*FREE CHART* Thankful Every Day

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 32 count Smashing Jack by Dames of the Needle, using the threads mentioned on the chart. I shaped it into a large pin pillow, and filled it with sheep’s wool. 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. 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 twelve 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 Thankfulness in my heart EVERY DAY, because of YOU.
Happy Stitching! ♥ Beth

*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

*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

Free Chart... The Earth Laughs in Flowers

In honor of Earth Day, I've created a little free cross stitch chart for you, with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The earth laughs in flowers".

The chart calls for DMC, but please substitute your favorite threads if you so desire, choose your favorite count of linen to work it onto, finish it as a pin cushion or needle book, whatever your heart desires... and be sure to send me a photo when you’re done! I’d love to share it on my finish blog.

As always, I would be very grateful if you gave credit to me if you post photos or links anywhere online, or offer your finished goods up for sale.

Click here to be taken directly to the downloadable pdf file.

P.S. if it bothers you that my specialty font was lost in the conversion to pdf process, you can always contact me to ask for an emailed copy. I've tried and tried to fix this bug, but somehow can't figure out how it is being lost. My pdf file looks perfect on my end, but when it is uploaded, POOF! gone. The chart itself is unaffected, so this is merely an aesthetic issue.

Free Chart... Three Peacocks (a Faithfully Reproduced Antique Sampler)

As promised... Simply click on these words to be redirected to a free downloadable pdf charted version of this little stitched piece that I found over the weekend at a local antique show.

The chart calls for DMC, but please substitute your favorite threads if you so desire, choose a different count of linen to work it onto, finish it as a pin cushion or needle book, whatever your heart desires... and be sure to send me a photo when you’re done! I’d love to share it on my finish blog.

I tried to represent the original piece as best as I could, by charting for stitches where I could tell they originally had been placed, but leaving off stitches that have no evidence of ever existing. This means there will be some imbalance and unexpected quirks, so pay attention!

Now off you go... download the chart, spread the word to your stitching friends, challenge each other to be creative, send me photos of your completed work, and start checking the Heartstring Samplery Finish Blog to see how many different ways it is translated!

As always, I would be very grateful if you gave credit to me if you post photos or links anywhere online, or offer your finished goods up for sale.

P.S. if it bothers you that my specialty font was lost in the conversion to pdf process, you can always contact me to ask for an emailed copy. I've tried and tried to fix this bug, but somehow can't figure out how it is being lost. My pdf file looks perfect on my end, but when it is uploaded, POOF! gone. The chart itself is unaffected, so this is merely an aesthetic issue.

Ever Blessed Stitch Along Finish

I finished my version of Ever Blessed! I decided to turn mine into a needle roll. I made it pretty simple, by backing it with a single piece of reproduction cotton. Nothing fancy, just a little invisible hand stitching around the edges, and a long piece of wool whip-stitched to the inside. Oh, and a strip of wool to wrap around and keep it all closed.

How about you? Are you working on yours? I'd love to see your progress photos!

If you're new to this blog, its not too late to join. You still have most of the month to finish if you want it done by Thanksgiving. Click here to be redirected to the Ever Blessed Stitch Along page for rules, the free chart, and pictures of our progress so far.

*Ever Blessed* Free Chart and Stitch-Along

Who wants a free Autumnal sampler chart?

You do?

Well, how about a free sampler chart that you get to customize and stitch along with me and hopefully lots of other people?

You can find and download the chart by clicking right here.

Welcome to my very first official Stitch-Along. I can't wait to get started!

This little design came together pretty quickly, in just an hour or two this weekend. My intention was just to offer it as I usually do my free charts, just a stand-alone that you get to do whenever you want. But then I started to think that I really want to stitch it too (I often don't get around to doing up my free charts), and thought it would be fun if I could get a few others to stitch along with me.

I decided to chart it in all one color, with the intention of letting you make color changes and choices so that all of our finishes are as unique as we are one from another.

