*FREE CHART* Christmas Promise

This is my Christmas gift to you, my dear friends and constant encouragers.

Follow this link to a downloadable PDF file.

I didn’t have time to stitch up a model of this little design so that you could see an actual photo of the completed project, but this doesn’t mean there is any less meaning behind my Christmas gift to you.

I created it with a glad heart, inspired by my favorite author, Charles Dickens, the quote from A Christmas Carol, when, at the end of his story, Scrooge declares, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

A sentiment that is still relevant today, 175 years after it was first published.

The colors listed with the chart are suggestions only. I didn’t even pull them from my collection to make sure they went together well. I based them off of names and color swatches in my design software. Please use your favorite Christmas Red, Green, Gold, and Brown to finish your little project. You can finish it as a pillow or ornament, stitched over one or over two, on the finest linen or the most humble cloth… My only requirement for this design is that as you stitch it you do it with the same spirit as the changed Scrooge in Dickens’ tale, and the intention to do as he did, keeping Christmas in your heart all the year through.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this design, and also feel free to send me a picture of your finish, as well as any story you may want to share about how Christmas has changed your life. My email address is: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

Shop owners, feel free to print up as many copies of this design as you want, and distribute freely to your customers. Stitchers, please do the same, sharing this design with as many of your stitching friends as are interested. It is my free gift to you.

I am so thankful for the blessing of being able to create cross stitch designs that are met with welcoming arms. I could have never imagined ten years ago that I would still be skipping down this happy path; you have made it possible for me to have a dream for an occupation. As I created this design, it was with a full heart, because of YOU.

Happy Stitching! ♥ Beth

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Winter Edition

Mittens and Stocking Hats, Snowflakes, a Polar Bear, and Penguins, Hot Cocoa, Ice Skates, and a Snow Globe; all sweet and cozy and winter-y in all the best ways. You may not love the chilly winter weather, or you may look forward to it all year long. Either way, I daresay there's a fob in this set for you (or your stitching bestie). I hope you enjoy them!

I only have one more set left before my series of 12 is over and done. I'm so thankful for all of your encouragement and enthusiasm as I set out to complete this project. I must confess, I'm looking forward to being done with all of the tiny finishing projects for awhile!

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Blue Jeans, Bluecoat Red, Clockwork, Fawn, Grits, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Oscar, Red Rocks, Seagull

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.


Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar, Acid Free Card Stock, Acid Free Gluestick,
Felted Wool, Large Lobster Clasp

Trims from Lady Dot Creates:
Mini Rick Rack: Vanilla, Bird Nest
Rick Rack: Storm Blue
Mini Pom: Vanilla, Rainy
Ribbon: Vanilla, Rainy


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*FREE CHART* Grateful Thankful Blessed

My gift to you, in honor of my very favorite holiday.

Follow this link to a downloadable PDF file.

This simple little design was stitched on 40 count Patriot’s Brew by R & R Reproductions, using the threads mentioned on the chart, with the addition of some Bird Nest rick rack from Lady Dot Creates. The candle holder that it rests in was found at Hobby Lobby (Wood Pedestal Candle Holder– Small, part #1453513). I designed it specifically to fit this candle holder, which has an opening that measure 3 1/8 inches in diameter. However, you may choose to finish it in any way your heart desires, on any size linen or other fabric, with any color of threads.

My only requirement for this design is that as you stitch it you do it with a thankful heart and think about the many ways you have been blessed. It has been proven that thankfulness has the power to banish darkness from the corners of our minds. I try to operate with a heart of gratitude daily, not just during the month of November. I won’t deny that this is a big challenge, but I’ve found this practice to dramatically shift my attitude toward my circumstances in a most positive way.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this design, and also feel free to send me a picture of your finish, as well as any story you may want to share about how gratitude has changed your life.

Shop owners, feel free to print up as many copies of this design as you want, and distribute freely to your customers. Stitchers, please do the same, sharing this design with as many of your stitching friends as are interested. It is my free gift to you.

I am so thankful for the blessing of being able to create cross stitch designs that are met with welcoming arms. I could have never imagined ten years ago that I would still be skipping down this happy path; you have made it possible for me to have a dream for an occupation. As I stitched this model, it was with a Grateful Thankful Blessed heart, because of YOU.

Happy Stitching! ♥ Beth

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Christmas Edition

A Cardinal, Poinsettias, the Nativity (complete with blue-jeans wearing Joseph), Christmas trees, and Wreaths of Holly and Bells are all represented in this little set of small motifs. Perfect for making scissor fobs or ornaments for your tree, this is a continuation of my ongoing series of tiny designs for you to make for yourself and your stitching friends.

