When I showcase needlepoint stitch samplers, it is always fun to see what results when one uses “scraps” available in your stash.  Dominique did just that for this one!

Our final Straight Stitches Sampler features a completely different palette of colours. Though this may be a palette that not everyone will like, I’m sure you’d agree that it still looks fun to stitch!

How to create a Stitch Sampler using Scraps

For this post, it’s hard to outline all of the specific colours as the threads that were used were “scraps”, bits leftover from various projects.

You will see Colour #18 (greens) in the sample but this is the only colour used from the original three I’ve showcased in our previous samples. The only other colour that might look familiar is Colour #14. 

Otherwise, all are different! 

I hope you have enjoyed the variations this month of our straight stitches sampler.  Remember, the pattern is available complimentary on the ANG website. 

If you have just stopped by, the Colour Complements mini needlepoint sampler series was inspired by Marilyn Owen who provided several designs for the American Needlepoint Guild program “holed up minis”.  If you are not familiar with this program, small projects are introduced on the ANG website. The best part is that these resources are complimentary to all.

Throughout the year we featured a mini-sampler each month.  You can find all the previous samplers in the right sidebar under categories – mini samplers. 

There are TWELVE of them!!!

Patterns were provided complimentary OR a link was provided where to find the pattern. 

Thank you so very much Marilyn for inspiring us and thank you to Dominique for stitching this month’s samples. 

That’s it for our mini-sampler series this year.  Onto something new for next year!!

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Our third sampler features a colourful straight stitch sampler using a different palette of vibrant colours. In this particular design, there is no specific colour palette that I’ve chosen – it simply is a beautiful array of cool and warm colours perfectly blended together.

Our third sampler features quite a different palette of colours.  Once again we start with our three colours:

• Colour 187
• Colour 184
• Colour 18  

What makes this Colourful Straight Stitch Sampler different?

While Dominique started with our three focus colours, she has changed the palette up quite significantly by adding Colour #188 to the border. 

Colour #188 is a fall blend but I think it really frames this palette well.  She has also added Colour #72 (coral/coral pinks) along with one other combination I no longer sell – substitute Colour #67 (yellows).  She also added white and DMC colour #504. 

I think the overall appearance is very colourful, don’t you?

Remember that all the threads used are size 5 Perle cotton and these samplers are a great way to use up leftover threads from other projects. All use minimal meterage/yardage.

The Straight Stitches Sampler pattern is available on the ANG website complimentary.

What’s up next? Just wait and see!

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Today is the second Straight Stitches Sampler showcasing our seasonal palette.

In my last blog post, I talked about how the mini needlepoint sampler series was inspired by one of Marilyn Owen’s designs for the American Needlepoint Guild program “holed up minis”. If you are not familiar with this program, small projects are introduced on the ANG website.

The best part is that these resources are complimentary to all.

The Straight Stitches Sampler is one of these designs and the pattern is available on the ANG website. As the name suggests, you can see how unique and different the overall pattern looks, just by using the straight stitch technique.

Details on how we Created the Straight Stitches Sampler

Once again, the palette started with our three base colours, all of which reflect the Holiday theme:

• Colour 187 (reds)
• Colour 184 (greens)
• Colour 18 (greens)

I always like to demonstrate how stitched samples appear by switching around the placement of colours. 

All three colours above were used as in our previous sample but they are placed differently within the design. Less white was used and the border was repeated from the first design but stitched in red versus green. Colour #64 was added for fun which provides a different appearance.  Again, the sample is stitched on 18 count canvas with size 5 Perle cotton in all the colours noted above. 

Have we inspired you to stitch up Marilyn’s Straight Stitches Sampler? I sure hope so!

Remember, you can find all the previous samplers in the right sidebar under categories – mini samplers.  There are TWELVE of them!!

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Each December I like to showcase stitched projects using seasonal palettes.  If you have been following the blog this year, you will be familiar with the mini sampler series.  You can find all the previous samplers in the right sidebar under categories – mini samplers. 

There are TWELVE of them!!

The Colour Complements mini needlepoint sampler series was inspired by Marilyn Owen who provided several designs for the American Needlepoint Guild program “holed up minis”.  If you are not familiar with this program, small projects are introduced on the ANG website. The best part is that these resources are complimentary to all.

For our last mini-sampler of the year, I wanted to feature one of Marilyn’s designs, The Straight Stitches Sampler.  The pattern is available on the ANG website. 

How we’re celebrating the Holidays with this Seasonal Stitch Sampler

This month we will be featuring the above sampler pattern BUT stitched with some seasonal palettes AND some different colour combinations to hopefully inspire you to start stitching your own sampler for NEXT Christmas!

What colours did we use? Here are the ones we used for this particular project:

• Colour 187 (reds)
• Colour 184 (greens)
• Colour 18 (greens)
• White
• Red metallic of choice

When I requested Dominique stitch these samples, I chose the palette above as a starting point.  This sample is stitched on 18-count mono canvas using size 5 Perle cotton in colours 187, 184, 18 and includes white and any red metallic available in your stash. 

