27th January Project- Start & Bonus

Another Friday is upon us already and I am positive the month is going much faster then I ever expected it to go.  My last weekend of freedom before I am back to the grind next week.  Fortunately, I am back to the grind on February 2nd, so I will have no excuses to get the 31 crazy challenge done and see what insanity waits on February 1st in the stitching department.  But lets not rush a good thing we have going here.  I have found a few more tricks up my sleeve and look forward to sharing them with all of you in due time :)
Today I have for you 2 things.  First, lets talk about what new project I started last night shall we?!   Out of the Sampler & Antique Needlework magazine, I have started Isabella Johnson.  I have had her kitted up for some time and last night made a slight adjustment on the linen.

I am using the called for Belle Soie Silks and I have opted yet again, for 45ct linen, this time vintage lentil.  There is a method to my madness-- if it makes sense or not, it doesnt matter.  But my reason is that I would like to stitch the other 2 charted samplers that the pictures are featured along with Isabella, Jane Tindall and Maria Tilley on 45ct too, so why not?  This doesnt matter, either way if you stitch them on 28ct or ??? count, because they are all different shapes and sizes anyway........  You can stitch samplers on what ever count linen that gets you going.  I am obviously going on 45 :)  I acquired a piece of Vintage Lentil the other day, a long a narrow piece.   I was looking specifically for long and narrow pieces because I have a VERY hard time cutting my linen.  To make that clear, I can cut anything, but the linen, the gorgeous linen, I have a hard time physically bringing myself to doing this, so I try to find pieces that will work in the right color for each sampler.  Sometimes, like in this case, it has worked out perfectly. 

So you can 'see' my tiny piece of fabric, for most stitchers, this piece you are laughing at me, as tons of room!!  Yes, the entire design fits on this piece width wise with no worries. You can see the width is done from the vine those leafs are growing off of.  The length isnt an issue at all.  Crazy right?!  Yes, I live there, and I have been asked along the way, where it is, where does crazy live, because others are interested in joining me there for more adventure.  The sampler is fabulous and I am excited to have this one going and someday complete.

Back in the end of November, after Thanksgiving I think, my Husband and I took a small road trip and I need an ez little project to stitch on.  So I started Little House Needleworks Mercantile.  Easy I said, it is a cute little pattern and perfect for my purpose.  I only got so far

on our drive and put it away.  Well, we went on another small road trip in the last few days and I have been a busy girl.  I got it done and here she is.

I used 40ct ??? with the called for WDW, GA & CC threads and I think it is super cute.  You need to have easy ones right?  These big jobs that we have going all the time are outstanding, but to finish something, is even better.  Especially, because she isnt in my January challenge!!!!!  My 2nd finish of the year.  BONUS!!!!!