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Blue Jeans, Bluecoat Red, Collards, Fawn, Grits, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Mocha, Oscar, Red Rocks, Skinny Dip

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.


Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar, Acid Free Card Stock, Acid Free Gluestick,
Felted Wool, Large Lobster Clasp

Trims from Lady Dot Creates:
Mini RickRack: Vanilla
RickRack: Mossy, Mother Lode, Sizzle
Mini Pom: Mother Lode

Ribbons used are all Hug Snug seam bindings:
Dark Olive Green, Havana Brown, Medoc


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Mistletoe, Tinsel, and Jingles

My three very favorite old-fashioned Christmas decorations are Mistletoe, Tinsel, and Jingle Bells. What better way to honor these fanciful and festive fripperies, but with their very own storage boxes, which in and of themselves are quite decorative.

Don’t let the finishing of these items scare you away! If you know how to wield a pot of glue and some fabric scissors, your job is nearly finished for you. Hopefully the included instructions are clear enough that you can duplicate my models. But if not, I plan to have a video tutorial completed very soon for you to watch the process happening in real time. Get your stitching done, gather up your needed materials, and head on over to YouTube to create your very own set of festive Christmas storage boxes.



Mistletoe Storage Box
Stitch Count: 89 x 89
Model stitched with one thread over two
on R&R Reproductions’ 40ct. Patriot’s Brew

Tinsel & Jingles Storage Box
Stitch Count: 109 x 109
Model stitched with one thread over two
on R&R Reproductions’ 32ct. Patriot’s Brew

Flosses Used:
The Gentle Art: Barn Grey, Cast Iron Skillet, Shutter Green
Weeks Dye Works: Grits, Hunter, Schneckley

Additional Materials Needed:
Paper Mache Lidded Boxes
Chipboard or Matboard and a Compass Tool
Felted Wool or Flat Quilt Batting
Cotton Quilting Fabric and Fabric Scissors
Mod Podge Glue and Brush
Acrylic Paint and Brush
Decorative Trim: Lady Dot Creates Mini Pom: Lush Lawn
Mini Silver Chenille Tinsel Garland and Rusty Jingle Bells


Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Harvest Edition

How do you condense the three best months of the year into 9 tiny fobs? I don't know, but I sure tried! Represented in this set are September's sunflowers, October's pumpkins, and November's changing leaves, as well as a black kitty and a turkey for good measure

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Clockwork, Fawn, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Oscar, Pecan, Terra Cotta

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.


Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar, Acid Free Card Stock, Acid Free Gluestick,
Felted Wool, Large Lobster Clasp

Trims from Lady Dot Creates:
Mini RickRack: Bird Nest
RickRack: Mary Janes, Jack
Ribbon: Licorice, Jack, Grubby Jack
Chenille: Bird Nest



This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice

Last September I was inspired to create this design as I sat in my house on a rainy day, sipping my own homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. Which, for me, entails some very black coffee with a small splash of a Pumpkin Spice creamer. I don’t usually go for that one certain latte that has created all of the fanfare because it isn’t coffee enough for me. BUT… I do desperately and dearly love ALL THE PUMPKIN THINGS. Pie, bread, cake, lasagna, roasted, steamed, blended, reduced to a scent and put into candles… you name it, I’ve always loved it. Maybe because I was born in November. Maybe because I was genetically engineered with pumpkin-shaped receptors on my tongue. Whatever the reason… It’s about time I jumped on the bandwagon and made something stitchy for this season we now nearly ALL confess to love…

I put it into my design software last year, and this Summer, with the help of Christy Mock, a sweet soul, who gently reminded me to ask for help when I have too much on my plate (unless it’s pumpkin something, in which case don’t ask for help, just gobble it all right up), I got the drum whipped up, and then decided to add the pincushion. Because why not. Never too much pumpkin, am I right?

Pumpkin Spice Everything Drum
Stitch Count: 183 x 75
Model stitched with one thread over two on R&R Reproductions’ 36ct. Old Mill Java
With flosses from Weeks Dye Works:
Havana, Oscar, Peach, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato

You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice Pincushion
Stitch Count: 111 x 75
Model stitched with one thread over two on R&R Reproductions’ 36ct. Old Mill Java
With flosses from Classic Colorworks:
Autumn Spice, Pine Needles, Tea and Biscuits
And flosses from The Gentle Art:
Acorn, Sarsparilla

DMC conversion included with the pattern.

