The Busy Bee - Free Cross Stitch Chart!

Today is the poet William Blake's birthday. He was an amazing man - poet, artist, mystic - and he is probably my favourite writer of the Romantic era. His engravings are fantastical - not to my taste, but I can admire them...

I guess nearly everyone knows The Tyger - or if you are a WI member, Jerusalem - but my favourites are in the Songs of Innocence and Experience. Blake was unusual for the time in that he believed strongly in sexual and racial equality, rejected oppression in all its forms, and although a very spiritual man, he rejected the teachings of the Old Testament in favour of the New.

This quote is taken from part of The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, where Blake produces a number of proverbs. These proverbs are provocative and designed to stimulate thought, and I find I often think my best thoughts while stitching :o)

I hope you like the design. If you would like a copy, please leave a comment below with your email address, as this is a little too big to display as a jpeg.

If you do stitch this chart, I'd love to see a picture - and there will be a prize for the first one I get! 

Edited to add: If you feel so inclined, a donation to the MS Trust for this chart would be appreciated. Pennies will do - and you can make payment via the link in my sidebar or by clicking here.

This pattern is offered for personal, non-commercial use only. Items made from this pattern may be sold on a small scale basis such as on Etsy or at craft sales. Sales for charity are positively encouraged! This pattern and the text and photos contained within, may not be copied or reproduced for any purpose other than personal use. Please direct people to this blog rather than forwarding the pattern, thank you! Copyright 2009 N M Wray