First of all, let me start by saying how completely overwhelmed I am by the amazing response to my blogiversary/1000th post giveaway. Thank you all so much for your well-wishes and kind words about my blog. 
As a reminder to those who may not yet have entered, you have until 11pm PDT on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 to do so. Click here for all the details.
I know many of you have mentioned that you are new to my blog having seen the link for the drawing on the blogs of your friends. Welcome! 
I always love making new blog friends and I hope you’ll stick around even after the contest concludes.
Now, on to the primary purpose of this entry. I have been working more on the Mary Wigham SAL project. I’m really enjoying this sampler thus far. I’ve not been stitching her exclusively as I still have other projects that need attention as well, but she is definitely my primary focus right now.
I’m stitching this sampler over-one on 36-count linen. However, I’m using tent stitch rather than a full cross. This will help keep the appearance a bit lighter overall and less bulky since I’m on a high count fabric. I really prefer using this method when stitching over-one on anything higher than 34/35-count.
Why do I do this you ask? In my opinion, tent stitch works much more nicely for over-one work than a tradition half cross. It helps avoid “losing” stitches, and it also provides a nice overlap on the back side which is good for burying threads. If you aren’t familiar with the Tent Stitch, there is a nice tutorial about it on the About.com: Cross Stitch website.
Here is my latest progress photo as of last night:
Click to enlarge
Design: Mary Wigham 1790
Designer: Ackworth reproduction sampler released on the Needleprint blog
Fabric: 36-count Maritime White linen from Lakeside Linens
Fibers: Variety of Gentle Arts, Crescent Colors, and Weeks Dye Works
Stitched 1-over-1 using tent stitch
Until next time …
Very nice! I really love that red you picked out!
I still absolutely cannot believe how dang small this is!! I can’t wait for the finish, though.
Thank you for the idea about tent stitch. I’m new to this SAL and just about organising the material and floss. I think tent stitch sounds good on 36ct if we stitch over 1. I think i’ll try that idea. I reached here when i searched for MW SAL…very informative blog…will keep coming to see your progress in SAL.
I love your blog
Beautiful! you are a braver woman than I, stitching over one on 36ct!
Mel, it’s going to be so wonderful in over 1!!
How tiny is this
Kind regards,
Nina
Now this is what I am loving about blogs! I am getting exposed to so many new (to me) designs. My LNS seems to have a bit of a rut going with samplers and ‘heritage’ pieces, so snooping on the internet has been wonderful for me. I am also learning all kinds of new things about cross stitch. I have been doing it for years, but basically just taught myself so I am way behind on specialty stitches and I really appreciate when I can learn from other accomplished stitchers. You are bookmarked now! (Nice to meet you)
It’s looking good!
Mary is looking gorgeous, great progress
Can’t wait to see her “live”!!!!