Stitching retreats are rapidly growing in popularity.  It seems that with each Flosstube I watch or guild meeting I sign into...some stitcher has either just returned home from a retreat or is getting projects packed up to go to one.  Anytime I see one being advertised by a favorite designer or local needlework store - I feel a pang of jealousy and sadness for my lack of physical ability to attend one.

I'd love to sit in a room with a couple of dozen other stitchers and watch them sew.  I'd love to see what frame they work with, or what tools they use, and what patterns they are stitching.  I'm curious to watch someone stitch in hand and listen to the stories of how someone fell in love with the art.  My spirit craves the company of other stitchers.

So for now, I'm settling for a stitch-a-long.  Definition: a cross-stitch pattern (or series) that a group of stitchers have committed to do together and then display their progress as they go along.  I signed up for my first "SAL" with a group doing an exclusive pattern for Hobby House by Hands Across the Sea, titled "Florence Mary Dickinson."  As you can see in the picture, she is a very colorful sampler!  I started her on January 3rd, 2023 and I've been able to keep up (and even jump ahead) with my monthly progress.  

It may not be the same as a retreat...but for now it's satisfying my need for connection.
#handsacrosstheseasampler #florencemarydickinsonsal

The girls that stitched these samplers are our ancestors.  When so little was recorded in history records of these everyday females from centuries past, I'm thankful so many of their samplers have survived to show us how creative and skilled they were at such a young age. 

Although their lives were simpler than ours, their days were hard and filled with challenges we can't begin to understand.  But through those struggles and adversities, they managed to create these beautiful works of art that are all unique and have a voice of their own. 

We are so connected by the love of the needle.  Family.  

Looking back at the history of civilization - the needle plays such an important role in the survival of mankind.  The women's skill of needlework has been passed down for generations for the purpose of necessity, but also for the nuance of the art itself.
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​Presently, we are the custodians of the needle, needlework skills, and these samplers.

This is my first attempt at a Hands Across The Sea reproduction sampler pattern.  The patterns are so clear and easy to read and stitch.  Nicola Parkman and her team so carefully choose beautiful antique sampler, chart them to each and every detail, and then recreate the original design to perfection.  I so appreciate their craftsmanship and dedication to the art!