I have become hooked on samplers! I collect all the patterns I can, and am now stumped on which one to do next. They are interesting to do mainly because you're not on any one thing for long. Also in desiging one...the possibilities are endless.

Samplers are basically a record of embroidery stitches. They were necessary for stitchers in the 16th and 17th century before printed instructions were available. The earliest form of sampler is the 'band' sampler. They were long and narrow pieces of fabric with either horizontal bands of stitches or a variety of motifs and stitch patterns placed at random.

The most enjoyable thing for me is the ability to use many different types of stitches. Instead of the standard 'X' (cross stitch), you use other stitches such as the straight stitch, rice stitch, smyrna cross, and eyelets. (Just to name a few) Some samplers can be made using the Aida cloth...but due to the way that some of the stitches are made, linen is better. Some stitches just cannot be done on Aida.

This is the first sampler I ever made. It was fun, and rather quick to make.

As soon as I finished that, I made this one...

And just for fun...a trio of mini samplers. I have placed these in a three-way frame.

That's all I have for now. I am in the process of working a Noah's Ark sampler on a piece of Robin cloth. You can take the link to it and follow my progress.

Take this link to a printable version of some of my favorite specialty stitches.

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