The Finish Line

First finish of 2026 is a cross stitch project.

Started on September 1, 2025  as my Sampler September project.

Finished today --- January 12, 2026

Pattern:  A Schwenkfelder Sampler (Susanna Kriebel 1841)

Stitched mostly as charted, including her mistakes

and if I'm honest, some of mine. 

When I started this sampler I wasn't really sure I liked it. The way she did the smaller alphabet felt very random to me. She even spelled her own name incorrectly. I didn't really like the colors she chose. In time it grew on me. 

I would love to know what the random letters are around that center motif (E, H, O, B, E, D, D). It's a shame Susanna is not here to tell us. 

The original sampler is the property of the Schwenkfelder Heritage Museum in Schwenksville, PA. The sampler was reproduced and subsequently charted by her granddaughter. The chart is for sale at the museum store as a fundraiser.

Now finished after 4-1/2 months. Washed, ironed, and ready to go to the framer later today.