Saturday, April 2, 2011

Ann Medd Finish - Five Years in the Making (Lots of Pics)

WOO HOO!  There is some happy dancing going on around here!!  Ann Medd is finally finished - after five years!  I started her on January 1, 2006 and finished her March 30, 2011.  Better late than never, right?  I would have posted this yesterday, but I was down for the count with a cold/flu/general feeling of crappiness, so here she is!  This qualifies for Finish #2 in the Crazy January Challenge!  Hopefully, I never pick anything this big ever again!  Yeah, like that's going to happen!!  I love me those BAPs!!  I've been eyeballing Dutch Beauty!    Anyway, here she is in all her glory.  Sorry that some of the pictures are not the best, but the light just isn't cooperating and she hasn't been ironed:

Ann Medd
The Scarlett Letter
35 count Elegant Bean and DMC Threads

My daughter (who wished not to have her picture shown due to hair issues, etc. - you know those teens) is about 5'4", so this shows you the size of dear Ann.  Ann Medd has been described as the "Mother of all Samplers" and I would think that description aptly applies.  She's a big one!!  What amazes me is that Ann Medd was 10 years old when this sampler was finished.  If she finished it when she was 10 years old, when exactly did she start it? I'm sure that she wasn't a slacker like I was in stitching this, but I wonder when she did start it.   The whole sampler consists of basically four samplers - each different in their own ways.

Anyway, here are more pictures - I'll let them do most of the talking:

In this first portion there was eyelet stitch, over one, four sided back and a couple other stitches.  I took some creative license and put in the initials of my family in place of Ann's.

In the second section, we have my two favorite people - Adam and Eve:





The next section is described as whimsical with stylized flower-trees and a very fashionably attired couple with their pet, dog, squirrel and deer.




And the last section is considered non-traditional and curious.  A fisherman engaged in hooking a large fish (looks like a salmon to me) while a shepherdess/mermaid tends a flock of sheep.


I liked the notation that Ann made about her teacher, Ann Smith, at the bottom.


All the verses were done in back stitch starting with the letter A and working down through Z.  Although Ann added a little surprise and decided to add in an extra Y.  You probably heard a loud groan in your part of the world when I thought I was going to be stitching the Z and ended up stitching another "Y".



There were a few changes I made to the sampler.  I guess you would call them cheating.  There was a lot of tent stitching done on the faces and a few other places - like the animals.  Most of that I did as charted, but when it came to the last portion, I ended up doing them in regular cross stitch just because I liked the look better.  The gold satin stitch border I also cheated on.  Laying two threads in a satin stitch is hard when on scroll rods, so I substituted a pearl cotton for those stitches and it worked out well.

So there you have her - five years in the making and a labor of love - I think.  Actually, this was a very easy sampler to work on - just very time consuming.


Now, I have no idea what I want to work on now.  Isn't that the way?  We get so caught up in working on something that when it's over - like a really good book - we don't know what direction to go.  So I think that I'm going to take my sniffly self into the craft room and see what else I can come up with.  Just something a little smaller - at least for now!!!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you have a great weekend!

125 comments:

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

That's just stunning Deb! Beautiful, jaw-dropping stunning!!!

I know you must be sooooooo proud and happy now you can stitchy up a new one! The feeling of completion is so uplifting! Your stitching is always beautiful anyways.

Jennifer
Feathers in the Nest

pj said...

Deb, What a stunning piece of needlework! Congratulations on sticking with it and enjoying the last few months of finishing it up! It is sure beautiful...now to frame it...wow! It will be a treasure for sure hanging in your home. I so admire your sampler tastes and always know you will help other stitchers!!! pam in iowa

Joanie said...

Congratulations, it's gorgeous! I am bowing down in homage to you. That is one BIG sampler. Is Dutch Beauty your next start?
I admire your perserverance but don't envy what it's going to cost to frame her! LOL!!! (and you better frame her after all that work!) My biggest Wip is Ann Grimshaw and Sarah Tatum who both are lanquishing in the bottom of my stitching basket.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Congratulations on your fabulous finish. I knew you would be able to get her done if you set your mind to finishing her Deb. What an amazing accomplishment. Your Ann is gorgeous. Will you be taking a second mortgage out on your home so that you can afford to get Ann framed?
Woo Hoo.... you've given me hope that one day I'll have a completed Ann too.