You could stick with the monochromatic color scheme if you want, but you could also go with a variety of Fall colors. I currently have six colors pulled that I want to use, and plan to make it up as I stitch, where the colors will land. Here are a few examples of ways you could lay your colors out...

There's even enough space in there for you to sneak in a few favorite motifs from your arsenal, change the initials to your own, or leave out the initials and date so you can add in more motifs. And then comes the fun of deciding how to finish it! Will it be framed? Turned into a pincushion? Appliqued onto a piece of wool to make a wall-hanging? Stitched to some cotton fabric to form a pocket or needle roll? Let's be creative together!

I added a page especially for sharing our progress. You can find it by looking up under my blog header; click on the words "Ever Blessed Stitch-Along" to be re-directed. Once you're there, you'll find more complete instructions, and that page is where I'll be posting photos of our progress.

Ready, set... GO!

Free Chart... O Happy Day!

Its dark and drizzly out, and there's snow in our forecast, but I still have cause to celebrate today... Its the First day of Spring!

I hope you enjoy this little free chart I have to offer today... even if its still gloomy where you live, stitch it up and have an instant bit of happiness inside your house.

Click here to be directed to a free downloadable pdf charted version of this happy piece.

I charted it for colors that I like, but by all means, change it up to suit yourself and your stash of threads.

Add your name and date to your sampler... or don't... it is completely up to you.

Off you go... download the chart, spread the word to your stitching friends, challenge each other to be creative, send me photos of your completed work, and start checking the Heartstring Samplery Finish Blog to see how many different ways it is translated!

As always, I would be very grateful if you gave credit to me if you post photos or links anywhere online, or offer your finished goods up for sale.

Free Chart... Scottish Band Sampler

I've had this antique sampler for a few years now, meaning to chart it and share. Yes, it is quite damaged, missing a good portion of its stitches, having travelled countless miles and lived a life of unknown adventures.

Rather than fill in the missing stitches, I chose to chart it as is, leaving it up to your imagination and choosing whether you reproduce her with the lost stitches, or fill in the gaps as you imagine she originally looked.

Click here to be directed to a free downloadable pdf charted version of this lovely tattered old sampler.

It is charted for colors, as close to the originals as I could manage (if you want to make an authentic reproduction, you will need to stitch with wool), but please, by all means, change the scheme to suit your own tastes!

This antique sampler was the inspiration for my Christmas Band Sampler, which I released last month.

Add your name and date to your sampler... or don't... it is completely up to you.

I'm sure the original stitcher wouldn't mind; I like to think that she would be thrilled to know that anyone at all has been inspired by her original stitches to create something all their own. And since her own initials and date have disappeared from her fabric, it might make her happy to know you cared enough to fill in the missing blanks.

So, off you go... download the chart, spread the word to your stitching friends, challenge each other to be creative, send me photos of your completed work, and start checking the Heartstring Samplery Finish Blog to see how many different ways it is translated!

As always, I would be very grateful if you gave credit to me if you post photos or links anywhere online, or offer your finished goods up for sale.

A Free Chart for the New Year

As I have been busily overhauling my closets this week, I have found myself thinking of the upcoming year and all that it may hold. I am not one for making resolutions, but I do find that a fresh new year always inspires me to reflect and re-focus.

My heart has been both heavy and light, as I think about the ones I love and the trials and joys that they are experiencing right now. They are spread both far and near to me, family and friends that hold a special place in my heart. I love to reflect on the happy times that we have spent together.

Truly, the classic New Year song is fitting this year more than any other year for me. Have you ever read the words or discovered the roots of the song? Do it!

And so, I give to you, as my gift for the New Year, an "Auld Lang Syne" sampler:

Click on the image to be redirected to a downloadable PDF file.

