Flosstube #1: Introducing Carmen

Carmen is a reproduction sampler chart based on a not-quite-finished sampler. I have charted Carmen and will be releasing the chart in four sections beginning on January 1st 2022. The charts will be available in pdf format as free downloads on my blog: http://rosclarke.co.uk/category/chat/

You can find photos of Carmen and my sample palettes here: http://rosclarke.co.uk/introducing-carmen/

FABRIC
Carmen is stitched on 32 count linen and measures just over 11″ square at that size. If you prefer to stitch smaller than that, on 36 count, it will be about 10″ square, and on 40 count it will be 8.75″ square. If you prefer to stitch larger, on 28 count it will end up at 12.5″, and on 24 count it will be 14.75″ square.

Almost all the sampler is stitched over 2, so it would be very possible to stitch this on aida if you prefer. The name at the bottom is the only section over one, and I have charted an alternative over two which you could use if you are stitching on aida.

I will be stitching on Zweigart Antique Ivory in 32 count linen purchased from Lakeside Needlecraft: https://www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk/zweigart-32-count-belfast-linen-antique-ivory-83515-p.asp?_=&variantid=83516

THREADS
I have selected four palettes from different threads to try to recreate the original appearance of this very faded sampler. I recommend that you do not swap between the palettes, but if you do want to make substitutes ensure that you consider your whole palette together. You should only need one skein of each colour.

Anchor: 161, 159, 261, 264, 895, 077, 871, 870, 365
https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/anchor-stranded-cotton

Sulky: 1292, 1143, 1270, 1156, 1304, 1190, 1830, 1032, 567
https://www.sulky-shop.co.uk/content/12-12-weight-cotton-threads

Classic Colourworks: 132 (Blue Beatrice), 206 (Morning Glory), 217 (Chopped Chives), 139 (Eve’s Leaves), 227 (Cherry Cobbler), 080 (Crab Cakes), 085 (Old Marigold), 016 (Grape Pie), 082 (Golden Star)
https://www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk/classic-colorworks-758-c.asp

DMC: 924, 926, 3061, 3052, 3803, 3350, 3834, 3041, 3820
https://www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk/dmc-6-stranded-cotton-art117-mouline-502-c.asp

The sampler would work equally well as a monochrome stitch, or in any palette of your choice. There are no figurative elements, only letters, numbers and geometric borders.

I will be stitching in my Sulky palette.

SPECIALITY STITCHES
There are two alphabets in speciality stitches: one in four-sided stitch and one in eyelet stitch. These can both be completed in cross-stitch if you prefer.

The original sampler also has beautiful hemming stitches at the top and bottom, and I will give instructions to work these if you choose, but you can of course finish your work in your preferred way.

FINISHING THE UNFINISHED SAMPLER
Carmen’s sampler is almost complete. The bottom line says ‘Carmen M. Luche Aged 9 Yea’. There is just enough space left for her to complete the word ‘Years’ and add a date and location.

I have charted this alphabet based on Carmen’s stitching so that you can complete the line as you wish. You could simply stitch Carmen’s name and age. You could stitch your own name, age, date and location. I have also included a couple of suggested suitable mottos that would fit in the gap.

If you are stitching on aida or prefer not to stitch over one, I have also included an alphabet that you can use. You will need to chart it carefully to ensure that your stitching fits in the available space.

STITCH ALONG
I have charted Carmen and will be releasing the chart in four sections beginning on January 1st 2022. The charts will be available in pdf format as free downloads here. If you would like to stitch Carmen, you don’t have to sign up for anything, just keep an eye on my Instagram for the links to the downloads here. Please use the #carmensal hashtag so I can see your beautiful work and follow it now if you'd like to see some sneak peeks of the sampler as I stitch it up.