Vanessa said...

WOW! Nothing much left to say...congratulations, it is beautiful.

Teresa Rawson said...

Oh my GOODNESS! That is so very pretty! I don't think I've ever seen such a big piece - what an heirloom.

I am also intrigued by the framed piece in your header...is that your design? If not, who did it and what is it called? It is so very nice as well.

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Way to go girlfriend! I am so proud of you! She is stonning. Jaw droppingly beautiful. Humongo congratulations!!!! I can't wait to see her in person! You are my hero!

Karen said...

Oh.my.stars! She is absolutely amazing -- what a wonderful finish! Congratulations!

Jo Ann said...

Deb, congrats to you. what an awesome job. you should be very proud. I know the feeling of getting a BIGGIE finished. I just finished my first BIGGIE on the 22nd and I feel great too! Keep on dreaming about Dutch Beauty-she is on my wish list too. Jo Ann

Erica said...

WOW!
Just gorgeous!
Well done!
That is sure to become an heirloom for generations to come!

Andrea said...

Wow, what an accomplishment Deb!
Amazing, awe inspiring, gorgeous!
xo

marly said...

That is absolutely amazing. I forgot how big it is!! Congratulations on a stunning finish. My interpretation of the bottom section - the guy went fishing, caught a mermaid, put her on the farm to tend the livestock so he can go fishing all day!

Kathy A. said...

Congratulations on finishing such a huge but gorgeous BAP. Having just finished one myself I know wehre you are coming from!

Hazel said...

Wow wow wow!!! It is huge indeed. Love it and now going on my wishlist lol. I ummed and ahhed over this for a long time thinking it would be too big - too hard but now after seeing yours - wow I love it. Big happy dance for you. xx

Siobhán said...

WaHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! It is just stunning. That's it--stunning--can't say anything more. Okay, well, awesome, amazing, incredible, fabulous, gorgeous--all those work well, too. Great job!!

Tanya said...

Ann is just stunning! I bet your whole house was happy dancing. What an accomplishment-a huge congratulations.

barbara said...

The mother of all samplers, indeed! This is just amazing. I have no idea what I'd do or how I'd feel if I actually accomplished something like this!

Jane said...

I'm speechless and completely in awe of a fantastic achievement.
I keep looking at the photos and all the details over and over again, there's so much to look at. I know I just couldn't ever find the patience, you must be so, so proud. Perhaps my current 4" x 3" isn't so bad after all!!!!
xxx

Kim said...

First of all, I cannot BELIEVE that you are really sick....seriously. ;o) Second of all, big congrats to YOU for finishing Ann!!! WOOOHOOO!! She's amazing!!! Just as a sidebar, ahem...I have Dutch Beauty all kitted....waiting for a start. ;o) Not to prod you in any way.

carol fun said...

Absolutely amazing! I am in awe at your accomplishment! This is just too gorgeous for words. Congratulations on a wonderful piece.

gracie said...

all I can say is...oh my....

Love to Stitch said...

DEB it is OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Worth every bit of 5 years-- this is something else and absolutely exquisite!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of you--what a trooper, holding on and finishing it!!!!!!! Breathtaking-- wait till it is framed!! DB is calling me too-- BAPS are sooo worth it arent they?!!!! Hope you feel better, Just looking at Ann should make those sniffles go away :)

robindefender said...

I think she looks great! Congrats on your long-awaited finish.

Nancy said...

Ann is just beautiful!!! Can't believe it only took you 5 years to stitch her.

Cathy B said...

Wow! It is fabulous; what an accomplishment! You deserve to dance!

Can't wait to see what you pick next!

Me and My Stitches said...