Additional Materials Recommended
Quilting fabric for back, top, and bottom of pin cushions
Favorite filling (I prefer wool roving or sawdust for drums)
Rick Rack from Lady Dot Creates in the color “Jack”


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Summer Garden Edition

I don't know about where you live, but around here, it's time to start harvesting veggies! The Zucchini is in full swing, Green Beans are starting to ramp up, and Kale is featured at nearly every meal. We have to grow our Tomatoes and Peppers in the greenhouse, and they're still a month away from being ready to eat, but that's the downside of living in the Cascades. This newest set of fobs features some of my favorites: Cauliflower and Beets, Broccoli and Radishes, Peas, Corn, Carrots, and Tomatoes. As well as a thieving Crow and some Gardening Tools. I hope you like this set as much as I do!

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Bluecoat Red, Clockwork, Collards, Fawn, Grits, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Mocha, Oscar, Red Rocks, Seagull

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar, Acid Free Card Stock, Acid Free Gluestick,
Felted Wool, Large Lobster Clasp

Trims from Lady Dot Creates:
Mini RickRack: Bird Nest, Vanilla
RickRack: Mossy, Sizzle
Mini Pom: Mossy, Mother Lode, Snow
Ribbon: Vintage
Chenille: Mossy

Hug Snug seam binding: Dark Olive Green, Black



This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Woodland Edition

**PLEASE READ!** These charts will not be mailed until Monday, July 9th at the earliest. I'm offering them as a PRE-SALE because I will be closing my Etsy shop for 20 days of Summer Staycation, starting at the end of the business day on 7/9. If you put any other charts in the same cart as this one, they will also be held until the new design is ready to ship. If you miss the shop closing cut-off, you will still be able to get this chart when I re-open on 7/30. You will also be able to get them through any local or online needlework shop that gets their order placed with me before my vacation.

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Blue Jeans, Gold, Havana, Mascara, Mocha, Oak, Oscar, Pecan, Red Rocks

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar
Acid Free Card Stock
Felted Wool
Rick Rack, Mini Pom, Chenille, Braided Floss, Seam Binding, or other ribbon-type finishing notion
Large Lobster Clasp


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Seaside Edition

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Blue Jeans, Bluecoat Red, Collards, Fawn, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Mocha, Oscar, Skinny Dip

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar
Acid Free Card Stock
Felted Wool
Rick Rack, Mini Pom, Chenille, Braided Floss, Seam Binding, or other ribbon-type finishing notion
Large Lobster Clasp


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Americana Edition

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Fawn, Grits, Havana, Lichen, Mocha, Oscar, Red Rocks, Twilight

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar
Acid Free Card Stock
Felted Wool
Rick Rack, Mini Pom, Chenille, Braided Floss, Seam Binding, or other ribbon-type finishing notion
Large Lobster Clasp


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Stars & Stripes Forever Stocking Ornament

I'm slowly adding stockings to my series, this being the third.

Inspired by the Independence Day parades of my childhood small town, with the strains of America’s official march playing in the distance, I’ve put in bunting and fireworks and a girl proudly waving an American flag. (I considered putting in my all-time favorite float, a 1940’s gangster-style car completely covered in tinfoil, but I figured that it would be lost in translation, so I stuck with more universally recognized motifs (insert emoji smiley face here)).

As the great-granddaughter of immigrants in three out of the four branches of my family, I recognize the beauty of a country that has historically embraced anyone that wanted to come join their efforts with the dream of freedom. Some would say that we have lost much in the past decades, and the threat of becoming a closed country is imminent. But the promise of a better life can still be had if we remember our roots and stand on the principles that created this great land. Who is with me in promoting a country that peacefully welcomes all? Only then can we truly stand tall and brave and proudly promote the Stars & Stripes Forever!

Stitch Count: 50 x 100

Model stitched with one thread over two and one thread over one
on R&R Reproductions’ 35ct. Heartstring Blend

Using thread from Weeks Dye Works:
Deep Sea, Havana, Parchment, Red Rocks, Sanguine

Gold and Silver metallic threads of your choice
(gold and silver silk threads if you don’t like metallic)

Recommended Additional Materials:
1 fat quarter of co-ordinating cotton fabrics

Fusible interfacing, parchment paper,
or webbing of your choice

Reserve 1 length each of the
Parchment, Deep Sea, and Red Rocks floss
for braiding into the stocking loop

This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

Saturday Stitches

Let Today be a Good Day Vintage Stamped Cross Stitch (from my collection)

Saturday Stitches

EA Selleck 1842 Antique Needlepoint (from my collection)

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Beekeeping Edition

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Blue Jeans, Bluecoat Red, Fawn, Gold, Grits, Havana, Lichen, Mocha, Oscar

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar
Acid Free Card Stock
Felted Wool
Rick Rack, Mini Pom, Chenille, Braided Floss, Seam Binding, or other ribbon-type finishing notion
Large Lobster Clasp


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Bee Garden

There aren’t many things I like better than sitting out in the orchard where my bee hives are positioned. Watching the honey bees as they come and go, buzzing from flower to flower is meditative and calming in ways I never imagined. On a warm, sunny afternoon, if my family can’t find me in the house, they know exactly where I’ll be, content and calm, and always reluctant to leave.

