We all have our favorite subjects...

...and one of mine is bees. I don't know why I like bees. In fact, I don't like them very much in real life. But I do like them in theory. They are a common subject in cross stitch patterns, especially antique samplers or antique/primitive style samplers because they symbolize productive industry. In any case, I think they are cute.



This one is by one of my mother's favorite companies, the Prairie Schooler. I'm not sure when I did this, but it was worked on Charles Craft raw linen that you can buy from Michaels, so it must be a while ago. I have become more sophisticated (snotty?) about fabric since then. It looks nice, and once framed no one would ever suspect.


This one usually gets a chuckle. One of my early endeavors with overdyed threads. Since then, I have learned that if there are only tiny sections of an overdyed color, it might be better to just get a less expensive thread. Saves a lot of money and isn't that noticeable if you are careful about which colors you're replacing.


A great example of the high quality patterns you can get in the very best magazines. This was from Stitcher's World. It is quite soft and subtle in person.

I have several other patterns featuring bees and many items with tiny gold bee charms incorporated into the patterns. The Sunflower Bee Garden is a pattern featuring bees by Praiseworthy Stitches I have in my stash. It came with bee charms AND a beehive charm. I can't wait to do this one! My mother has done the Yellow House Sampler by the same company and it is hanging in her dining room (she hangs all her samplers in that room). It's absolutely gorgeous.