Woo-hoo! Gotta love those finishes - especially HUGE ones like this. Way to go!!

Margaret said...

What a wonderful accomplishment! Congratulations once again on this finish! Talk about a huge piece -- wow!

Christine said...

Beautiful !!! congrats for this marsterpiece !!

sampler lover said...

Hi Deb, Wow, what a stunner. Ann is worth all the pain and suffering that she caused you to have. I am so proud of you finishing this very special sampler and she will look wonderful with your ATS.
Dutch Beauty is another glorious piece and I have mine hanging in my hallway. Mine was done over one on 32ct. - Sandra.

Mary said...

Ohhh My! Magnificent, marvellous, mammoth! Congratulations on a wonderful finish. I hope you have a wall large enough for her.
Mary

Ranae said...

WoWzA!! wowza!! woohoo!!!
Deb that is something else, you should be so proud
It is amzingly beautiful!!!

Teresa S. said...

What an amazing accomplishment, Deb! Congratulations! What is it about the BAP's that get our attention?:) I'm anxiously awaiting to see what you pick next! :)

Berit said...

Unreal. Words fail me, srsly. What's next, framing?

Biggest Congratulations Ever!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Beautiful! Being a fairly new stitcher, I had no idea this piece was so large. Congratulations! You are so NOT a slacker by the way!

Myra said...

Absolutely, positively fabulous, gorgeous, and stunning! Now that is what I call a beautiful B-A-P! Congratulations on such a monumental finish.

Karen said...

OMG....kudos on such a fabulous finish!!!! That is just amazing ...I know you have to be so proud of this one.

I think that counts as a challenge all by itself!!!

Hope you are feeling better.

Cari said...

OMG BEAUTIFUL...That is one huge sampler and an even more hugh accomplishment!! WOW OH WOW Miss Deb. This one is lovely!! Good Job....HUGS

Yvette said...

WOW!!!!!!! You go girl!!! That is FABULOUS!!!! How are you going to display this?? Just amazing!!!

Paulette said...

I am so glad you showed the different sections of this sampler.. I never knew what a beauty it is! What absolutely stunning work, Debbie!!!!

Paulette

Annie said...

What an achievement! That is such a gorgeous piece and what an heirloom to hand down for generations!

Hope you feel better soon. Just looking at this finish should help a lot!

TeresaB said...

Ann is just stunning! I'm in total awe of how beautiful and how large she really is. I'm also impressed. I'd be stitching on that until I was 200! (No seriously, I'm notorious for putting things aside and starting something new!) I'm sure you are so pleased and excited that she's finished. Congrats a thousand times!!!

Hopefully you'll find just the right project to work on next and that you'll start feeling better soon.

Littlebit said...

Oh my goodness..my jaw dropped when I saw your finish. Oh my. I don't even know what to say. It's stunning! You are Sampler Queen of the Decade!

Linen Stitcher said...

Oh. My. Goodness! What an impressive sampler!! Simply incredible!! I can't imagine how you persevered, but you must be so very glad that you did. I'm already imagining what it will look like framed and hung up for all of your visitors to admire. Please take a picture when you do, so we can admire it as well!!

Congrats to you!!!!!!!

valerie said...

WOOHOO!!!! Yay! I am so happy to see your Ann Medd finish! She is stunning...and a huge accomplishment. Congrats!

Terri said...

That piece is amazing! Congratulations on the finish! You did a beautiful job on it!!

Anonymous said...

That is AMAZING!!!!!! and I don't think 5 yrs is that long for a piece that HUGE! How will you finish it? Frame?? Please post pics when that is done also. I don't know if I'd have a wall big enough to hang that on. But it's GORGEouS!

Anonymous said...

Woaw! I'm speachless! Congratulations !!!

Diane (di) said...

I have absolutely loved being on this journey with you... watching you stitch your way through this beautiful sampler. She is absolutely stunning Deb and your stitches are gorgeous. Congratulations!! You know I'm 'dancing with stitchy happiness'! :)

Bekca said...