I hope you enjoy the sampler and make sure you follow along this month for more inspiration.

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This month we are featuring two samples of Scotch Stitch Samplers in our mini sampler series. 

The mini sampler series was introduced in January of this year featuring one sampler per month.

You can find all the previous samplers in the right sidebar under categories – mini samplers.

The Colour Complements mini needlepoint sampler series was inspired by the American Needlepoint Guild program “holed up minis”.  If you are not familiar with this program, small projects are offered on the ANG website. The best part is that these resources are complimentary to members and non-members.  Various designers offer these projects to keep stitchers focused on positive things during COVID-19. 

Here’s A Closer Look at Our Scotch Stitch Samplers

The first sample above demonstrates ONE stitch featuring only TWO different colours. Colour #23

is my “Easter” blend of blue, yellow and coral and Colour #67 is a gorgeous bold blend of yellows. A simple scotch stitch pattern is used throughout the sample.

The second sample is a Scotch Mosaic Stripe using three colours. Colour #175 is a lovely blend of variations of blue, Colour #67 bold yellows and Colour #72 a blend of variations of coral pink. 

Where can you find these stitches to create the Scotch Stitch Samplers?

Diagrams for both of these stitches can be found in Volume 5 of the Stitches books by Ruth Schmuff and Kathy Holicky. 

• Scotch Mosaic Stripe page 95
• Scotch Pattern page 96

What colours do you need? One skein of size 5 Perle cotton in each of these colours

• #23, #67, #72, #175

I have not provided sizes for these samples although both measure under 3 ½ inches.  They may be stitched any size you wish. 

Just a note that Colour #23 is currently out of stock, my apologies! You could substitute Colour #72

Thank you Marie! Stay tuned for another sampler next month.

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This month we are sharing a nine-patch mini sampler!

Welcome to our mini sampler series. If you are new, we are posting one complimentary mini sampler per month stitched with Colour Complements threads.

If you are a quilter, then you will most likely be very familiar with the nine-patch block. This was one of the first quilt blocks I learned when I started quilting many years ago. It is very simple to create – it consists of creating nine squares: Three across and three down – that’s it!

Marie has created a nine-patch sampler in needlepoint for our Mini Sampler today. 

How Marie Created This Nine-Patch Stitch Mini Sampler

She has opted to duplicate the colours used in the March Mini Sampler – Colours #64, #120 and #183. They really are a beautiful combo together. You will only need one skein of each colour in a size 5 Perle cotton.

A PDF has been included at the bottom of this post that you may download and print up. Each of the stitches is charted.

As with all of our samplers, you may choose to make this the size you wish OR simply enlarge the size of your canvas and squares.

A thread kit has been created available in the SHOP.

I hope you enjoy this month’s sampler.  Another new one next month!

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Introducing our new summer stitch sampler, Summer Sorbet! 

I have been interested in designing for some time now and the mini sampler series has provided both inspiration and an opportunity to start experimenting. I have a long way to go but I am excited to introduce my first original Colour Complements design. The design was inspired by a sample Dominique had stitched some time ago so thank you Dominique! 

I’m unsure if you are aware but my customers introduced me to needlepoint and specifically charted canvas designs. I started handwork, something I never thought I would do when I became interested in crazy quilting more than fifteen years ago now. 

About three years into my business customers started sending me questions along with project photos of various painted and charted canvas projects.  The charted projects sparked my interest so I started experimenting.  Well, one thing led to another and here I am loving needlepoint. I especially enjoy playing with stitches and of course COLOUR! 

How To Stitch Summer Sorbet

Shortly after introducing my spring collection earlier this year, I decided to experiment with the colours in the collection to create an original design.  Summer Sorbet is the result.

I chose all four colours featured in the collection and added a fifth colour, #66 which is a bold blend of orange to frame the design.  While these colours were my “spring” collection I feel they offer many opportunities for a summer palette.

• Colour #70
• Colour #71
• Colour #72
• Colour #73
• Colour #66
• Small length of metallic from your stash – I used turquoise

The mini sampler measures 3 inches on 18-count white mono canvas. I have attempted to keep the stitches fairly simple so this is ideal for those of you who are perhaps new to charted canvas needlepoint. The entire sampler is stitched with size 5 Perle cotton but you could easily substitute cotton floss if this is your preference. 

It took me some time but I’ve been learning how to chart my own designs. The PDF includes a charted diagram along with individual stitch diagrams which I hope will be helpful in stitching your own summer sorbet mini sampler!  Remember, the pattern is offered as a complimentary download below.

I hope you enjoy Summer Sorbet! 

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It’s time for the Colour Complements Summer Mini Sampler!

If you have been following the three hearts in Needlepoint Now by Dragonlady Canvaswork Designs, then you will already be familiar with Susan’s designs. Susan designed this mini sampler for our monthly series!

