iStitch

Monday 27 April 2009

Petites Lettres Rouges

(photo is clickable)

Here is my final version of Petites Lettres Rouges! Not only did I finish stitching this delightful sampler, I also managed to hem-stitch it (not easy on such a high count fabric). Ethel Susan Richards is my maternal grand-mother who was born in Aberdare, South Wales in 1893 and was a dressmaker/embroideress. There is a picture of her with my grand-father here. This tiny sampler measures slightly less than 5" x 3" (including the hem-stitching) and is stitched on 48/50ct French Gander linen with a deep red Soie Surfine thread. I am going to mount it on a raw linen and frame it once I find a suitable frame. I would like thank Alma and Barb of Blackbird Designs for supplying this free design (here) and holding such a great competition. I wonder what Alice would think if she knew that 91 years after stitching her own sampler that stitchers from all over the world would be stitching her Petites Lettres Rouges!

Although still rather tender, my hand is coming along great. The scab has now fallen off to leave a deep pink scar which will, of course, eventually fade into the crease of my palm. I am now doing the exercises that I was shown by the physio when I had the same surgery to my left hand in 2007 so hopefully by the time I have my follow-up appointment with the consultant on May 7, I will be discharged. Thank you to everyone who took time to leave comments and sent emails, cards and gifts to me during this stressful time and yes it was stressful - can you imagine not being able to stitch for a week let alone four weeks!

No thoughts of stitching in the garden today as it's raining!

Thanks for visiting

Take care

Labels: PLR, Red

42 Comments:

On 27 April 2009 at 09:35, Anonymous

Beautiful finish! :)
On 27 April 2009 at 09:59, Diane (di)

Congratulations on a truly beautiful finish, Carol!
On 27 April 2009 at 10:27, Nina

Beautiful finish!!
I cannot open in bigger size this photo :(
On 27 April 2009 at 10:52, Anonymous

The finish is beautiful, unexpectedly bringing fame to Ethel... Congratulations on your personalised version of PLR (have you counted the threads ?)
On 27 April 2009 at 10:54, Brigitte

It's so nice and delicate, your version of the little sampler.
Glad to read that you hand is doing great so far.
On 27 April 2009 at 11:46, Margaret

I like your version of the freebie -- wow, how can you see the holes in the fabric? lol! I used to be able to see them, but these days I can't.
On 27 April 2009 at 11:59, Vonna Pfeiffer

A singularly lovely finish :) Your picture of the finished project is the best I've seen yet!
On 27 April 2009 at 12:22, Annie Bee

That is so beautiful and what a great finishing job.
On 27 April 2009 at 12:55, lena-lou

What an finish ::) it looks lovely Carol! My own paternal grandmother was called Ethel and she fell out with my Mum for a while for not naming me after her ! I am so glad my Mum stuck out and named me after her own grandmother instead lol
It is raining here too
Take care
On 27 April 2009 at 13:11, Susan @ Real Girl Designs

It's beautiful, Carol. Congratulations on your finish. I can't wait to see this one framed.

I'm so glad your hand is healing up nicely!
On 27 April 2009 at 13:38, Lisa

Your finish is beautiful and a wonderful tribute! I am glad to hear that your hand is feeling better!
Take care
On 27 April 2009 at 14:27, Deb

Congratulations on your finish! It looks wonderful. I don't know how you could see the holes to stitch on that fabric, but you did a beautiful job!
On 27 April 2009 at 15:20, Patricia Lessell

Oh Carol (and no I'm not singing to you you'll be pleased to know) but your little sampler is just totally gorgeous. I am so glad your hand is feeling better. Lots of Love Patti xxx
On 27 April 2009 at 15:39, Susimac

Its lovely my friend, I like the sound of how you are going to finish it too. Fancy hemstitching too, I struggle on 32ct for that never mind 50ct LOL!
On 27 April 2009 at 15:46, tangerinedream73

Lovely stitching Carol - as always! Glad to hear that your hand is coming along smoothly.