Wow, this is absolutely amazing! Congratulations to you for finally finishing this labour of love, it's a truly impressive project and you should be proud. Can't wait to see what BAP you choose next!

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Breathtaking!

Sylvia said...

Wow, its just an amazing sampler, and an amazing finish!! I am so happy for you!! Congratulations.

Nancy said...

Truly amazing! Congratulations on this stunning finish. I really can't even think of the right words to say to you! Your sampler is a true work of art!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Amazingly awesome! Now that's a sampler, my dear!!

Jan said...

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I am in agreement with Marsha...think we need a cyber ceremony crowning you Sampler Queen of the Decade...maybe the Century, considering how long it takes to stitch something like this!

I am totally impressed and proud of you, Deb!!!!!

Nancy M said...

And you say I have BIG projects!!! I have never even bought a piece of material that large, yet alone stitch it!! Your are going to have to have your husband put special supports in the wall when you get this one framed! I bet after 5 years it feels sooooo good!

Marie said...

Congratulations!!! That is amazing and oh so beautiful.

BrendaS said...

BEAUTIFUL finish! Congraulations to you on quite an accomplishment:))))

Can't wait to see the frame you pick out for her.

Hope you feel better!

Anonymous said...

WOW! It is extremely beautiful!

merumo said...

Big congratulations!!! She is stunning and absolulte beauty! I just can't believe someone actually has such disciplines to finish this not only big, but also the tidious work sampler! Amazing is the right word for you and Ann!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

.....THUD.....
Deb, Ann's sampler lovingly, beautifully and perfectly rendered by your hand is - well words just don't fit. It is the absolutely, most awe-inspiring thing I've ever witness stitching-wise and I mean that with all my heart. I just keep thinking about the legacy you are leaving your children and their children and their children after them. Awesome! That about covers it when you set and think about it. Totally awesome!

Anne said...

Wow! Amazing sampler Debbie!! Hooray to finishing it! I am in awe of the size of it and no wonder it took a long time to stitch. The colours are so vibrant and rich, and I love the Adam and Eve too! Congrats!!

Shelly said...

Holy Cow! If I could just have a teaspoon of your perseverance, I too, could start AND finish a BAP! They terrify me! No matter the cost, Ann deserves to be framed. Congrats!

Lois said...

I don't know what to say Deb!! Words don't seem adequate but let me try ......congratulations on a wonderful, fantastic, amazing finish!!!!!! Ann is just stunning!!! Well done on what will be a family heirloom piece!!

Annemarie said...

Daha...muhhuh...bwwpfll... Words fail me. Really. I'm so very proud of you. Ann is gorgeous. Not only have you woken me from hibernation with this, you've also given me courage to continue with my BAP. You're a marvel and a true stitchy wonder. Will Ann make a trip to the framer's now?

Giovanna said...

Oh my goodness, I think I'm speechless now... What an amazing achievement, congratulations!

Carol R said...

Oh wow - absolutely stunning!!

Barb said...

Holy mackerel, that really is one BAP. You deserve to be very proud of yourself! It's a stunner!

Katherine said...

Incredible! Great job! I would never have done a five year stitching project. Well, I may have begun one, but not finished it. You certainly deserve a pat on the back for sheer perseverance. Now, you must take a chair with you when you take it to get framed - because you have to be sitting down when they tell you how much she's going to cost! Have fun.

Vilma aka Examplar Dame said...

Wow Deb, gorgeous, gorgeous, it makes me want to pick up mines and work more on it.

Congratulations on such a beautiful finish.

Vilma

Teri said...

An absolutely amazing finish. Congratulations!!!!!

Carol said...

WOW! WOW! WOW!! A totally amazing finish, Deb! Congratulations--all your persistence and hard work truly paid off :) Congratulations!!

Anna van Schurman said...

Wowzers! That's awesome.

Deborah said...

That is the most beautiful finish! I give you all the credit becuase I would never have finished it. I m niot sure that I would have started it it. LOL You are now my cross stitch hero.

Ziggyeor said...

