The history of samplers is almost as old as embroidery itself. Before printed pattern books, embroidery designs were avidly collected and passed from hand to hand. These bands and motifs were recorded on fabric for future use. Eventually the samplers became prized for their beauty, and were used as decorative pieces in their own right.
The samplers in this collection follow this tradition of grouping bands and motifs together in a design that is enjoyable to stitch and pleasing to the eye. Some are in worked in cross stitch only, while others also include different techniques.
A Welcoming Spot - Speciality stitch version
This little sampler with its small size makes it quick to stitch, and the wealth of speciality stitches it contains makes it fun to stitch as well. From delicate whitework bands to traditional sampler motifs this little sampler has a timeless elegance, and is ideal for the beginner to intermediate speciality stitcher.
A Welcoming Spot - Cross stitch version
This little sampler, in the tradition of a spot sampler, will make the perfect welcome by any door. Its small size makes it quick and easy to stitch.
The Castle Garden - Speciality stitch version
This chart celebrates the beauty of the wonderful gardens we see in castles and chateaux around the world. The Specilaity stitch version of the design is packed full of stitches to give texture and also to make it interesting and instructive to stitch.
The Castle Garden - Cross stitch version
This chart celebrates the beauty of the wonderful gardens we see in castles and chateaux around the world. The cross stitch only version of the design is worked in cross stitch only, with a little backstitching.
Bard of Avon
This beautiful monochrome sampler is a companion to Mary Queen of Scots and is worked in full cross stitches.
Blessed Be
This design is worked in full cross stitch and is charted for two or three colours and can be worked on Aida, linen, or any other evenweave fabric..
Birds of a Feather
Speciality Stitch version
There are two versions of this design - one worked in cross stitch and speciality stitch, and the other in cross stitch only. Both are charted for ten colours and beads.
Birds of a Feather
Cross stitch version
There are two versions of this design - one worked in cross stitch and speciality stitch, and the other in cross stitch only. Both are charted for ten colours and beads.
Celtic Warrior
This design is worked in cross stitch and speciality stitch. It is charted for four colours, a metallic thread and beads.
Celtic Beauty
This design is worked entirely in cross stitch, so is suitable for working on any evenweave fabric. It is charted for four colours, a metallic thread and beads.
The King's Pleasure
This design is worked entirely in cross stitch, so is suitable for working on any evenweave fabric. It is charted for three colours.
Cotillion
This design is worked entirely in cross stitch, so is suitable for working on any evenweave fabric. It is charted for seven colours, and conversions are given for working it in Dinky Dyes Silks, Sampler Threads from Gentle Art and DMC.
Flower Patch
Flower Patch is worked mainly in cross stitch with a few simple speciality stitches.
Heatwave
Third in the series of small seasonal samplers, Heatwave is worked in two colours, using cross stitch and a few simple speciality stitches.
Nature's Marvels
This design has 40 different speciality stitches. Ideal as a learning sampler.
New World
This design is charted for working in eight colours, but can also be worked in monochrome.
Winter Wonderland
This design is worked entirely in cross stitch, so is suitable for working on any evenweave fabric. It is charted for five colours, and conversions are given for working it in Dinky Dyes Silks, Sampler Threads from Gentle Art and DMC.
Scheherazade
This sampler is worked in eight colours. Four different colourways are given.
Midnight Garden
This design is charted for working in four colours, but can also be worked in monochrome, as shown here.
Lover's Knot
Worked in four colours in cross stitch with optional blackwork.
Blossom Time
Second in the series of small seasonal samplers, Blossom Time is worked in two colours, using cross stitch and a few simple speciality stitches.
Ring O' Roses
Worked entirely in cross stitch, so is suitable for working on any evenweave fabric. It is charted for eight colours.
Year's End
First in the series of small seasonal samplers, Year's End is worked in two colours, using cross stitch and a few simple speciality stitches.
Saint Sophia
This sampler is worked in six colours. Four seperate colourways are given.
A Simpler Life
This monochrome sampler is worked in full cross stitches, with just a tiny bit of backstitch.
Alphabetissimo
Worked in two colours of your choice, this sampler can be stitched in cross stitch only with just a few backstitches or, for those of you who like a challenge, instructions are also given to work some of the bands and motifs in speciality stiches or cutwork.
Quaker Gameboard
This sampler can be worked in full cross stitch only, but charts and instructions are also provided to work some areas in speciality stitches. it is charted ror 9 colours, but would also look stunning worked in just 2.
Floralie
Charted for two colours of your choice, but why not try adding an extra splash of colour, by using a different variegated silk for the flowers in the central bouquet.
A Bird in the Hand
This sampler is quick and easy to stitch, and can be worked in your favourite colours.
Love with a Capital L
This beautiful sampler is worked in full cross stitches.
Flamenco
Worked in two colours of your choice, this sampler is worked in full cross stitches with no backstitch.
The Troubadour
This design is charted for four colours as shown here, but can also be worked in monochrome.
Eightsome Reel
Charted for ten colours, but it can also be worked in monochrome.
Simple Little Quaker
This little monochrome sampler is worked in full cross stitch.
Three Little Words
Worked in two colours of your choice, this sampler is worked in full cross stitches with just a small amount of backstitch.
Mary Queen of Scots
This beautiful monochrome sampler is worked in full cross stitches.