You will see that there are actually two versions of this summer mini sampler, one is peeking out in the background. 

You will find photos of both in the PDF. 

All the colours are available in the shop excluding Colour #63 which has since been discontinued.  You could substitute Colour #71!

Where can you find these stitches to create the Summer Mini Sampler?

Diagrams for most of these stitches can be found in the Stitches books by Ruth Schmuff and Kathy Holicky.  There are five volumes of these books and they all offer great diagrams!

1. Slanted Gobelin – Volume One
2. Point de Tresse – diagram provided in PDF
3. Norwich – Volume One
4. Caswell – Volume Three
5. Herringbone Variation – diagram provided in PDF
6. Victoria & Albert with Slanted Gobelin – Volume Four
7. Woven Basket – Volume Three

What colours do you need? 

One skein of size 5 Perle cotton in each of these colours

             Purple version = 50, 51, 64, 183 

             Multicoloured version = 29, 31, 60, 62, 71

That’s it! 

I’ll be back with another sampler next month. Thank you so much Susan.

Wishing my Canadian customers Happy Canada Day and my American customers Happy July 4th. I’ll be taking a wee blog break over the weekend returning to regular posting on Monday July 5th.

The shop remains open!

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For the month of May, I’d like to introduce the waffle mini needlepoint sampler.

If you have been following the blog, then you will remember the mini sampler series was introduced in January. You can find all the previous samplers in the right sidebar under categories – mini samplers.

The Colour Complements mini needlepoint sampler series was inspired by the American Needlepoint Guild program “holed up minis”.  If you are not familiar with this program, small projects are introduced on the ANG website. The best part is that these resources are complimentary to members and non-members. 

The Holed Up Minis that is offered by the American Needlepoint Guild features various patterns from designers. They are generously given and made available online to keep stitchers focused on positive things during COVID-19. 

This type of stitch pattern is suited for more experienced stitchers, but those looking to advance in their craft can use this as a challenge! Once you have mastered the stitch pattern, you can use it for future projects. I think it would a fantastic way to add texture and depth to any needlepoint project.

Let’s talk about this waffle mini needlepoint sampler

With this particular needlepoint sampler, I wanted to demonstrate how you can use only ONE stitch and play with the placement of colours. 

There are 7 waffle stitches across and 7 down on 18-count canvas. I opted to choose a darker palette of colours for something a bit different.  I think this would be a great palette for an autumn-themed canvas.

I did not include a diagram of the waffle stitch in my PDF as the program I use has limited capabilities.  Having said this, google waffle stitch and you will find a variety that is well charted for you to follow. 

Colours used in the sampler include seven colours in size 5 Perle cotton.  These include colours 44, 45, 58, 183, 186, 188 and 189.

AND, just in case you want to see some other samples I stitched when I first started needlepoint.  Both of these were stitched with leftover “bits” AND the waffle stitch!

Why not download the waffle mini needlepoint sampler and give it a try? Here are what the threads look like.

Stay tuned next month for another mini!

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The mini sampler this month is a crossed stitches sampler. 

I mentioned previously that if you are a member of the American Needlepoint Guild then you may be familiar with “holed up minis”.  If not, these are small projects introduced weekly on the American Needlepoint Guild website complimentary to members and non-members.  Various designers offer these projects to help keep stitchers focused on positive things during COVID.

The crossed stitches sampler is one of the holed-up minis found on the American Needlepoint Guild website and is designed by Marilyn Owen.  You can find the pattern HERE.  It measures 3 inches square. 

This will give you an idea of the colours used in this sampler

• Staggered Cross = colour 32 and DMC 803 blue floss
• Double straight cross = DMC #919 red floss
• Bound Cross = colour 32
• Rice stitch = colour 191 & DMC #702 green floss
• Norwich = colour 191
• Reversed double cross = colour 191 & DMC #803 blue floss
• Cross tied gobelin – colour 32
• Elongated Siamese cross stitch = color 191 & DMC 702 green floss
• Crossed scotch reversed = colour 32 & 191
• Long armed cross = first border DMC 919 red floss, second border DMC 803 blue floss

You will need one skein of Colour Complements colour 32 and 191 in size 5 perle cotton to stitch this sampler.  OR, perhaps you’d like to combine two other colours.  All the colours of floss itemized above are available in your local needlework shop.

What’s great about these mini samplers are they can be stitched as designed OR you could use the same layout but change the stitches as desired.  See what you come up with?

New to Colour Complements mini sampler series?

• I post ONE counted canvas needlepoint sampler each month
• All are stitched on 18 count mono canvas and approximately 3 inches square
• All the samplers are either sourced OR original and offered complimentary
• All are stitched with Colour Complements threads AND perhaps some solids and metallics

Thank you to Marilyn and the American Needlepoint Guild for sharing this pattern.  Thank you to Karen for stitching this sample.   

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