Twisted Christmas Sampler a Cross Stitch Pattern by Northern Expressions Needlework

You know how much I like diagonals. It was inevitable this would happen someday. This actually started as a stocking, but I figured there would be those who didn't care about stockings but wanted to stitch it as a sampler, so I took the liberty of getting ahead of the request. :) Materials Stitch Count: 136w x 272h Design Size: 6 ¾ x 13 ¾ inches on 40 count fabric 7 ½ x 15 inches on 36 count fabric 8 ½ x 17 inches on 32 count fabric 9 ¾ x 19 ½ inches on 28 count fabric I would suggest a neutral fabric colour, like Natural, Raw, or Flax or similar so that your white stitches show up easily. Threads Brown (DMC 838) 28-32ct 1 skein, 36-40ct 1 skein Gold Metallic (Kreinik #4 002) 28-32ct 2 spools, 36-40ct 1 spool White Pearl Metallic (Kreinik #4 032) 28-32ct 3 spools, 36-40ct 2 spools Green (DMC 699) 28-32ct 4 skeins, 36-40ct 2 skeins Red (DMC 321) 28-32ct 3 skeins, 36-40ct 2 skeins White (DMC B5200) 28-32ct 2 skeins, 36-40ct 1 skein Beads White (DB0201) 499 beads Gold (DB0042) 62 beads Red (DB0602) 358 beads Green (DB0605) 253 beads There are so many different takes on this design. It could be done in bright tones, richer deep tones, or even muted or faded sampler tones, so that I will leave up to you. I put the colours I charted the mock up in in brackets, but the possibilities are limitless. Also, you can cheat the dividing bands and peppermint candies by using a red/white/green variegated thread such as Threadworx 1086 Christmas Candy which would look fabulous and save you time and effort. ;) Thread estimates of DMC for 28-32ct are based on 2 strands for cross stitch, 2 strands for satin stitch and one strand for specialty stitches, and for Kreinik, 1 strand for everything. Thread estimates of DMC for 36-40ct are based on 1 strand for cross stitch, 2 strands for satin stitch and 1 strand for specialty stitches, and for Kreinik, 1 strand for everything. For beads, I listed delica colours in brackets for what I'd use, I like the silver lined colours as they really sparkle, but it's completely up to you. I'd suggest if you're using 40ct, you should select size 15/0 beads, as they'll fit much more easily. Happy Stitching!