I have no idea if this rug will end up in the Heritage in the end since there are two other houses in the wings now that it might work well for, but I am eager to work on this project in my "off" time over the winter.  I'm using 32ct Joblean in parchment, though I do plan to stitch the entire rug, including the background.  I just thought it would be easier on my eyes than stark white.  So far so good.

This, my friends, is two hours worth of work.  I had the hardest time counting out that one long row of 159 black stitches.  I usually start in the middle, but my frame will be somewhat tight around this project so I started at the top.  This will also keep me from running my hands over the finished portions as I work, reducing wear on the finished areas.

I have the project on a wood frame since that's what I had on hand.  It is held in place with thumbtacks on the right side.

I've picked my colors from my existing stash of floss, though I need to buy more of the center background color (DMC 613).  I plan to buy several skeins so the dye lots will match since it covers a large open area.  Most of the other colors won't require as much, so I'm set as far as those go.  I went with a subdued palette though I think the contrast levels will be quite nice overall.

I have a few more colors than the design calls for since I'm going to mix up the pattern a bit.