I'm glad to know that things started 5 years ago can be done! I have a big piece I started 5 years ago and told my husband that it would be his gift on our 10th wedding anniversary. I have 3 more years!

Kaaren said...

Absolutely stunning, Deb. What an awesome finish and a definite heirloom!

I'd love to do this sampler. What is the actual size of the finished piece?

Bertie said...

Congratulations is in order here!!! a fabulous achievement Deb, you can be truly proud of yourself stitching this Epic sampler, way to go:))

Alice said...

What an amazing accomplishment! Beautiful! Congratulations, and feel better soon.

Cathy Lloyd said...

I.AM.SPEECHLESS.
I had no idea Ann is that huge! Oh my goodness! Congratulations Deb! It is so fabulous...there just are not enough words to describe it! Pat yourself on the back, my friend, for such a wonderful, wonderful finish!

Anonymous said...

This has to be one of the most ambitious samplers that I've seen anyone do. I am just in awe of how beautiful it is. You should be so proud of your accomplishment and you will have to post it again when you have it framed. It's just wonderful!

Catherine said...

Positively stunning!! Congrats!

Tracey said...

Wow!! What an accomplishment! Well done! :) It may have taken Ann alot less time to finish than we would think- back then they didn't have tv, computer, and other things to distract! :)

The French Bear said...

Oh my, I think I actually cried when I saw this....stunning!!!!! Wow, you have worked so hard and what an accomplishment!!! It is the most beautiful work of art I have ever seen!!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Anonymous said...

WOW! I don't know what else to say. It's hard to come up with words to describe this piece. My mouth just hangs open looking at it. I'm glad that you took pictures of all the different sections so we could see the magnitude of the stitching for this piece. Remarkable!!

Mylene said...

Great job, it looks gorgeous!!! Congrats.

Kathy said...

What an amazing finish! It is just stunning! You should be so proud of your accomplishment.

Michelle said...

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Deb, she is stunningly gorgeous. Her colors are so bright and vibrant. And I love the whole look of her. You must still be dancing the happy dance of finishing her. What an accomplishment!

Blu said...

WOOHOO! Congrats on a truly spectacular finish!
It's always inspiring when a BAP gets finished! It gives me hope that I might one day finish all my projects lol~

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
BIG congrats to you!!! She is wonderful. I cannot begin to imagine stitching something that big. All that blue background that needed filling in would have put me over the edge...lol!
Will you need to take out a second mortgage to get it framed?
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Anonymous said...

OMG....what an exquisite piece. What patience and dedication to complete this!! It is lovely. How will you frame it? Where will you put it? Unbelieveable!!! Have never seen anything quite so lovely. Congratulations.

Stitching Cat said...

Deb, congratulations on your big happy dance. This sampler is beautiful! Hope you have a place on honor to hang it. And that you post another picture when it is framed.

Von said...

Wowzers! Congratulations on persevering to a beautiful finish on such a huge project! You must be immensely proud, and rightly so! :)

Justflo said...

Absolutely amazing. I congratulate you on your patience. As you say Ann Medd must have started stitching this incredibly young. Hope she got the praise she deserved as well form her teacher!

Good luck with your searching for a new start.

Sally said...

OMG Deb!!!! I had not realised Ann was so HUGE! I admire your patience with this piece as it is truly stunning!

Katrina said...

OMG, gorgeous, beautiful, woohoo, congratulations, just doesn't do this piece justice!!!! It's wonderful and I am so happy for you that it's finished :-).

Angela said...

Huge Congrats Deb on this amazing finish! You have to be very proud of yourself, this will be something your family can cherish for generations to come :)

Now this makes my BAP, look like a small in size compared to this! I wish I had the perseverance to stitch more large projects!

Alma Allen said...

Debbie,

This is amazing. Not only did you finish this piece...you did it with style! congratulations!!!

