Since there are 6 WIPGO projects for July with #13 called (the traditional Bingo “free space”), I have extra entries. This is the first of the extras. The next will be posted in two weeks!

Celebration of Needlework in 2018 was a big year for me. That’s when several of my current WIPGO pieces were purchased, started, or inspired. A Stitcher’s Sampler by Primitive Hare is another one I acquired during that retreat. As I mentioned in my And They Sinned entry… Celebration is not easy on the wallet – in the most joyous stash-collecting way.

Ten years ago, this type of piece probably wouldn’t have appealed to me – but I’ve been growing fonder of samplers in recent years. Plus bees in any form now are an affectionate thing, since Max’s childhood lovey is a stuffed bee plush. Mr. Buzzy still hangs out on his bed every night, although not quite as close to him directly as when Max was younger.

I purchased A Stitcher’s Sampler directly from Isabella, the designer, alongside several other designs that year. This is the only active one so far. It’s stitched entirely in one color (Garden Gate by Gentle Art), and on one of Primitive Hare’s fantastic aged/distressed linen colors.

I started mine as part of the #12×12 New Year’s Eve SAL with Just Keep Stitchin’ in 2021. Since that night, I haven’t touched it.

With the exception of the bees on the top and bottom, there isn’t any particular dense stitching in this sampler. I have no timeline to complete this one, but I imagine once the bees are in… this one will stitch up decently quickly. Perhaps a finish for 2024? Time will tell. I’m also debating if I’ll backstitch the needle next to the word “with” or if I’ll stitch a real needle – one of my worn ones – to the piece as a momento.