Don't wait for your ship to come in . . . .  swim out after it! Have you ever heard that wise old saying? I hadn't. That is, until I came across this fabulous vintage Evelyn S. Lloyd nautical stamped cross stitch sampler at a favorite local thrift store.

The plan is to revive this vintage nautical stamped cross stitch sampler by ironing its wrinkles and putting it back into a frame so it can be fully appreciated as a real work of art, which it is. So what do I know about this vintage cross stitch sampler?  

 

Whenever I see a beautiful cross stitch sampler like this one, I can't help but wonder whose talented and patient hands created it, and when. While I won't ever know those answers, I did determine who designed the pattern and when she designed it.  

This nautical design was designed by Evelyn S. Lloyd. Based on my research, the pattern was most likely introduced sometime between 1978 and 1983.  

In addition to the nautical elements, there is the classic sampler alphabet as well as a lattice stitch border all the way around the design. 

Back in the day I made cross stitch projects as gifts for family and friends. So I know what kind of concentration and patience it takes to complete one. Look at the back side of the sampler showing all the work!

That makes this one even more special to me -- knowing just what went into making it. It's also special to me due to its nautical theme. We've always had family vacations at the Jersey shore, and more recently at Lake Michigan -- and it's my hope (fingers crossed) to someday have a lake house there! (Don't wait for your ship to come in . . . swim out after it!) 

So when I saw this cross stitch I knew it was meant to be! I mean, look at those fish (and that ship)! And, of course, that very wise saying. The fact that it's vintage is icing on the cake.

I'll be researching how to clean a vintage cross stitch, as well as how to properly frame it. I won't be surprised if the advice is to have it all done professionally, however, I'm hoping I can do it myself with the right thrifted frame. So stay tuned for the upgrade. And someday, hopefully, for the lake house wall I eventually hang it on. 

Well, that's it for today, friends!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my 

Don't Wait For Your Ship To Come in 

Cross Stitch Sampler 

and that I've inspired you in some way.

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