A Year of Samplers

I have set myself a target of designing at least one cross stitch sampler a month for a year -
so that I would always have something to stitch!

I've been inspired for many years by the talented youngsters who have left such a wonderful legacy of stitching. While none of these designs is a direct copy of their work, I hope to celebrate their skills by creating samplers inspired by traditional designs.

In some, I will be trying to recreate the original colours of their work - too often all that is left for us to see is faded browns and greys- I am convinced that the original colours would have been much brighter - perhaps even too garish for modern tastes.

July

A bright Sampler to reflect the early summer days.
I've chosen colours which try to match the original colours used by early stitchers.
Too often the threads have suffered over time so
it's nice to see their original brightness.

Approximate size;
217 x 361 stitches; 15.5" x 26"
Only £ 22

Quantity

August

I chose shades of blues to reflect the August skies for this cross stitch Sampler.
It also reminds me of the early works young cross stitchers had to complete before they were allowed to use larger pieces of fabric and to stitch more complicated patterns!

Approximate size;
185 x 151 stitches; 13.5" x 11"

Only £ 18

Quantity

September

This Sampler celebrates returning to School and College, showcasing a variety of Alphabets. Originally used to identify household linen, lettering and alphabets soon became design details in their own right.

Approximate size;
185 x 270 stitches; 13.5" 19.5"

Only £22

Quantity

October

A smaller sampler than September; but with the added challenge of Queen Stitch and lots of (optional) Eyelets
- why not have a go???

Approximate size; 129 x 201 stitches; 9.5" x 14.5"

Only £18

Quantity

November

A rich celebration of the colours of Autum; along with a charming verse - stitch and let the colours just glow!

Approximate size;
137 x 159 stitches; 10" x 11.5"

Only £15

Quantity

December

A stunning cross stitch embroidery in brilliant white reflecting the winter's snow. A large and challenging but very rewarding project for those winter days.

Mostly stitched in Satin Stitch, Backstitch, Cross Stitch and Eyelets - not for the beginner!
Complete with extra grids for ease of stitching.

Approximate size;
164 x 478 stitches; 12" x 34"

Only £25

Quantity

January

An easier challenge than last month's -
a set of four quick to complete traditional red samplers.
Stitched in full cross stitch with just a few (optional) Eyelets, they are quick and satisfying to sew!
Stitch together for one large sampler, or stitch and display separately as you wish.

All four patterns for just £ 15

Quantity

Approximate size of finished embroidery
as one pattern: 113 x 161 stitches

February

February; a very large, challenging, colourful and beautiful sampler celebrating the skills of 18th Century Stitchers.

This Sampler is not for beginners! It includes full cross stitch, half cross stitch, petit point, Queen Stitch, Satin Stitch, Eyelets and backstitch. There is also the opportunity to be creative and alter the finished effect by changing the stitches and threads. It will not be the quickest pattern you have ever stitched, but it may well be the most rewarding and is surely an heirloom in the making.

Stitch it in stranded cottons or even silk for a rich glowing effect - a certain heirloom.

Full pattern at 8 stitches per inch, plus detailed instructions for just £35

Quantity

Approximate size of finished embroidery:
270 x 400 stitches