See how the sampler's motifs
can lend themselves to smaller
stitching projects for other
milestones.

Anniversary Sampler

Our changing world brings new meaning to family and the special moments shared. For a golden -- or silver -- anniversary, stitch a sampler to commemorate that once-in-a-lifetime event.

Stitching:

• 18 x 20-inch piece of 28-count Country French creme linen

Ring Bearer's Pillow Stitching:

• Graph paper
• 14 x 15-inch piece of 14-count white
• Damask Aida cloth

Assembly:

• 1/4 yard of white satin
• 3/8 yard of light blue satin
• 1 1/4 yards of narrow cording
• Matching sewing thread
• Polyester fiberfill
• Large-eye needle
• 12-inch length of 1/8-inch-wide light blue satin ribbon

1. Download the free patterns for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)

Anniversary Sampler pattern

Anniversary Sampler Key

Alphabet pattern

Download Adobe Acrobat

2. Use the alphabet pattern to chart the desired names and date. Measure about 4 inches from the top of the fabric. Referring to the photograph, center and stitch nine motifs of the blue carnation, beginning and ending with a blue flower block.

3. Rotate the fabric 45 degrees and stitch the eight additional motifs, ending with a blue flower block. Rotate the fabric again and repeat both rows to complete the square border.

4. Center and stitch the blue carnation bush motif six squares below the inner edge of the top border. Center the crossing point of the laurel-leaf motif eight squares below the bottom edge of the bush. Then center the bottom row of the date eight squares above the inner edge of the bottom border and stitch. Center each name between the carnation bush and the side border.

5. Centering the design, trim the stitched piece to measure 9 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch. From white satin, cut a 9 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch rectangle for the back. From blue satin, cut enough 1 1/2-inch-wide bias piping strips to make 45-inch. All measurements include a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

6. Sew the short ends of the 1 1/2-inch-wide bias piping strips together to make one long piece. Center the cording lengthwise on the wrong side of the piping strip. Fold the fabric around the cording with the long edges together. Use a zipper foot to sew through both layers close to the cording. With the raw edges even, baste the piping to the front of the stitched piece, overlapping the ends at the center bottom.

7. With right sides facing, sew the pillow front and back together, leaving an opening for turning. Trim the seams, clip the corners, and turn right side out. Press. Stuff the pillow firmly with polyester fiberfill and slip-stitch the opening closed.

8. Thread the large-eye needle with the 1/8-inch-wide ribbon. Draw the ribbon through the pillow front below the tree. Use the ribbon to tie the rings on the pillow.