The Holiday Rooster Sampler

PDF cross stitch chart - Design size: 269w x 211h

The Holiday Rooster Sampler is a reproduction based on an antique textile of unknown origin. Perhaps an alter covering or decorative coverlet, the original piece was stitched on a large count evenweave with synthetic fibers. The design appears to be Slavic, Frisian, or Eastern European in origin and evokes old folk embroidery motifs but was most likely stitched in the 20th century. It was probably stitched based on a traditional needlework piece, but the stitcher gave it a modern twist by including three cats. The stitcher customized her piece possibly to reflect her own pets - I have included alternate dogs of similar size to the cat motifs so each stitcher can personalize their own menagerie!

I am stitching my sampler on 40 count linen from Fox and Rabbit in the color "Eureka." I am using Classic Colorworks "Bandana" and Classic Colorworks "Mistletoe" for my red and green. The DMC colors 814 and 3345 are great matches for these colors - but this design features only two colors and is therefore easily customized to YOUR favorite colors. Although the original piece is not a holiday design, the red and green immediately made me think of a traditional Christmas palette.

Color one (red) is used for 9,678 stitches.

Color two (green) is used for 10,579 stitches.