With the new world we find ourselves in, I have been spending a little more time on social media. I have broadened my viewing to dressmaking and cross stitching, two passions I have in deep remission.
I learnt to cross stitch as a graduate nurse on night duty. I worked with a lady named Robyn, who was passionate about cross stitching and I loved when we were rostered on together. We would work quickly to get the patients settled, and the ward tidied, and with a bit of luck we would have some time in the wee hours of the morning to work on our stitching. Robyn taught me how to read the charts, how to start and finish and all about fabrics and threads. I remember being invited back to her house one morning to look through her charts. Folders and folders of charts, I was enchanted. Sadly though, the cross stitching ceased when my children arrived.
With inspiration so available on social media, my passion has been reignited, especially for antique samplers. So much so, I have made the decision to now stock cross stitching supplies in the shop. Like my fabrics, it will be the reproduction style of samplers that I will concentrate on.
I've been spending a lot of time sourcing supplies. I have charts that are exact reproductions of nineteenth century works,
Like these two samplers, stitched by two sisters in the early 1800's when they were both 10 years of age. Recently someone questioned were they really that age? I don't know, but I do know in orphanages girls were made to stitch these samplers to provide evidence of their needlework capabilities. Their stitched samplers provided a resumé, to gain employment.
As well as exact replicas, I also have charts based on replicas, which include alphabets and numerals so your piece can be personalised with initials of loved ones to commemorate special dates, anniversaries or the life of a dear one.
To go with the charts I am now stocking Weeks Dye Work threads.
These beautiful hand over dyed threads, have 6 strands and come in 5 yard skeins. They are beautifully dyed with a subtle variegation and give a lovely aged looked when stitched. I have not yet been able to obtain the complete line, but I will be adding to the collection as they become available. I have also ordered a collection of the Gentle Arts threads, and they are presently winging their way toward me.
While most of the stitching charts I have use Weeks Dye Works, or Gentle Art threads, the charts also list a DMC thread alternative for each colour. I now stock the complete range of DMC thread. It's on fancy carousel spinner.
On top of threads, I am building a collection of linens and Aida. I have linens in a selection of 30, 32 and 36 count, and the Aida in 14 count. I am presently entering them on the website, but it is a little time consuming getting the right photographs to show a true likeness to the fabric. I will be adding to these fabrics in the coming weeks.
Obtaining supplies amid a world wide pandemic has not been the easiest task. World-wide, people have picked up needle and threads and supplies from distributors are running at very low levels. On top of that, the delivery systems are under huge stresses. I am thankful that I have been able to obtain a nice collection to kick off my new venture, and I look forward to building on supplies as time moves forward.
As soon as Covid restrictions here in Victoria are relaxed and gatherings become safer, I will be starting a stitching group at the shop. Stay tuned for further details in the coming weeks hopefully not months.