Floss Tube #69 "Sampler Symposium 2026 and Beginning the Next First Stitches Journey"

Come join me as I discuss Sampler Symposium 2026 and the characters in the  next First Stitches Story!

First Stitches Project Series Overview
Experience 19th-Century Needlework
This series offers a hands-on exploration of 19th-century American sewing traditions through historically inspired projects. Each project is designed to immerse participants in the material culture of the era, highlighting how children learned to sew. Along with this, I explore  documenting your progress through creative journaling.
Project Highlights
• Mary, 1840 – St. Louis, Missouri: Doll Quilt Experience
o Recreate a period-accurate doll quilt using authentic methods and materials. The kit includes linen for a cross-stitched label, reproduction fabrics, batting, binding, and backing, as well as historically appropriate tools such as needles, thread waxer, pins, templates, and threads. Each item is packaged to reflect 1840s general store practices. Tutorials guide you through each step, mirroring techniques Mary would have used.
• Pharaby, 1870 – Boyette, Kentucky: Solstice Quilt
o This project introduces color shading and half-square triangle construction. The kit provides materials for hand piecing using 1870s methods, with options for contemporary or English Paper Piecing techniques. Additional templates and instructional resources are available.
• Corliss, 1870 – Louisville, Kentucky: Trousseau Medallion Quilt
o Designed for confident beginners, this medallion quilt features detailed, step-by-step instructions. The kit includes a curated selection of reproduction fabrics for hexagon piecing, with optional add-ons such as hexagon papers and acrylic templates. Instructional videos and downloadable patterns are also available.
Additional Information
• Kits contain all necessary materials, with optional add-ons for advanced techniques.
• Instructional videos and PDF patterns are available to support your learning.
Participants are encouraged to use their own fabric collections if desired. First Stitches Story and Project Series
Learn to Stitch like a 19th Century Schoolgirl
 I have crafted this collection of stories and projects and the material culture surrounding the time in the 19thto help you experience the material c century when the antique versions of the doll quilts, marking samplers, pictorial samplers and other sewing items were actually being made. I want you to experience the larger picture of how children learned to sew.
I hope you will enjoy and embrace this opportunity to explore the proximate journey and create your own way to document what you learn through making the projects and creating your own version of the journal.
Each doll quilt project is crafted around a place and a year in the19th Century America and contains a fictional girl and several involve a doll.
You will grow to love these characters as you learn basic patchwork skills.

Sampler Symposium is held at The Attic Needlework in Mesa Arizona. Visit their websit to find out more and learn about other future events.

Contact me:
email: smsquilter@comcast.net
Instagram: @standleysusan
Website: www.susanstandleystitchintime.com