A couple of years ago my lovely local needlework shop, Reflections, asked me to design something for their annual retreat. When Mary Ann and Julie told me the retreat's theme was Fear the Frog, I was a bit muddled over what to design for it – but I knew there had to be an amphibian in the piece somewhere. Rip-it.
A stitcher's least favorite task is to remove work that has taken precious hours to do, and every stitcher knows that regardless of how many times one actually counts threads, one or two will miraculously move when one least expects it, causing a motif to be misplaced or the border to be mismatched. So this is where the frog comes in, as well as the little sampler lady who would do her best to catch it before it strikes again. (I'm afraid it's a bit too late for that, however.)
Count Twice
Stitch count: 145(w) x 49(h)
Linen used: 36 ct. Vintage Meadow Rue by Lakeside Linens (some other
suggestions would be R&R Espresso, Weeks Dye Works Parchment, or
any neutral-colored fabric.)
Threads used: Classic Colorworks cotton (with a conversion to DMC in parentheses) in:
Avocado (580)
Ye Olde Gold (832)
Barn Door (918)
Perfect Piecrust (950)
Cocoa Bean (3021)
River Rocks (3768)
Camouflage (935)
All stitches are cross stitches over two linen threads, except for the frog's tongue,
which is long-stitched, and the cage bars, which are also long-stitched (or
back-stitched, if you prefer).
The framing was done by the talented Sherri Berkman of Total Framing. Thank you, Sherri!
This pattern will be released at market in Nashville this weekend, if you'd like your shop to pick it up for you! I've got a total of 5 new designs this time, in addition to The Beekeeper (sold exclusively through Norden). I've shown you Elizabeth Sarah Oliver 1842 and Count Twice, but the last three I'll show after market, unless shop owners get them up first. 🙂 I'm so very excited to be there!
13 Comments
Annie
I love that piece! I think I would have to modify it though… twice is never enough for frog prevention with my stitching! 😉
LaNelle
Love it! Another one I’ll be adding to my want list…..
Bonny ~*
This is a “must have” for every stitcher!!!! So happy we’re next door neighbors at Market! ~*
Margaret
It’s adorable! I hope you all have safe travels and Nashville is a blast!
sew~amy
I am in love with frogs (not frogging) I would love this pattern. My Local shop isn’t going to market. Will there be another way to get it? We are getting ready to have some awful weather on the East Coast, please keep careful traveling there and back!!
Lynn Jones
Every stitcher should have one of these on their wall! I love it and will be placing my order as soon as it shows up in the shops. I already have my pre-order in for The Beekeeper too!
Robin in Virginia
What a super design, Paulette! And I love the frame molding that Sherri used for it. It is one of my favorites.
Have a safe journey to and from Nashville!
Carolyn Nye
That is such a cute design. I will be adding it to my wishlist. Love it!
Kat G
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Kate
This is a gorgeous design! Have a good market.
Faye
Absolutely love all your new releases!!!! You rock!!
Robin Henderson Patrick
Hope you make here safely!
Rowena Phibleck
I would love this kit or pattern. I live in Texas and how can I purchase it. So cute.