I do appreciate that you are always clear whether a sampler can be stitched on Aida or must be stitched on linen. I do both, as the mood strikes me and as my stash of fabrics allows, so knowing as I consider a sampler from HATS what the requirements are is so helpful. And not only do you make it clear, you also are encouraging in this video and on many other occasions that we should stitch as brings us pleasure! A great perspective and philosophy.

Thank you for your comments about what size/type of fabric to stitch on. I just returned to cross-stitching after about 30 years away. Back in those days, Aida was the only choice. Now there are so many beautiful types and colors of fabric to choose from. I'm comfortable stitching on Aida, but I hope to work up the courage to try linen one day! This is a hobby that should be enjoyable! I love the sweet way your pup walks up to you as if to say, "Love on me, mama!" Thank you for the informative history on your samplers.

I can't agree more about fabric count. I recently used a fabric that had bin in my bin for years that was larger than normal for me, but felt right for this project. Everyone should use whatever they have on hand, want to use, can comfortably use, etc. As I have aged, the projects with 46 count fabric or smaller take me longer to complete. Thank goodness for magnifiers!

Thank you for the discussion on fabric. My sister loves aida but the linen works better for me. I was at a retreat where they were giving fabric for a project. I chose 32 because I can see that. The people who chose 40 looked smug and gave the lower count people a look. I felt embarrassed and almost changed to 40 but knew I would not be able to complete A project on 40. I'm so glad that you said stitching is supposed to be fun. I really appreciate that!

I just love your comments about stitching on what works best for ourselves! And I too have hung onto my bin of lower count fabrics for precisely the same reason as you !! I am a 36 or 40 count linen stitcher going higher while stunning to look at just is not fun for me. So I plan to stay in my lane as it were :-) I will admit having been made to fee tho at a particular retreat as tho I’m just not as accomplished as some others because of that. It’s pure silliness and I need to not allow that to concern me. What’s so amazing tho is I was so fortunate to have been at GBSW and surrounded by the most accomplished and talented women not a single one ever once made anyone feel that way. It was just pure inspiration and fellowship ❤

I love your dog and how he comes to you for attention and how you respond. 😘

Thank you for your support and affirmation for stitchers of 'all faiths' (lol)! I have to admit I have sometimes been too 'chicken' to post the count I stitched my finish on... If it's a lower count than may be popular. I think we all have read or heard the many comments that seem to favor higher count linens for stitching and, quite honestly, it can sometimes feel a bit intimidating... we all of us are sometimes 'too human' with how we compare ourselves with others, don't we? Silly of me to let my enjoyment of stitching be sometimes lessened by what I have perceived others to value! The 'Present for my Frend' sampler looks like a lot of fun to stitch! (and if I share a finish of it I will proudly display a photo with the fabric count stitched on, thanks to your encouragement!) : )

I always enjoy our Sunday visits, Nicola 😄 It's nice that you encourage everyone to stitch on whatever fabric they're comfortable with. Have fun at the trade show. Take care, and happy stitching.

I am so happy about your comment about size of linen. I can see well on 32 but difficult on 36 even with a strong glasses, magnifying and a bright light. We have to stitch on something we are comfortable with to be enjoyable. Thanks for your beautiful videos.

That was so kind of you Nicola to speak about fabric count! I have had to move to a 28 count linen for that very reason....changing eye sight! Stitching is about joy...not what fabric, or thread count, thread choice, or stitching accessories you own. If you think about it, stitchers in previous centuries used what was available to them and we cherish their work..not judge them. Thank you for speaking to this!❤

Nicola, I have to say that being from the western US & have been to many Native American Reservations and artifacts in museums. I can recognize the cornstalks right away then other symbols also. It led me to investigate Princess Pocohatas aka Rebecca Rolfe. 1864 would have been the 250th year of her arrival in the UK. So as you can tell I went down a rabbit hole for the Princess who was also known as an ambassador, hmm!

Your videos are wonderful! I just stitched my first project on 36 ct. linen with 1 strand of floss. I love it! I can stitch must faster with just 1 strand. Thank you very much for all that you do for the stitching community.

Beautiful sampler. Thank you for the discussion of the proper needle size again. I found out years ago I was using the wrong size needle when my floss got worn by the eye of the needle being too small. Enjoyed the video this morning.

