O Canada!

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)

“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…

This entry was posted in Cross Stitch and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

13 Responses to O Canada!

  1. Sherry says:

    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!

  2. Rachel says:

    What a delightful little sampler and a good way of commemorating Canada’s 150th birthday. Go for it! 🙂

  3. Karyn says:

    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

  4. Karyn says:

    oops…that should read “lived” not “loved” (insert embarrassed emoji lol)
    Hugs

  5. Joanne P says:

    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.

  6. Justine says:

    That’s a lovely stitch and how funny that you’re stitching just in time for the special anniversary!

  7. Heather says:

    Great job I love the thread choice! I think it’s funny you went from wine to cola 😉

  8. Susan says:

    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.

  9. Von says:

    Your ‘O Canada’ sampler is lovely as is your idea to adapt the design to celebrate Canada’s 150th!

  10. Blu says:

    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.

  11. Varla Lee says:

    This sampler is precious, i like it so much! I can wait for see it finished, congrats, the colors are gorgeous.