From time to time here at Mr X Stitch we enjoy reviewing certain products and kits.
We were lucky enough to get our hands on one of Jessie Chorley’s timeless samplers and as its a gift giving time of year, we wanted to share with you our views. We have included a mix of images, some taken by us to reveal what it is like to receive one of these kits.
What’s It About?
The Jessie Chorley Anniversary Sampler was designed to be a celebration of her working methods, her love of socialising as a stitcher and artist. It also marks the time in her life as a shop-owner – 2005-2020.
What Is It Like To Receive One?
On receiving this kit, we were surprised at how beautifully it had been wrapped – jessie has put thought and care into every detail. Bound with gold ribbon and a print of her own drawings relating to the kit itself.
She also enclosed a card…
What Does It Contain?
Each kit will contain the following items:
x 1 hand screen printed embroidery template measuring: 55 cm x 35 cm
x 5 skeins of DMC brand embroidery threads in Jessie’s favourite colours
A packet of assorted fabric scraps
A full paper printed colour instructions booklet
An A4 instructional card of my favourite stitch techniques for you to follow
Who Is It Aimed At?
Due to Jessie’s teaching and her illustrative methods, we feel that this kit is appealing to all who are even interested in stitching. It is not hard to follow and its style lends itself to self-interpretation. It is worth noting that this is a hand stitching kit, so no machines allowed! The stitches she uses are very easy to learn.
Jessie gives us materials to use yet this is optional, as we are encouraged to use our own to make it ‘ours’.
Where To Begin?
Jessie reveals her own way of working:
‘To begin the sampler, I initially worked into the printed areas, building up each section stitch by stitch. I then introduced scattered needle-turned appliqué details. I would encourage you to follow the same steps, beginning your individual sampler by working within the printed areas of my template, then adding details around them.’
Can I Make It Personal To Me?
Totally, Jessie actively encourages us to. Take this example…
‘The fabrics that I have used for my appliquéd patchwork details come from my extensive personal collection of vintage fabrics and materials. I would encourage you to start your own collection of fabric scraps and samples, to incorporate into your own craftwork.’ So we can delve into our own boxes of materials; or maybe we have personal treasured items we can incorporate – kids clothes, vintage findings…the possibilities are endless!
Yes this isn’t a personal piece that we cannot relate to – Jessie has made it open to all, allowing us to put our own stamp on it; yet a whisper of her creative voice is always there; observed in her beautiful hand drawn illustrations and trademark materials.
This artist is clever – the piece is technically very personal to her, yet it becomes universal. She states: ‘In the sampler illustration, the teapot is surrounded by precious personal images that reflect different chapters of my life. It is my intention that through my own illustrated story, you too can find a personal narrative in stitch that will evolve from my design.’ In other words we can stitch our own narrative within this piece, imbedding our own story.
Where Can I Get One?
Very simple – head over to Jessie’s own online shop!
What Can I Do If I Get Stuck?
Jessie answers this:
‘Feel free to message me directly via my website to ask any questions you might have about your sampler, or simply to keep me updated on your progress.’ – we can actually get direct contact with this artist!
So what are you waiting for? This kit makes a perfect present, but we reckon you might end up buying one too!
Final Thoughts?
We enjoyed the personal touch, from the way she posted the kit out to us (check out her awesome style of writing on the envelope when you get one!) to the care given in the way it has been wrapped as a kit – its not pretentious, it doesn’t claim anything – it is just lovely and honest with a taint of a sparkle.
We won’t spoil it for you – go purchase your own!