I always enjoy your Flosstubes. Your last one you shared about needles and your information you shared today is all very helpful. I feel like I need to gather all the information and write it up for a reference sheet. You are always so kind and will to help others. Thank you for all the work you do, it is very much appreciated.

What a beautiful sampler for someone to stitch for a friend and hearing all the information you have found out. Yes the postage from the USA is high and that is will I have to find somewhere else to purchase fabric and charts.

What's interesting is that frend is a Middle English spelling of friend and praesant is an archaic form of present - not sure where their use of preasent comes from unless it's a misspelling of praesant. But why those spellings are being taught in 1864??? Thank you for your lovely video. And thank you for mentioning fabric counts, etc. Always stitch on what you love. Have a great week!

Hi Nicola, I like the sampler that you’re stitching. Celia Putney. The font is pretty. Nice to see Bertie make an appearance in your video. He’s really nice. Have a great week.

The other size determinite; a frame or other object for finishing. I often chose the finishing media, then work backwards, figuring out linen size to fit the object, then the appropriate floss to complete . Such an enabler you are! I ordered the frend kit before I finished watching your video.

Thank you so much for your support for ALL types of stitchers. I can’t stitch on linen with my eyes, and have felt pressured to try anyway. The craft became a monster rather than a pleasure. I have moved to 18 count aida and have on rare occasion been put down for being an aida stitcher. It is so unkind and untrue as a thought. As a knitter as well, I have also observed this behavior in the fiber craft as too many knitters (including some shop owners) look down on crocheting as “less than”. Thank you for speaking out and speaking up.

So beautiful the sampler "A Present for a Frend" is. You are so generous to gift the original to a friend (we can never have too many). One day, I dream, I'll get a sampler original!! At least one!!

I love needlework accessories, too! I use my coasters all the time! Enjoy the trade show!

I love your videos 😊. Your dog is so sweet. Please tell us more about the dog... I have a beautiful calico cat. She loves to help me with my stitching. ❤. Still working on Sarah's Sampler. Loving it. Thank you dear lady for your delightful videos. 😊

Thank you so much Nicola for releasing A Present for a Frend with Hobby House Needleworks. I have been hoping for a release ever since you first showed her. This sampler somehow seems so modern in its design. Just fantastic! Also hope to stitch Celia if or when released - this is my mum’s name! Happy Sunday!

The new sampler is so pretty! I ordered my kit!

Ohhhhh how appropriate your video is for me today …. I have stitched 14 count fir many years.. Mirabella … HATS… and loved every minute of it … however… I thought I should challenge myself and switched to 18 count… what a disaster! I cannot wait to pick up another piece of 14 count and return to my excitement of stitching! Yes.. it’s the eyes! If you cannot see .. then what’s the point ! Keep your fabric …just in case! Great video as always 🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵

Loved the video Happy stitching

How exciting for yourself and Sue regarding the Samplers how wonderful! I really think the sampler is so gorgeous and would love to stitch it when available hopefully that will be soon? As the postage is outrageous here and the US Dollar to AUD Dollar even worse but not complaining I can wait. Thank You for sharing with us.

Beautiful work. I so enjoyed your video.

Nicola, thank you for another lovely video and seeing the puppies! I did wonder if the sampler could be stitched in a red and green palate? The blues when I am seeing them look greenish to me? Hope my eyes aren't getting wonky! Hugs and Love, Jennifer

I love the new sampler. I love the new video.

Well said!

Thank you for talking about fabric sizes and needle sizes. I just purchased Martha Walmskey, 36 ct linen and 100.3 silks from hobby house. This will be my first time using silks and I’m new stitching on 36 ct with one thread. May I ask if there is a needle that is best when using silk thread ?

Which Hobby House do you suggest? The one in New York says it's permanently closed. That's a shame. I'll look for other shops of this name.

On the Present for a Friend sampler did you miss some stitches in the lower left corner on the square. The one in the right upper corner looks complete.

Just found your channel and really appreciate the info you offer. I wonder if you could recommend a magnifying glass that would clip onto an embroidery hoop. Thanks

Will the flute piece come out as chart?

I so look forward to your videos, Nicola (even when I fall behind)! A Present for a Friend is just delightful! I so totally agree with you about stitching on what brings you joy! I love samplers and linen but my sister loves aida and things other than samplers and we are both so happy! It truly is whatever brings you joy in your stitching journey. I'm so glad Bertie-Boo decided to come for a visit - he is so beautiful! Thanks as always, Nicola and happy stitching!