*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)