I was looking for something a little different to stitch for a baby sampler and since I am a big fan of Blackbird Designs decided to use the chart for March Hare from A Fine Collection. The book includes twelve projects, one for each month of the year.
The running rabbit is surrounded by a vegetable garland. Carrots, radishes, and peas abundantly available. His star eye and flower and ribbon collar dress him up for spring.
Some of the recommended threads were from Olde Willow Stitchery which no longer exists BUT a friend sent me the threads so I could try and match them to what might be available today. And I had to add additional space at the bottom for the baby’s name and birthdate.
The recommended fabric was 30ct Flax Fields by R & R Reproductions but I selected a piece of 16ct Milk Chocolate Aida from my stash. This is one of my go to colors and is from Hand Dyed Fabrics by Stephanie. The thread colors I selected as I went along.
Started stitching September 10, 2016. Finished the top Sept 19, 2016.
Recommended Threads: Olde Willow Stitchery (OWS) – Gentle Arts Sampler Thread (GA) – DMC
- OWS Rustic Red (DMC 352/3024)
- OWS Spice Pumpkin DMC 3770/3859)
- OWS Prairie Grain
- OWS Tabasco (DMC 3832 is a perfect match)
- DMC 310
- DMC 3787 (Current shade of this has a greenish tinge)
- GA Evergreen
- GA Old Blue Paint
- GA Shutter Green
- WDW Sand (this is listed as Gentle Arts but there is no such color
The used the following colors to stitch mine in the same order as above
- Victorian Motto – Variegated Peach Orange (for the carrots)
- For Spice Pumpkin, I used a Special Edition of Gentle Arts but it had no name
- GA Sable (for the rabbit)
- DMC 3832
- DMC 310 (eyes of rabbit)
- DMC 3031 (rabbit ear and parts of the leg)
- GA Evergreen (lighter parts of leaves)
- Victorian Motto Primitive Sky (letters and personalization)
- Victorian Motto Spring Green (vines and darker parts of leaf and peas)
- GA Sand (pink in rabbit’s ear)
Now that the finished/framed piece has been received by my grandson, I can show the final picture here.
March Hare from A Fine Collection by Blackbird Designs.
I liked this one so much, I stitched a second one for another great-grandchild who arrived in 2019.
I used slightly different colors for the floss on this one but still Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe threads.
Pat, I love your color choices for these Blackbirds Designs, I am not as adept as changing colors as you are! I found your blog by accident, and I have enjoyed your lovely work. I also thank you for the basket idea from Etsy. (I’m drawing a blank on her companies name, but Ann Franks baskets) I gifted myself one for my birthday, and will be filling it seasonally.
Suzanne