A massive cross stitch accomplishment

This week I was so proud of myself - I actually finished my cross stitch sampler! This has been an extremely long term project. I estimate that I've been working on it for about seven years, although of course not continuously! It's always been there in the drawer in the coffee table for me to work on a little bit at a time. It's the Three Things sampler by Moira Blackburn (affiliate link) and it's definitely been a labour of love.

I left my name and the date until last, and finally I stitched those last little crosses.

This is a bit of a teaser photograph, because it is still folded up in the bag at the moment, I'll post a proper photograph of it when it is properly framed. It's the Three Things Sampler by Moira Blackburn, a design influenced by historical samplers and part of a lovely range of samplers. I remember the kit seemed quite expensive when it was purchased, but if you think about the amount of time it has kept me occupied for it represents excellent value!

Update - you can see a photograph of the finished framed sampler here.

Now I can't decide whether to start another long term project, or whether to concentrate on a few different crafts for now. I have a few tiny cross stitch kits which I bought in the sale after Christmas, so I'll still have some cross stitch to work on if I want to. I really like some of the cross stitch designs which are based upon ancient maps, and I'm also toying with the idea of creating my own design. My Mum gave me a book of cross stitch designs which can be used to stitch a family tree, and I like the idea of coming up with something like that, perhaps including a cross stitch depiction of our house. I'm busy collecting ideas over on my Cross Stitch Pinterest board!