So yesterday I skipped school. Normally I don’t do such things, but yesterday the public transportation system in Munich was on strike and we live so far outside of Munich-proper that I decided I didn’t have much of a chance to make it to class anyway… So I stayed home and stitched! 
Because I am having backstitching issues with my Halloween exchange I didn’t really feel like working on it yesterday. (How do you deal with backstitching on black fabric? The pattern suggested to backstitch with DMC 414 if the design was stitched on black fabric, but it looked terrible! 
) I wasn’t in the mood to start the backstitching on “Passing Admirers” and I was sort of in the mood for a relatively quick happy dance, so I started a new project!
I chose the freebie “Mini Cat Sampler” that I downloaded a while back from the Aion Needlecrafts site. I stitched most of it up over the afternoon and finished it up before bed last night.
It was a real fun stitch and as I was stitching it, I realized something: This is the first “real” sampler that I have ever done. I have stitched other things that I have called “samplers,” but this is the first one that I have ever stitched that is done in what I would call a “traditional” style with an alphabet and numbers, separate bands, geometric flowery shapes, and barely any backstitching.
I have often looked at “traditional” sampler patterns, but never bought any. I am not really sure why: Perhaps none have ever called to me that strongly. However, as I said, I really enjoyed this “mini” sampler and I think that now I just might have to revisit the issue of adding samplers to my stash. 
Anyway, I am strongly considering turning the “Mini Cat Sampler” into a needleroll, but have not completely decided yet. I have also wanted to try “flat fold” finishing, so I might do that instead. Then again, it may just sit in my WTF-pile for an indeterminate amount of time.
Isabelle says:
Well done Renée, that’s really cute.
And thanks for your comment on Violette yesterday…
16 September 2005 at 17:02
Jenna says:
Your mini sampler looks great, Renee! I too have never really been drawn to the traditional samplers, though I LOVE band samplers.
With the nicely defined border, I would opt for a flat fold, even though I’ve never done one before. I think the designs lends itself nicely to that kind of finish, though. JMO.
16 September 2005 at 17:05
Susie says:
That kitty is so cute! I might have to just stitch it alone on something!
16 September 2005 at 17:39
Kitty says:
Very pretty
BTW you appear to have acquired advertising popups. One came up when I first navigated to your blog and then another one came up when I clicked to comment.
16 September 2005 at 18:20
Shannon L. (nacl4y) says:
Very nice finish ! And quick
16 September 2005 at 22:14
Natty says:
Ooooh love that little sampler
I think I might have to download it and stitch it up as a quickie when I get bored with my RR’s.
*hugs* Natty.xxx
16 September 2005 at 22:36
Nicki says:
That’s lovely! Such a cute cat and nice colours.
17 September 2005 at 01:37
cathymk says:
Very cute Renee! I love it!
17 September 2005 at 03:53
BeckySC says:
That’s just too cute, Renee
Congratulations 
Flat fold would definetely work 
17 September 2005 at 03:59
Gill says:
I presume WTF means ‘waiting to finish’ and not what my just-got-out-of-bed brain thought it meant for a moment! LOL
Your sampler is really pretty - it would make an excellent needleroll!
17 September 2005 at 12:48
Patti says:
What a wonderful piece Renee! Congratulations on your first sampler and I hope it wont’ be your last.
17 September 2005 at 14:20
Alison says:
Very Cute! I like the colours and I’m sure however you finish it, it will be lovely!
19 September 2005 at 13:07