With the exception of those that are allergic, I think everyone should have a bee garden, large or humble, filled with flowers that are the favorites of bees. Early blooming flowers and especially late bloomers (for the end of the growing season, when the bees are especially hungry and wanting to store up for Winter); providing forage for the pollinators is the best thing a person could do to help insure the survival of my favorite insect. Even a single pot of a long-blooming perennial could mean one bee gets enough food to make it home at the end of a long day of searching.

If you don’t know which flowers to plant, or if you don’t have a green thumb and fear killing anything you put in the ground, check with a local garden club or horticultural society. Sometimes all you need is a bare bit of ground and some native plant starts and you can have a maintenance-free food plot for bees. I have a combination of both native flowers (which require very little intervention for them to thrive), and showy hybrid perennials that I find a my local garden center. I have heirloom plants and shrubs and humble wildflower mixes all planted side by side. The more I put in the flower beds, the less room there is for the weeds to take root. The flowers make my yard pretty, but most importantly, I feel good about feeding all the varieties of bees that live in my area. Including, but not limited to, my own sweet honey bees.

Stitch Count: 192 by 74
Model stitched with one thread over two on Picture This Plus 40ct. Legacy

Using flosses from:
Classic Colorworks: Onionskin, Honeycomb, Pine Needles
The Gentle Art: Green With Envy, Maple Syrup, Dark Chocolate, Ruby Slipper
Weeks Dye Works: Concord, Pink Sand

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NOW AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE* Prairie Life Sampler

The "Nashville Exclusive" status has been lifted, and this chart is now available for purchase anywhere my designs are sold.

Much to my great happiness, my 10-year-old daughter has become obsessed with all things related to the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, just as I was at the same age. She’s read all of the books (some of them multiple times), and we’re currently watching through the television series as a family. At some point this past Autumn, she turned to me and said, “Mama, all I want for my birthday is for you to design a sampler for me.” Be still, my heart! How could I say no to such a request? Once I had the design partially done, I showed it toher on my computer screen and she gasped out loud with delight. This nearly brought me to tears, if I’m being honest. At that point, I let her give input into the final version of the sampler. It was her idea to have Laura hold a fishing pole, to put in the tiny little copper penny beside the tin cup and candy cane (from Laura and Mary’s Christmas in the big woods. She requested the basket of eggs and lunch pail as well as the Grizzly Bear in the forest. I think we make a great team, don’t you? And when it came time to stitch the model, she was very intent on stitching that copper penny all by herself. I hope she treasures this sampler for the rest of her life.

The quote included in the sampler is from a letter written in 1947 by Laura Ingalls Wilder, addressed to the children that read her books. In the letter, she gave a brief update on many of the people in her stories, including herself, and closed with, “The Little House books are stories of long ago. The way we live and your schools are much different now, so many changes have made living and learning easier. But the real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong.” Good words that apply even now, another 70 years after being written.

Stitch Count: 203 x 203

Model stitched with one thread over two, one thread over one, and also includes some straight stitching.

R&R Reproductions’ 35ct. Classic Homespun

Weeks Dye Works threads: Beige, Straw, London Fog, Havana, Palomino, Dirt Road, Sage, Garrison Green, Caper, Molasses, Dolphin, Baked Apple, Deep Sea, Gold, Sanguine, Sand

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

The lovely frame is by Valley House Primitives.

This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

Saturday Stitches

Rachael Holmes

Saturday Stitches

Grapevines at the Old Homestead

The Rest of March

I don't know of any other month that can so effortlessly contain all the weather types. Shirt-sleeves to Blizzard, this is March in the Cascade foothills.

Saturday Stitches

Prairie Life Sampler

Manzanita

Just the four of us, plus two can't-live-without friends, escaping for a short weekend to the Oregon coast. Is it possible to stand inside a sunset? Can the sand reflect the sky? Will the Farmboy steal some pussy-willow cuttings for his Sweetheart? Are there hearts made of rock? Can a two-night getaway feel like enough to hold a girl over for weeks and weeks? Can a girl find both a new favorite coffee AND a new favorite whisky in the same small town? What does a 12 year old video-game obsessed boy write in the sand? Will the 10 year old find evidence of our small town all the way over on the coast? Who is intrepid enough to step out of a cozy house into a darkening world with a camera-holding Mama, while everyone else stays behind?

The following photos will answer each and every question.

"Your Princess is in another Castle" (Mario)

"It's dangerous to go alone, take this" (Zelda)

And if that isn't enough to make you want to visit the Oregon Coast, I don't know what else to do.