I think genealogy is infiltrating the cross-stitch world! Another BEAUTIFUL needlwork design for us! This one is a little more involved but you can handle it! Here is what the artist says:

"My mother and father liked to travel and resarch family history and they inspired me to learn about my ancestors. This sampler is a tribute to my parents and to their families. I am always curious about the people who stitch the lovely antique samplers I admire and have decided to eliminate the guess work in case my sampler outlasts me. I am going to have my family synopsis tucked inside a frame! I'll enter the sampler instructions first, and then share the results of my genealogical research.

The grape border is for my Mom who delighted in the fruit of the vine. The thistles honor my father's Scottish roots. The male and female deer and acorns symbolize marriage, family and rebirth and also celebrate the continuity of life. The Slanted Gobelin mountain behind the deer is for the Rockies of Utah. As the mountain slides behind the oak tree, the Slanted Gobelins stitches become the rolling piney hills of North Carolina. The church represents my Grandma Bailey's church, Union Presbyterian, ourside Carthage, North Carolina. This Scottish Presbyterian Church was organized in 1797 and members of my family have been attending its services for over two hundred years. Two hundred years doesn't seem like so many as I realize that I have been visiting the church for more than forty years! The presence of this small country church symbolizes my appreciate for the Lord's watching over all my family, and yours, in the past, in the present, and for the future. Let's stitch!"

By golly, I think she's got it (the genealogy bug!).

Words on the chart: "Hand in Hand, Down the years, Acorns Oaks Acorns, Joy, Laughter, Tears.

Notes on the pattern: Artist used Belfast 32-count linen. You need at least a 29" piece if you are going to add family names. Threads:  Several types are explained including blending fillaments. See chart for complete instructions.    

Stitches: Cross, Double Back, Back, Smyrna Cross, Herringbone, Slanted Gobelin, Basketweave (or Half Cross if you prefer), Straight, Padded Satin and Queen.

Lots of charts and detail and even includes some of her genealogy and a few lenghts of DMC!

This Family Record Sampler reminds me of the old Family Registers often found in attic's written on paper. I like this one because you can add a family group, whether it is from your collection of names from genealogical research or from your current family. It has spaces for: "Mr. ________ born _____ & Miss ___________ born ______ married at __________ (place and date). Spaces below for children. Then the words "When we shall reach that destin'd coast O'er life's rough ocean driven, O may we meet no wand'rer lost A family in Heaven.: Marked by ______ year ___. Designed by Janie Appelbaum.

Finished sizes: 29 count - 16-1/3" x 20-1/8", 30 count - 15-1/4" x 18-7/8", 32 count - 14-1/3" x 17-5/8".