Here, kitty! Come sit by me.
I've been working on this new sampler, named for my mom's cat, Mr. America, and it's finally good to go. As you might know, I've also been cleaning out closets and other spaces in the house.
I put this old H&M shirt in the church bag and then as I was unloading things into the main hall, I had a change of heart and pulled it out again. (That's not the worst of it- I've asked the sorters to look for some little silly nothing that I regretted donating - and received a phone call a week later to say they found it! Yay! and then Ugh!)
Anyway, the shirt.
I once loved it, wore it, thought it too young for me, stashed it, found it, loved it again, but decided to cut it up- only slightly, thereby ruining it - stashed it again, donated it, retrieved it and then finally - hallelujah!- realized it was perfect for this sampler!
Don't you think that it's just the thing .... for the sampler to pillow finishing?
See, I'm glad I saved it. And that is my tip for the day. When choosing colors to work a design with, find a source- a piece of fabric, a dish, a magazine tear sheet. Use that as a reference to pull your colors from and place all the thread choices in a big bowl (or zip-lock bag). Then just pick from that group as you go.
Mr. America is too cute! I love this project.
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | August 22, 2011 at 08:59 AM
It's gorgeous! I love the name Mr. America!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 22, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Wonderful, as always! :) And so glad you were able to find a perfect spot to use your beloved fabric.
Posted by: Julie | August 22, 2011 at 10:30 AM
LOVELY!!! Your choice of fabric couldn't be more perfect!!!
Posted by: Michaelanne Neal | August 22, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Oh how I am laughing at you and myself. I have donated and undonated clothing to use as fabric more times than I care to think about. How is it that we forget that we use fabric and pattern on a regular basis?
xop
Posted by: paula joerling | August 22, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Too adorable as always!
Posted by: Jend222 | August 22, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Love this design and using it with that fabric is just right. I am always having a clear out and then keeping something just in case.....
What a good job you got it back.
Posted by: Sarah west mids uk | August 22, 2011 at 01:25 PM
here we go again--- just ran to purchase the newest sampler---- the kitty, the color of the "soon to be" autumn hills, and the, well.....just everything....sucked me right in!!!
Thankyou!!!,
Posted by: Penelope | August 22, 2011 at 05:21 PM
I saw ads for Captain America all over Paris and thought of you... I loved the tag line which suits this post perfectly "Some heroes are born; others have to be created." Love Mr America!
Posted by: Angel Jem | August 22, 2011 at 05:24 PM
I love it and already ordered 2!! Yay
Posted by: Heather | August 23, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Sweet story, sweet shirt and oh so sweet sampler! Welcome to Mr. America. And from your previous post, I hope you will share where we can see your newly designed fabrics! Congrats Dear Charlotte!
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | August 23, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Such a cute sampler! LOVE the colors. Hope you are having a great summer!
Posted by: Heather - Speckled Egg | August 23, 2011 at 11:51 AM
It's perfect!
Posted by: Karen B | August 23, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Mr. America is SO cute!! Great piece!!!
Posted by: Carrie | August 25, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Oh my darling! Love. Please be safe in the ugly weather headed your way...i will have a candle lit for your family :)
Posted by: Kathleen | August 27, 2011 at 02:33 AM
I love the story of the shirt almost as much as I love your wonderful new sampler. And the rubber boot/donation lady story is too funny. It all sounds like something I would do.
You've convinced me I definitely need to relearn how to embroider. Can't wait to see the new farm piece you're working on. :)
Posted by: Farmgirl Susan | September 09, 2011 at 02:53 PM