What kind of framing are you going to do?
It deserves something wonderful.

woolwoman said...

what can I add that has not already been said Deb - CONGRATULATIONS is one thing I want to say - I just can't even imagine stitching something that big - plus there is a LOT of fill in stitching on this one - YIKES - I would hate to have your framing bill - My dad just finished stitching a scarlet quince design and it was 36" long and we thought that framing bill was huge - Anyway - can't wait to see yours framed. Can't wait to see what you tackle next - it was awesome to see you finished Ann Medd - YGG - Melody

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Although I don't have a blog, I do love to come to yours to see what you are working on. I can not believe your finished piece. It's just jaw dropping in it's beauty. Never did I imagine it would be this size. It is simply amazing and a piece that I'm sure that you are proud of. I can't imagine every doing something of this magnitude. You are definitely an inspiration to stitchers!! Congratulations on your finish.

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! Fabulous finish Deb. I still can't believe all of the blue at the bottom! I bet this looks great with your ATS sampler. I can't wait to see it framed in all it's glory.
Congratulations! Fabulous job!!!!!

krayolakris said...

Outstanding! Congratulations! It's a masterpiece!

Isabelle said...

Just a word, Deb : wonderful :-))

Edgar said...

Such a beautiful piece - congrats!!!!!!

Stitch By Stitch said...

Stunning! I'm at a loss for words! Congrats to you!!

Karoline said...

Ann is stunning, congratulations

Melissa said...

Congratulations, Deb! What a huge accomplishment. Judging by the number of comments I would say a whole bunch of people think so too!

Unknown said...

Congratulations Deb nice that you have been
It's spectacular
How lucky to have those graphics. I hope someday to find in Spain
Greetings
Sol

Anonymous said...

Debbie!! It's gorgeous! CONGRATULATIONS. So amazing.

FlourishingPalms said...

That's an astounding piece of needlework! Wow. I cannot imagine how many hours it took to stitch, and I won't even ask! Congratulations on a beautiful finish. The next step is to suck up the cost of framing, Yikes for you!

Shelleen said...

awesome job!

Carin said...

What a beautiful piece !!

marylin said...

oh wonder on your blog, your embroidery are wonderful and I love that there are all the houses too!
I wish you good luck ...
Marylin friendships France

Cathy said...

Beautiful! Congratulations on a very big finish!

Robin said...

OMG, that is an awesome sampler! I bow to you. What an amazing finish!

Nicole said...

Sorry, I'm so late to comment Deb!! I just wanted to say congrats again on an amazing finish!!!

Sue said...

Wow, what a totally awesome piece. Beautiful job.

Sue said...

G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S piece!!!

JOLENE said...

A-m-a-z-i-n-g! Love your Ann Mead, dear Deb. Holy cow, five years....I wonder how long it took Ann to stitch this way back when? I bet you finished yours faster! Congrats on such a beautiful and elaborate piece. This is definitely going to be a family heirloom and so deserving of a golden crown award! Smiles.....

mbroider said...

Oh my, what an accomplishment!!! Congratulations dear... 5 years is a LOT of time. and you are saying this is as tall as your daughter?

The piece is taller than me by half an inch. There you go...

You deserve an award:)

Sharmila

Browndirtcottage said...

OH OH..WOW..WOW..I WANT IT..I WANT
IT.....GIVE IT TO ME GIVE IT TO ME

OK..did I say WOW!!!

ann d du québec said...

WOW!!!!
Merveilleux!!!!!

Gabi said...

Oh my gosh. That is one AWESOME finish. And you're right with describing it as the Mother of all samplers. It's huge and it's beautiful.
Congrats with that fantastic finish.

Nick said...

Wow, what an amazing piece, it looks beautiful! Congratulations of finishing it! How do you finish a piece so big? A wall hanging, like a tapastry, or frame it?

Viooltje (Violet) said...

What can I add after all the above commenters than my festive:
*C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*
You must have a wonderfull feeling inside everytime you are looking at her...

... and you probably know what I think of Dutch Beauty:
LOL yes, she is a GREAT sampler (too) and a joy to stitch.
;oD

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the finish. It is just totally amazing! All that keeps running through my mind is how on Earth do you display it for all to see. Take care.