Judy, I noticed that there is no “J” in the alphabet line. Is that intentional? Will you add your initials in the chart somewhere? Just wondering.
Judy Laquidara says
Yes, the J is left out intentionally, as is the U.
I will stitch my initials in it.
PAM BECK says
Yes, I’ve been looking at some samplers and have seen that on a few of them. Is there some history to this? I can’t find anything about it. Thanks!!!
Christina Coats says
Hi Judy
Zwiegart Linen is a linen but is known as an even weave linen. You have inspired me to sort out charts and flosses and decide which to start? Have ordered some pretty awesome magnifying glasses with a light, so I can find the holes!!!, My old faithful hang around your neck one has gone missing in the move. Enjoy your cross stitching time.
Judy Laquidara says
From what I’ve heard from the experts on youtube, ALL linen is considered evenweave because there are the same number of threads horizontally and vertically, even though some can be thick and some can be thin. Zwiegart does have thick and thin threads and some batches have more than others. This particular piece doesn’t have as many as some.
Marilyn Smith says
I keep looking for the letter J. It is not stitched on hers either. Do you know why it is left out? This is going to be beautiful!
Teri says
I was wondering the same thing.
Lynne Davidson says
Hi Judy, what do you use to see where you are in the pattern and how do you know how many stitches you have done?
Thank you for giving me even more things to stash 🙂
Lynne