HD: Bent Creek "Arbor Day"

I started this while watching the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, and just got around to finishing it this morning. It's a Bent Creek "snapper" pattern, stitched on 28-ct Cashel raw linen. I used the suggested Weeks Dye Works overdyed flosses and Gentle Arts Sampler Thread colors.

I like how it turned out, though I wish I'd oriented the stitches of the middle tree horizontally so the whole thing would have matched. I just wasn't thinking. Also, I think if I stitch it again, I'll use two different greens for the leaves on the tree on the right, to add a little more interest.

I do think I'm getting better at stitching on linen (which is why I bought all these tiny Bent Creek patterns in the first place, to practice on linen). And this was my first time using overdyed threads. Before this I've only used DMC or Anchor variegated. I liked the threads, especially the ones with a lot of variation in color, but overall I'm not completely sure they're worth the money. I'll have to see if I can find a more reasonable price on them than I got at 123 Stitch, I guess.

Speaking of buying online, JBB stopped by and left me a comment yesterday pointing out a French cross stitch site I'd never seen before: Le Bonheur des Dames. They certainly do have some beautiful designs. Thanks, JBB!