I utilized some lovely new colors in my chart, but please interpret it however you wish. The row of initials at the bottom are representative of some of my friends... replace them with your own meaningful initials. And when you are finished, will you please share a photo with me? Feel free to stitch it for yourself or to give to another, or even a limited number may be stitched for sale, but as always, please respect my gift and give credit to me as the designer.

Wishing you a year that includes meaningful time spent with those you love, both near and far.

Free Chart for Earth Day... Make it Do

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" is a WWII era slogan that has been revived and is used commonly today as a motto of frugal living.

Each year on Earth Day, for the past several, I have done some re-evaluating of how we live. In a way, it has replaced New Year's Day for me, since I always seem to be so busy at that time to actually think, let alone make resolutions.

We, as a family, are slowly but surely, changing the way we interact with the world around us, and are trying to be very conscious of our consumer impact on the environment.

I haven't done much research on the organization itself, but found this quiz at Conservation International's website to be thought-provoking. Want to know my score? I was pretty pleased with a 74, which, in their estimation, makes me an "Eco-Ally". But there are definitely areas where I can improve.

And since none of us are perfect, I am sure there are areas where you can improve your impact as well.

Here is a little design I created for you to stitch in commemoration of Earth Day 2011 (click on the image to be re-directed to a downloadable pdf file):


The idea is to only use materials you already have on hand to stitch it. And even better yet, if you have a large, healthy collection of orts in a jar, maybe you could stitch it only using those bits. Stick with the suggested colorway, but only as long as a thread holds out, then find another bit of thread that matches to finish out your vine/flower/bird. Let the variation in the colors of your threads create a lovely mosaic of frugality!

Its a small design, and will probably not even make a dent in your stash, but the idea is to get you (along with me) thinking about what you can do to make what you have stretch a little further before buying something new.

And if any of you decide to stitch it on black linen, please be sure to show me a picture. I think it would look quite lovely:

A Free Chart to Stitch for Your Valentine

Click on the image above to be directed to a free downloadable pdf chart of this perfectly Valentine-ish bookmark. My present to you.

I truly do keep all of you in my heart. I am ever and always grateful for the chance to design to my heart's content. The fact that you enjoy my creations gives me the excuse I need to play without guilt!

If you, like me, have never made a cross-stitched bookmark, check this tutorial out to get an idea how it can be done.

The charted colors are just a suggestion, how I visualize it myself. But as always, please feel free to interpret the design as you wish.

So, off you go... download the chart, spread the word to your stitching friends, challenge each other to be creative, send me photos of your completed work, and start checking the Heartstring Samplery Finish Blog to see how many different ways it is translated!

As always, I would be very grateful if you gave credit to me if you post photos or links anywhere online, or offer your finished goods up for sale.

Free Chart... Unna von Bergen 1869

Do you remember the promise I gave you last month?

Click on the photo above to be directed to a free downloadable pdf charted version of Unna's sampler.

It is charted for the original, uber-bright colors (if you want to make an authentic reproduction, you will need to stitch with wool), but please, by all means, change the scheme to suit your own tastes!

I left out stitches on the chart where stitches are missing on the sampler, due to the wear and tear of time, but you can fill in the blanks and stitch it as you imagine it might have originally looked, if you so desire.

Anja, a blog reader from Germany confirmed that the antique sampler is stitched with German words... Im Jahr 1869 = In the Year 1869.

Change the name and date to your own... or don't... it is completely up to you.

I am sure that Unna wouldn't mind; I like to think that she would be thrilled to know that anyone at all has been inspired by her original stitches to create something all their own. She most likely used motifs that were charted in some booklet or magazine, arranging them to her delight, using the colors that were fashionable at the time.

So, off you go... download the chart, spread the word to your stitching friends, challenge each other to be creative, send me photos of your completed work, and start checking the Heartstring Samplery Finish Blog to see how many different ways it is translated!

As always, I would be very grateful if you gave credit to me if you post photos or links anywhere online, or offer your finished goods up for sale.