It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Blurst of Times . . .

I completed Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery's yearly samplers for the last two years.  In 2013, it was woodland themed.  In 2014, it was all about fairy tales.  For 2015, the theme is portraits of famous characters from classic literature.

The colors combinations feel fresh and unusual for a cross-stitch project.  The fabric is grey, which looks very nice when combined with the delicate thread color palette.  The only drawback is that the grey makes it harder to stitch in low light.  I have to make the most of the daylight I have during the winter.

Another difference is that it is 32-count fabric.  Normally, I have worked on 28-count fabric.  The higher the number, the smaller the stitches.  I am working more closely to match the fabric with the correct size of needle, so I am using a size 26 tapestry needle.

The layout of the pattern will have 12 lacy frames stitched in pastel, hand-dyed threads from Weeks Dye Works.  The effect is quite lovely.  I feel like sipping hot lavender tea while I work.  The pattern came out in January, but I was slow to start because of my work on the Torah stitching and scrub jay  (as well as some other gifts.)  So far, I have half of the frames done.

 Two months have been released so far. Can you guess which books are represented?

1. "Curiouser and curiouser!"
2. "Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow."