Stitch Camp 2018 ~ The End

I had so much fun with the fabrics that I chose for the huswife and pincushion, 

that I decided to make a matching needlebook as well.

I used "Hexie Needle Case" pattern by Back Door Quilts 

Here is the outside of the needlebook.

I decided to piece the inside as well, although that isn't what the pattern called for. 

Complete with little wool pages for my needles.

I fussy cut a little hidden bird for the inside too.

And here is my entire set.

I'm so happy with how it turned out.

I'm tempted to make another set...

This is the antique sampler that we reproduced for class.

Last year I finished the entire sampler before heading to camp, but this year I did not.

It is fun to see how others changed their samplers up...

Kim produced a stunning beauty on 40 count linen over 2.

I love her added pine trees - perfect for a sampler from Maine.

And her Stitch Camp additions and personalization.

Frances added a lovely soft rose to her palette.

And Margaret added her personal information to the bottom rows.

I'm always torn when stitching reproduction samplers.

I read that to be a true "reproduction" it must be stitched the same using the same colors and linen and approximate size. If not, it is considered an adaptation.

I'm not really fond of stitching someone else's name and an old year.

I feel like I am trying to pass my new work off as an antique.

That someday when I am gone and all my stitching goes to Salvation Army or Goodwill someone might mistake it for an antique.

At the same time, if I substitute my name and date, 

I feel like I am claiming a piece that is not truly mine.

On this trip I had an "Aha!" moment.

I should  do both - honor the original stitcher that created it and recognize that I stitched it now.

My result - honoring Maria Davis of Bangor, Maine and her heartfelt sentiment of  "Live in peace with all men" and recognize that I am praying for the same thing 195 years later...

It may now be an adaptation, but I am pleased with the results.

Now all that is left is the hemstitching.

I found at camp last year that I truly enjoy hemstitching and want to finish more pieces using the technique, but I have not.

I hope to work on the hemstitching soon.

I'll share when I finish...

Thanks so much for sharing in my adventure!

It's always hard to leave Country Sampler and Spring Green, Wisconsin, but it helps to know that I will be returning this autumn.

I have another adventure coming in just a few weeks, but this one is closer to home.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Blessings, Patti