Happy days! Last night I finished making my Strawberry Sampler book. I started it over Christmas whilst on holiday, it was a kit from the Cross-stitch Guild.

I think last time I posted about this book I’d just finished the pulled work pages.

Since then I’ve stitched the lining which includes an index for the front and a blackwork page for the back. I also finished the front cover, I had done the cross-stitch ages ago but I hadn’t plucked up the courage to do the hem-stitch edge. Eventually I couldn’t put it off any longer! It involved removing and reweaving two threads all round the page, then counting nine threads out. scoring along with a needle, then counting another nine threads, score again, then count seven and cut here! The scoring did make a huge difference as the linen then folded neatly along the line. It was then folded in on itself, mitred at the corners and hem-stitched down to the bit where the threads were removed. The instructions weren’t really clear on this bit so I’m not sure if I did it right but it looks fine. I also re-stitched the four-sided stitch down the centre of the cover, the instructions said use cream, so I did, but the photos clearly showed more of a matching colour, I found a DMC that matched well and re-stitched it, I think it looks much better.

With all the embroideries done, my next task was to make the pages. I decided to put a layer of calico in between the sides just to give a bit of body, I made my pages slightly different from the instructions, they used hem-stitch and then stitched the two sides together along the hem-stitch. I wasn’t sure about the stitching line being two threads in from the edge, so I had edged mine with blanket stitch. I trimmed them closely to the stitching and whip-stitched them together. In the kit was also some red silk to put behind the hardanger and the hem-stitch pages, it looks very effective.

The lining was trimmed and folded under, just fitting nicely between the hem-stitched border.

Then came the fiddly bit, getting the pages stitched into the book. The instructions advised starting with the outside pages and working in which I did, two pages to each line of the four sides stitch.

I realised at this point that when I was stitching the lining in I was also meant to attach some ribbon to the sides, as a closure for the book. At this point I also realised I had used the wrong ribbon when weaving it through some of the stitches (it didn’t specify which piece) Of course the piece that was left was too short. The only ribbon I had that was suitable was some silk ribbon and that actually made it easier to attach, I just threaded it onto a tapestry needle, knotted the end, and pulled it through the even weave to the back and then out of the edge of the cover where it seems to be holding quite nicely.

So that’s it complete. I’m pleased with it, I found the instructions a bit of a challenge, not sure if this will put me off doing another of their books – they have several different ones. I’m happy with my blanket stitch edge, though another time I might try the hem-stitch edge. I also wonder if the calico I put inside the pages to give them a bit more body made it a bit too bulky at the spine. It will be interesting to have another look at the sample at the next Harrogate show.

My fabric book collection is growing!

I’ll be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, please follow the link to see what everyone has been stitching.