Flosstube #453 THE 56-WEEK BAP CHALLENGE

Have you ever wanted to stitch a large sampler, but wondered whether you would ever finish it? Perhaps 2027 could be the year you begin, with a little help from Friends of HATS. Several members have asked whether there will be a stitch along next year. I have been thinking about an idea for some time, and I would like to know whether it appeals to you. THE 56-WEEK BAP CHALLENGE A Big Awesome Project for Friends of HATS The idea is to commit to starting and finishing the BAP, and to enjoy the journey in between. A personal challenge, with the companionship and encouragement of fellow Friends along the way. I wanted the BAP to be inclusive and achievable, whether you are stitching your first sampler or have many finished pieces on your walls. A project you could work on Aida or linen, choosing the fabric count that suits you. This week, it occurred to me that a Bristol orphanage sampler would fit everything I had in mind. For 2027, I would like to invite you to stitch one for your own sampler wall. I have chosen a Bristol orphanage sampler that I consider to be a stunner. It is worked entirely in cross stitch – over two threads of linen or one square of Aida. The design includes 13 rows of alphabets and numbers and 41 rows of repeating border patterns. The dedication records the stitcher’s name, orphanage number, the North Wing of the New Orphan Houses at Ashley Down, Bristol, and the date. A further row brings together a Bible, corner motifs and other motifs. Together, these make 56 weekly sections, each offering a clear goal and the satisfaction of completing another part of the sampler. The original uses one colour, but yours need not. Choose a colour, a combination of colours or a variegated thread that you will enjoy stitching with and would love to see on your sampler wall. This will be the largest sampler I have ever stitched. Its provisional stitch count is 437 stitches wide by 593 stitches high. That may sound daunting, but we would approach it one manageable section at a time. Beginning on 1 January 2027, I would release one section each week as a PDF download, with the releases continuing into January 2028. You would stitch at your own pace. You might complete a section each week, save a few to enjoy over a quiet weekend, or put your sampler aside when life needs your attention. There would be no hard and fast rules about keeping up, and no fixed finishing deadline. The commitment is to finish – however long that takes – and to enjoy the journey with Friends along the way. The cost would be £28 (British pounds), paid once at the start, covering all 56 weekly PDF chart downloads – the equivalent of just 50 pennies a week. This is for the PDF chart only; fabric and threads are not included. When you purchase the chart, you will receive a link to a page that will be updated each week with the next instalment. You will return to the same page for your weekly downloads. Each section will be provided in both single-page and multi-page PDF formats, so you can choose to print your chart or work from a device. STITCHED DESIGN DIMENSIONS All measurements below are width × height in inches, based on the provisional stitch count. These are the design dimensions only and do not include fabric margins. LINEN – cross stitch over two threads 28 count: 31.21 × 42.36 inches 32 count: 27.31 × 37.06 inches 36 count: 24.28 × 32.94 inches 40 count: 21.85 × 29.65 inches 46 count: 19.00 × 25.78 inches 56 count: 15.61 × 21.18 inches AIDA – cross stitch over one square 14 count: 31.21 × 42.36 inches 16 count: 27.31 × 37.06 inches 18 count: 24.28 × 32.94 inches 20 count: 21.85 × 29.65 inches I plan to finish charting it in the week ahead and then begin stitching my own, so that I can proof the chart ahead of our proposed start. Once charting is complete, I will share the confirmed fabric and thread requirements. Please wait for those details before purchasing your materials. There would be plenty to share along the way: fabric and thread choices, progress photographs, questions, encouragement and the pleasure of seeing the same sampler take on different personalities in different hands. Imagine placing the final stitch and having something tangible to show for those quiet hours – a magnificent sampler for your wall. Each time you looked at it, you would know that you had taken on a challenge, kept returning to it and seen it through. A lasting reminder of what you can achieve, one stitch at a time. Would you like to take on the 56-Week BAP Challenge with Friends of HATS? The chart is not available to purchase yet. At this stage, I would like to know how many Friends would be interested in taking part. Please leave a comment below if you would like to join me. Leaving a comment does not commit you to purchase.   / 1581392975500846