This piece was also a pattern stamped on linen, and came back with me from Britain when I was fifteen. There were actually a series of these. I embroidered them and gave them away to different people. This is the one I kept.

This is a pattern stamped on linen and given to me by Mom. This was done in my late teen years.

The above sampler led me into cross-stitch proper. Not stamped patterns, but counted cross-stitch. Here is a sample from that period. The flash kind of ruins the photo, but you have an idea of what it is like. There were several patterns in the booklet, which I eventually gave to someone else. I found these patterns difficult and, after someone's tea spilled on the second one of the vireos, I was discouraged. It took me a long time to finish. Counted cross-stitch has always been a struggle for me.

I left cross-stitch after this for some time. It wasn't until my children were older that I picked it up again. This time I made birth samplers for both my children. I also made some small pieces.

Then I foolishly started some complicated patterns that I have yet to finish (and some, to start!). And I made this for myself.

When I joined the Stitchery Guild years later, I worked on the following bellpull and Christmas ornaments. Using dark fabric is difficult. Using metallic thread is difficult. Combining the two was a nightmare on 18 count aida cloth. The 14 count cloth wasn't bad though. These patterns come from “Beautiful Cross-stitch from Classic Quilt Designs” by Brenda Day.

To be continued...