The Bottom Line
With fourteen exquisite samplers filled with sayings, borders, and floral motifs, stitchers will find many uses for Linda Calhoun's Heirloom Sampler Favorites whether they stitch the samplers as is, use individual borders and motifs for smaller projects, or combine elements from several samplers to create a unique statement.
Pros
- Charts are easy-to-read black and white.
- Pattern key is well organized.
- Specialty stitches are clearly indicated.
Cons
- Pattern print could be a bit darker.
- Leaflet is oversized - slightly larger than any of my organizers.
Description
- Lovely, clear photos of each design are presented.
- Specialty stitches will challenge stitchers to expand skills.
- Detailed diagrams with instructions are included for each specialty stitch used.
- Easily adapt the simple color palates to fit with your home decor.
- Alphabets and numbers are provided for easy personalization of the samplers.
- Different colors of back stitch are clearly indicated by varied forms of lines.
- Various sizes of Pearl Cotton and Six-strand Embroidery floss from DMC are required to reproduce samplers as charted.
- Mill Hill beads are used in the sampler designs.
- Linda uses Bible verses in many of the designs.
- Beginners can start with simpler or smaller designs and work up to more complicated ones.
Guide Review - Linda Calhoun's Heirloom Sampler Favorites - Leisure Arts
Linda Calhoun began doing needlework at age four. Growing up around homeade quilts, crocheted tablecloths and other traditional forms of needlework, she developed a passion for helping preserving antique needlework and its heritage. She also finds inspiration in natural themes. Her sampler designs are classic, but not dated.
Linda uses several specialty stitches in her designs. Beginning stitchers will want to practice new stitches on a scrap piece of fabric first. Some designs also include drawn-thread work and beading.
Overview of Contents:
Rose Sampler
A saying about love and a rosy color scheme are incoporated into this elegant sampler.
Violet, Pansy, and Daisy Samplers
This trio of same-sized samplers would make a great triptych. The color schemes are unique to each, but will coordinate.
Mother's Day Sampler
A saying from Proverbs and a lovely floral motif are the dominant elements of this sampler.
Valentine's Day Sampler
Red floss pops in this lacy, romantic sampler.
Easter Sampler
John 3:16 is combined with an alphabet, floral motifs, and borders for a spiritual sampler.
Summer's Herbs Sampler
This design is one of the more simple samplers, but does have a good quantity of French knots.
Peace Sampler
Backstitch motifs and floral elements combine for a peaceful scene.
Faith, Hope, and Love Samplers
Another trio of samplers that would look wonderful displayed together. I particularly like the colors used in the Hope sampler.
Prince of Peace Sampler
A sampler with a Christmas theme, but with a color scheme that will look nice the year round.
O Come Let Us Adore Him Sampler
The largest sampler in the collection, this sampler combines the title of the familiar carol with a saying from Luke. Stitch it for yourself or make one for a special friend or family member.
Linda uses several specialty stitches in her designs. Beginning stitchers will want to practice new stitches on a scrap piece of fabric first. Some designs also include drawn-thread work and beading.
Overview of Contents:
Rose Sampler
A saying about love and a rosy color scheme are incoporated into this elegant sampler.
Violet, Pansy, and Daisy Samplers
This trio of same-sized samplers would make a great triptych. The color schemes are unique to each, but will coordinate.
Mother's Day Sampler
A saying from Proverbs and a lovely floral motif are the dominant elements of this sampler.
Valentine's Day Sampler
Red floss pops in this lacy, romantic sampler.
Easter Sampler
John 3:16 is combined with an alphabet, floral motifs, and borders for a spiritual sampler.
Summer's Herbs Sampler
This design is one of the more simple samplers, but does have a good quantity of French knots.
Peace Sampler
Backstitch motifs and floral elements combine for a peaceful scene.
Faith, Hope, and Love Samplers
Another trio of samplers that would look wonderful displayed together. I particularly like the colors used in the Hope sampler.
Prince of Peace Sampler
A sampler with a Christmas theme, but with a color scheme that will look nice the year round.
O Come Let Us Adore Him Sampler
The largest sampler in the collection, this sampler combines the title of the familiar carol with a saying from Luke. Stitch it for yourself or make one for a special friend or family member.
