N&T CURATED SAMPLER (Edited): Orange Flower Field

I am hosting a series of curated sampler swaps based on DMC color combinations published on the Stitch Palettes website. Our first project will utilize a fall-themed palette called "Orange Flower Field" which can be viewed here.

Because mail is currently moving at an actual snail's pace, this sampler swap will be regional. All swaps in this series will be offered on a first come, first served basis with the maximum number of participants being five, including the host.

One swap kit will be mailed to each participant no more than two days after partners are assigned. Participants will have at least four full weeks to complete the swap after everyone has received their kit. The due date will be adjusted if a kit takes longer than expected to reach its destination.

Swap kits will include:

• One yard of six-strand DMC floss in each of the six colors featured in the palette

• Approximately 100 size 11/0 Japanese seed beads (Miyuki or Toho).

• One beading needle

• One blank nine-patch sampler made with off-white Kona cotton. The patches will be sewn together by the host before being added to the kits. Each patch will measure approximate 1.5 inches and will resemble this:

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Your sampler will be pre-basted to a larger piece of fabric. I'm doing this so you can easily work with a hoop. You will embroider through the Kona cotton patches and this backing piece. If you'd like to decrease bulk before mailing and give your sampler a more finished look, you may choose to trim off all but about an inch of the backing fabric and remove the basting stitch around the edge before sending your sampler to your partner. Do not finish the edges or turn them under, though. Your partner will have the option of finishing the edges as they wish depending on how they'd like to use the sampler you make for them.

Swap Guidelines:

• Comment on the swap homepage the day you receive your swap kit so that the due date can be adjusted, if necessary.

• Embroider on all nine of the 1.5" patches using only floss and beads from the kit.

• Make each patch unique or different from the others.

• Use all six of the floss colors in your sampler. (You're not required to use every inch of floss from the kit, though.)

• Incorporate at least one bead from the kit into your design.

Fun Stuff:

As long as you follow the stated guidelines, you are free to do whatever you want to create your sampler. You choose the number(s) of threads you use. You choose the color placement. You decide how the beads are incorporated. You can follow a pattern, develop a theme or do something entirely meditative and freewheeling. Rather than being stressful or intimidating, this project is intended to be an opportunity for self-expression. I hope you enjoy it!