Two more terrific Quaker Hornbooks!!

Jacquie B., who lives in California, recently completed her Quaker Hornbook using Crescent Colours Tartan Plaid embroidery thread and Lakeside Linen's 36-count Vintage Examplar.

Jacquie wrote, I joined Stitcher's Hideaway's "With My Needle 'Quaker Hornbook' stitch-along"...it's been a while since I've stitched last, so this is the perfect little project to get going again...

I love how it all turned out!! So glad I didn't put off the finishing like I usually do so that I can enjoy the hornbook! Finishing instructions were very detailed...reminded myself "Just do what it says!"

Below are a couple views of Jacquie's hornbook threadholder.

Jacquie wrote me before she began assembling her project, and it was clear she was a bit nervous. I assured her she could do this and gave her two pieces of advice: take your time, and use the glue sparingly. I guess she followed my advice, because you can see she did a terrific job. Jacquie, hopefully you now have the confidence to forge ahead with more projects.

Next is Lisa P.'s completed Quaker Hornbook. I'm hoping to see her hornbook in person since she is a member of my sampler guild, The Queen City Sampler Guild. Lisa is relatively new to cross stitch; she is quite an accomplished quilter.

Lisa wrote, I wanted to share with you my latest finish! I joined the "Stitcher's Hideway SAL" you mentioned on your blog a while back. I really fell in love with the hornbook and wanted to stitch it to match the Quaker Schoolgirl Necessities set I've been working on.

I used R & R Reproductions' 18th Century Brown linen and Simply Shaker Sampler Threads from The Gentle Art in Black Raspberry Jam.

I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I can't wait to show it off at the next guild meeting. I just had to share it with you today!

As you can see, Lisa chose the other design in the package. You have your choice of two different designs. Lisa chose the one done completely in cross stitch over one linen thread; Jacquie's design was stitched in a combination of cross stitch over two linen threads and over one linen thread.

Lisa, you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Your threadholder will look wonderful with your Quaker Schoolgirl Needle Necessities.

Thanks, Jacquie and Lisa, for sharing photos of your most recent accomplishment.

Please keep photos and write-ups coming for the blog. Everyone really enjoys seeing the completed projects. They are certainly inspiring.

Just a few thoughts on posting photos on personal blogs or photo-hosting websites.

1--Please pay attention to the resolution of your photos. Obviously you want to use clear photos that show the beauty of your work, but you need to make sure that the photos are not so clear that someone can stitch from them. Yes, there are some folks who do that, believe it or not. There was an incident recently of a designer who posted a very clear photo of one of her new designs. A stitcher saw the photo and stitched the design before the chart was released. Can you believe that?

2--Please don't post a designer's copyrighted assembly instructions or translations to other languages on the internet. I have seen this done all too often, and it severely hurts our industry. Most designers are willing to help anyone who doesn't understand the instructions. If, on the other hand, you're assembling a piece based on your own technique and descriptions, that is different.

3--If you see any copyright infringements, please let the designer know. Too many designers are leaving the field because they are tired of seeing their work "given away" and they can't make a living. I personally find that very sad. I hope you do too.