Some Updates

I promised to kit the "Berthe Massiet" Sampler up this weekend, and I did. The threads are Au Ver a Soie ...beautiful, soft and gleaming. I chose 28ct Cashel - Antique White for the fabric. Though I wasn't able to take a stitch this weekend, I'm sure to get my hands on it sometime this week!!

When you pick up truly a fine silk to work with like Au Ver a Soie....you know it's for a different type of needlework altogether. It is so delicate (but strong!) and silky to the touch. The quality is just lush and superior. I'm going to love working with it for the "Berthe...Sampler."

I also promised you an update on my "Marie Antoinette Sampler." I need to explain it. First, the topmost winter white section of the lace is completed, except that I want to add the pearly sequins with a pearl bead in the center of them. You can bearly see where I've placed them. I have added Sw. Crystal faceted baguettes to the bottom of the white lace flounce. My final treatment of the top lace is to add a gathered ribbon, in a garter-type rosette with the hand dyed silk ribbons to each end of the lace strip. [Sorry...I don't iron my pieces when I'm stitching them!! :o]

The central floral wreath is a blend of silks of different types, DMC and Anchor flosses. I used regular cross stitches, eyelets, french knots, and smyrna crosses. Once the wreath is finished, Marie Antoinette's initials and her birthdate will be stitched inside it. Cherubs will be on either side of the wreath with golden rose trimmers and silky ribbon-like garments flowing. On either side of them will be large, stone urns with rose bushes in them to symbolize the Hapsburg summer gardens.

I want this upper section of the Sampler to symbolize the Young Marie, a Princess of the Hapsburgs Empire. Austrian born and raised, 18 yrs. old, and newly promised to the Young Duphin of France.... It is to show her youth and innocence, a touch of her homeland, and a glimmer of the hope that young girls carry in their childlike spirits for marriage, beauty and romance. So, there will be other, spot items and treasures added.

The gold lace/ribbon at the bottom of the picture shows the division of the Sampler as it will progress, and where Marie's time at the French Court begins and moves along. I'll be developing this section as I go on later.

A couple of you have asked where to get this "Marie Antoinette Sampler." I'm flattered!! It's bearly started, and it's just my own design. Once it's finished...if it turns out okay, I don't mind sharing it with you. Right now it's just a "create as you go" project for me.

Sending love and hugs to all of you! And, thank you for so many sweet comments about Hadley, the little lambie! :)

Oh....nearly forgot:

I'm so delighted that I finished...for all intents and purposes....just have my name to finish...my block on Glenna's Neighborhood RR!!! I had such fun with it. The ribbon at the base is ruched velvet in that bittersweet red color that's in the flowers above it. I'm hoping a diversion from straight XS will be okay with Glenna. Her Neighborhood was just crying out for a "happening!"