For our October interview with sit a bit with Bhooma! No tricks here, only lots of treats from Bhooma about how much she enjoys stitching and a picture walk through her beautiful, diverse stitching of Scarlet Letter samplers and much, much more!
Bhooma, how old were you when you first picked up a needle and who taught you to stitch?
I was probably around 11 or 12. I learnt it from my mom. I also inherited her love of crafts.
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| Carousel ~ Teresa Wentzler |
What was the first sampler that you stitched?
The one that comes to mind is Metta Putfarcken by Sampler Berlin.
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| Metta Putfarcken 1848 ~ Samplers Berlin |
What is your favorite time of day to stitch?
I could stitch any time of the day but nights are my favorite time.
Do you sit in a set place and what tools do you like to have on hand?
I usually stitch in my family room. I am usually spread out on the couch with my stitching paraphernalia all around me. From my couch I can look outside and watch the birds chirping on the trees.
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| Angel of Love ~ Lavender & Lace |
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| Angel of Christmas ~ Lavender & Lace |
Do you use the stick and stab technique, or a sewing stitch?
I use the stick and stab technique.
Do you prefer to stitch in hand, or with a hoop or frame?
I use a frame. I would be lost without my millennium frame.
What is your favorite linen and thread?
I like lakeside linen. Among the hand-dyed linen, Sassy's hand dyed linen is my favorite. For threads, I like HDF and AVAS silks.
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| Long Dog Sampler using HDF silk |
Have you tried specialty stitches and do you have a favorite?
Yes, I have tried specialty stitches. I have to say my favorite is Jessica.
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| Mery Cox ~ Scarlet Letter |
When did you discover the Scarlet Letter?
I was introduced to Scarlet Letter when I saw one on the HDF forum and ordered a couple. I still haven't stitched them but have added quite a few to my stash :)
What was the first Scarlet Letter sampler you stitched?
Believe it or not, I stitched my first Scarlet Letter sampler when I joined Nicola’s Scarlet Letter Year challenge! My first SL finish is A Pattern Record.
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| A Pattern Record ~ Scarlet Letter |
Which designs appeal to you the most?
I like band samplers....
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| M.Woods 1759 |
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| BW1880 ~ Samplers Berlin |
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| ATS 1871 ~ Gigi R Designs |
...as well as Quaker style samplers.
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| Primera ~ Wiehenburg Samplers |
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| Quaker ~ Wiehenburg Samplers |
Any sampler with red and beige color scheme draws my attention.
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| Papa ~ Samplers Berlin |
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| Do Bears ~ Long Dog Samplers |
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| Gooitie Cornelius 1701 ~ Samplers Berlin |
How do you display your stitched samplers? Do you frame them? Hang them singularly or in groupings?
I used to frame my stitched needlework but not anymore.
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| EH 1875 ~ Samplers Berlin |
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| BKRM 1779 ~ Samplers Berlin |
What other types of hand work do you enjoy?
I knit, crochet and quilt. But of late, cross stitch has been my focus.
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| Needlepoint pictures |
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| Needlepoint sampler |
Any guilty secrets to confess?
I am guilty of licking my floss!!
What has been your worst needlework disaster?
Thankfully, so far, I have not had any needlework disasters!
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| Dorothea Padies ~ Samplers Berlin |
If you can pick just one, which is your favorite sampler that you stitched? And why?
If I have to pick a favorite among the samplers I stitched, it will be Mette Putfarcken. Even though the original was stitched in one color, I decided to stitch mine with three colors. This also was the first one I stitched over one.
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| Mette Putfarcken 1811-1848 |
I am currently working on Ellenor Wykcs and Jean Scrimgeowr.
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| Ellenor Wykcs in progress |
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| Jean Scrimgeowr in progress |
What other hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
I like to read. I like to relax with a good book before falling asleep. If it is a good book I may end up staying up late, but of late have not done much reading. I also enjoy gardening.
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| Chatelaine Egypt Garden |
Thank you so much, Bhooma, for sharing your stitching journey with us. You have created an amazing collection of needlework. A feast for the eyes and a true inspiration! Naturally, I had to google the Jessica stitch!
We look forward to seeing your Scarlet Letter samplers continue to grow!