Happily Ever After, Interlude

A quick update today to show you the progress on my Happily Every After sampler. I finished the banner in the middle so am now officially done with the top half. I love the way the ladies over at Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery use colours, the floral border has this wonderfully nostalgic feel to it thanks to those peach flowers. I really like that central bit and think it might actually look quite nice on its own as a framed piece – perhaps I’ll make it as a gift for someone someday – it was a relatively quick stitch and the colours can be changed around to suit almost any taste.

Top half is DONE!

This month’s block is Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, another classic that I never actually read (these samplers really make me realize that I’m not as well read as I thought!), I picked up the first three in the series and will regale you with my thoughts when I finish this working on the block.

Robin Hood

Will you come with me, sweet Reader? I thank you. Give me your hand.

Howard Pyle, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

The May block for my Happily Ever After stitch-a-long was Robin Hood and I noticed something, I’ve never actually read it. I’m sure I watched the Disney version as a kid, and I know the basics of the storyline, but when I actually try and think about Robin Hood the first thing that comes to mind is the Dr. Who episode from a few years back. Obviously I had to pick up an audiobook copy of Howard Pyle’s version. My overall impression was that it was pleasant enough but kind of forgettable. To be fair that might have more to do with the narrator, maybe I’ll try reading again someday.

Anyhow, enough about that. On to the cross stitch!

Happily Every After, Prologue

You might remember that a while back I spent a year working on a The Storytime Sampler designed by the wonderful ladies over at The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery. Well, I’m working on another one of this year; the Happily Ever After sampler is another story themed stitch-a-long.

My Happily Ever After sampler so far

So far we’ve seen The Owl and the Pussycat, Heidi, Three Billy Goats Gruff, and Around the World in Eighty Days. None of the stories featured so far have struck a particular chord with me, but I am loving the way the overall project is coming together. This month’s block features Robin Hood, and I’m hoping to work ahead on the borders once that’s done.