Counted band finished

Can't believe I have FINALLY finished my section of Margaret's counted thread band round robin which was started on its journey way back in 2007 ! This is one of 6 remaining bands by 6 different stitchers which are being mailed progressively around the world, with the completion date originally of early 2008. As you know we crafting ladies tend to take on too many projects at once, creating UFO's (Unfinished Objects) and WISPS (Works in Slow Progress) but I think these bands certainly qualify as E-WISPS (EXTREME works in slow progress) There were extenuating circumstances of course, including loss of spouses, loss of homes and natural disasters which all contributed to the slow progress of each band. However now the end for some of them is in sight, and I hope my own efforts are worth the wait. One more stitcher in Canada to go and then I think this band will be ready to head home to the USA.

My section is the bottom one in burgundy and yellow pearl 12 thread, a traditional blackwork design illustrated in "Double Running Stitch" by Luisa F Pesel published in 1931 and taken from the Victoria and Albert Museum London collection of a 1631 Elizabethan sampler. I drew up the chart from the drawing which was very helpful to study the detail of the design. I chose to use 2 colours where the original had 3, and I think the design suits the feel of Margaret's sampler quite well. This band has travelled with me to Norfolk Island, Canberra (twice) Araluen in southern inland NSW while on holidays and has visited meetings of the Embroiderers' Guild NSW and the Lace Guild NSW Branch and been much admired everywhere it travels. I have another girl's band still waiting for stitching but I seem to have my embroidery mojo working at the moment so will tackle that next.