Over on Facebook, the XStitch Canada group is hosting a Canada-themed SAL. My first finish of the year, I Love Canada, was stitched as part of that SAL. But, since I finished it so quickly, I thought I should start another piece.
“O” Canada! Sampler, designed by Victoria Sampler (WIP)
This is “O” Canada! Sampler from Lampost Designs/Victoria Sampler. It was originally released way back in 1992 from Thea Dueck’s first company, but has since been rereleased under the Victoria Sampler label. I have the old chart, though, and it is so strange to go back to stitching from a hand drawn chart!
I was a bit unsure what to do about the 125 in the alphabet section. The chart was designed to honour Canada’s 125th birthday, but that is long past. Then I got to thinking about it–Canada turns 150 in 2017! That’s just next year! So, my plan is to take my time stitching this and rechart the 125 to 150. I can finish it up this time next year and it will be perfect! 😀
If you happen to be thinking of stitching this yourself, the Needle Necessities Overdyed Floss #126 – Mulled Wine has long ago been discontinued. I used ThreadworXs #1038 – Cherry Cola. Thankfully, the 5 yard skein I bought back in 2009 was just enough! (Yes, I’ve been planning on stitching this for a little while…)
The fabric, as always, is a hand-dyed from Enchanting Lair. It is colourway Parchment, and I’m pretty sure it is a 32 count linen. Probably…
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I’m having trouble finding the I Love Canada SAL and the Facebook group. Could you please send me a link? I’ve never done a cross stitch SAL but have done lots of quilt-a-longs. Love your work and blog!
What a delightful little sampler and a good way of commemorating Canada’s 150th birthday. Go for it! 🙂
Gorgeous Heather! I love the floss and the sampler…thanks for the floss info.
What a fun SAL…I swear that you all make me wish that I loved in Canada so I could be involved in the many cross stitch groups and SALs…you ladies would win the most spirit and friendliest stitchers award, if there was one.
Hugs
oops…that should read “lived” not “loved” (insert embarrassed emoji lol)
Hugs
What a wonderful sampler and the perfect timing to stitch it!
I’ve always had a soft spot for Canada, it seems like a lovely country. I really liked what Thea had to say about it on her website. Very appropriate for the current political situation too.
I shall look forward to seeing this one grow.
That’s a lovely stitch and how funny that you’re stitching just in time for the special anniversary!
Very pretty!
Great job I love the thread choice! I think it’s funny you went from wine to cola 😉
It looks great. I have a couple Shepherd’s Bush patterns that are hand drawn – not difficult to work from but they do seem to be harder on my eyes.
Your ‘O Canada’ sampler is lovely as is your idea to adapt the design to celebrate Canada’s 150th!
Cute finish!
Hand drawn charts are wild. I have a Teresa Wentzler that I’m thinking of just buying again just so that it’s easier to read.
This sampler is precious, i like it so much! I can wait for see it finished, congrats, the colors are gorgeous.
Very pretty!