Amy
On 27 April 2009 at 16:07, Kim B

Beautiful finish!! It's so petite and delicate!
On 27 April 2009 at 16:45, Edgar

What a beautiful finish!!! I am so glad you are getting better

... watch the mail........ :)
On 27 April 2009 at 17:11, Jennifer Blake

Very pretty.
On 27 April 2009 at 17:13, Dovilė

congrats on beautiful finish:)
On 27 April 2009 at 17:18, valerie

Awesome finish Carol! Can't imagine stitching on 50 count. Was going to start this over the weekend but got foiled. Glad to hear you are feeling better!
On 27 April 2009 at 18:29, Carla

Petites Lettres Rouges turned out great!!!
I'm glad your hand is healing fine :)
On 27 April 2009 at 20:44, Karan

Beautiful finish & a wonderful memento. Good to hear your hand is healing so well. :0)
On 27 April 2009 at 22:10, Daffycat

Wow Carol, you are right 'back in the saddle' after the surgery, aren't you?

Your tiny sampler looks lovely!
On 28 April 2009 at 00:47, Cindy F.

So glad you're healing nicely:)
Such a beautiful sampler and the size and hem-stitch must be even more incredible in person:)
On 28 April 2009 at 02:11, Theresa

This is absolutely beautiful!!! I'm glad to hear that your hand is on its way to recovery!!!
On 28 April 2009 at 12:24, dany

J'adore ta version !
Je t'embrasse chère Carol et te souhaite un bel après-midi
On 28 April 2009 at 15:26, Von

Great news about how your hand is healing!

Your PLR is gorgeous and I'm impressed with the hemstitched edge - great idea!!
On 28 April 2009 at 16:02, Karoline

It's gorgeous Carol, congratulations. Glad to hear your hand is healing well
On 28 April 2009 at 17:16, Stitcher

It's lovely, I wished I'd had time to stitch this one.
On 28 April 2009 at 22:19, Shelleen

beautiful finish
On 28 April 2009 at 23:20, Ruth

Are you NUTS?????????? 48 count? Yes, you are nuts! Certifiable for sure.

It is beautiful though. :)
On 29 April 2009 at 09:36, Jeanie

It's lovely !
Glad your hand is healing well :)
On 29 April 2009 at 16:05, Angela

Carol,
Well done for finishing your stitching - against all odds!! I love the way you have hemstitched it and can't wait to see it when you've finally mounted it.
It's so nice to see al the different dedications :>)
Hugs Angela
On 29 April 2009 at 17:16, Lelia

Job well done Carol!!! It is fantastic. I used plain DMC floss -- but was happy with the outcome.

Excellent idea to hemstitch & eventually frame! I hadn't thought about the finishing.

I have enjoyed seeing the different samplers all stitched up
On 29 April 2009 at 18:23, Andrea

A beautiful finish.
On 29 April 2009 at 19:09, Melissa

Your sampler is absolutely stunning! Congratulations on such a beautiful finish. :)
On 29 April 2009 at 22:21, Candace

What a lovely tribute! It's beautiful & I love the hemstitched border. and it's soooo tiny!!! Bravo!
On 30 April 2009 at 16:43, Zhenya and Nika Aksutin

Hello! My name is Nika! I so like your blog! We are from Russia. My husband and I to work with students. We organize many clubs to construct attitudes friendship and to speak them about the Christ. I have ladys club, we to do hand made cards, scrapbook, quilt and crosstitch. It is good opportunity to testify about our God and His love! Every Saturday I have craft club for ladyes. We do cards, quilt, crochet, cross stitch too. It very not usual and new to Russian culture. I to study from different blogs how to make cards, made quilt and to use different technics. We are missionary to the Far East Russia. We are russian. We live in city Birobidzhan, it is the Jewish region in Russia. A lot of Jews live here. They have synagogues and to celebrate religious holidays. But many of them do not know the Christ. We have 2 daughters. Polina is 8 years and Liliya is 2 years.And if you are interesting about us I shall be glad give answer to you. I will glad if you can write me.Sorry my English.
Nika
On 1 May 2009 at 07:54, Brenda

Your version of the little sampler is lovely.
On 2 May 2009 at 11:54, lena-lou

Hey famous Lady a little bird tells me you have grown since becoming famous too ;-)
On 2 May 2009 at 14:51, Hazel

Beautiful finish! x
On 4 May 2009 at 11:42, Michele B.

Teensy count linen and hemstitched to boot - all with a post-surgical hand. You do beat all! Alice would certainly be amazed and thrilled at your work.