Here is my “Americana Sampler” all finished into a flatfold. The background of this photo shows the fabric that I used for finishing: Isn’t it neat?
Now, about the cording…
After much debate about whether or not I wanted to use a lot of DMC to make the cording, I finally decided to use yarn as an alternative. The reason I was having such a dilemma over the matter was because I figured I would be irritated at myself if I used all that DMC for the cording and then needed one of the colors for actual stitching. (Hmm… didn’t I say I wasn’t a floss miser when it comes to DMC in the last post? Maybe that isn’t 100% true.)
So instead of using my DMC, I bought some red, white, and blue yarn and used it to make the cording. I wasn’t sure if I would like the effect that the yarn would give the piece, but in all honesty, I think it turned out great. The piece has a slightly rustic feel to it anyway and I think the yarn cording compliments it nicely.
Of course, I had to buy three huge skeins of yarn in order to make this foot or so of cording, but I decided today was as good a time as any to also buy some new knitting needles so that I can eventually use the left over yarn when the knitting bug bites me again.
I guess now I need to look through my knitting patterns and see if I can find something to knit so I can use all that yarn! 
Have a great holiday if you are celebrating today! 