Random Thoughts Update!
I am so excited to share with you the progress on Random Thoughts! I’ve kept working away on it and here is the top 3/4 of the center design, all done except for charms!

The final motifs I was putting in involved quite a few special stitches that I was doing for the first time. I’m not sure how well I executed them but I figure practice is as much the point of a sampler as anything and I mostly wanted some exposure to these stitches so I have a better appreciation and knowledge of them.
Here’s my queen stitch:
This area was time consuming. The dark floss was hard to see. I think they are just ok but I can imagine them being very impressive in other materials or design.
Double faggoting stitch:

I really am doubtful how successful this one is, I can barely see it myself being white silk on cream linen, and I could not find a clear example online to make sure it looked right. Hmmm…
Spiderweb roses:
I have had a bit of experience with these before and they are fun and pretty.
Four-sided stitch with satin stitch and diamond eyelet:
This makes a such pretty pattern and was therapeutic to stab and pull! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Combo of ray stitch and Smyrna cross
Picky picky! My tension is uneven! But a pretty combination!
Double running stitch:
I couldn’t figure out how to get this particular pattern perfectly repeated on front and back but I appreciate the experience and really wanted to learn how this technique works! Neat!
There are about 2 “rows” left in this whole center piece (plus a border). Being so close I really want to get the center done! But about half the motifs are more special stitches to learn. And I really want to get to that baby sampler! Decisions decisions!
I’ll end with these sweet little over 1 sections.

I always dread over 1 but then it turns out not to be so bad. I’m relying on that fact for my Snowbirds Ornament which I’ll show you next time!
wOw! This is gorgeous Mary. Just gorgeous!
Oh, Mary! what a great piece! you did a wonderful job! 🙂