This sampler was designed as a mourning sampler for
my father, Walter Fisher. Stitch count is 198 wide X
200 high. The sampler was worked on 32 count R & R
Reproductions "Americana Blend" linen using
over-dyed threads from The Gentle Arts. The colors
used are: Grape Leaf (2), Willow, Rhubarb, Currant,
Tarnished Gold, Cameo Pink, Fudge Ripple, Slate,
Black Crow, and Sarsaparilla. Specialty stitches used
are Chain, Queen, Four-sided, and Satin. Complete
directions for all stitches are included. The verses
and two motifs are stitched over 1 thread. The
sampler is full of motifs symbolizing death and
mourning which are described in the pattern. Motifs
include Forget-Me-Nots, butterfly, ship, anemone
flower, urn with flame, two birds, broken oak,
weeping willow, heart with anchor, and the color
black. The center verse "To live in hearts we leave
behind is not to die" (Thomas Campbell, 1825)
inspired the design. The quote "Life how short -
Eternity how long" was found on a sampler dated 1814.
my father, Walter Fisher. Stitch count is 198 wide X
200 high. The sampler was worked on 32 count R & R
Reproductions "Americana Blend" linen using
over-dyed threads from The Gentle Arts. The colors
used are: Grape Leaf (2), Willow, Rhubarb, Currant,
Tarnished Gold, Cameo Pink, Fudge Ripple, Slate,
Black Crow, and Sarsaparilla. Specialty stitches used
are Chain, Queen, Four-sided, and Satin. Complete
directions for all stitches are included. The verses
and two motifs are stitched over 1 thread. The
sampler is full of motifs symbolizing death and
mourning which are described in the pattern. Motifs
include Forget-Me-Nots, butterfly, ship, anemone
flower, urn with flame, two birds, broken oak,
weeping willow, heart with anchor, and the color
black. The center verse "To live in hearts we leave
behind is not to die" (Thomas Campbell, 1825)
inspired the design. The quote "Life how short -
Eternity how long" was found on a sampler dated 1814.
| Life How Short Mourning Sampler |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
Original Designs
This sampler was designed as a mourning sampler for
my father, Walter Fisher. Stitch count is 198 wide X
200 high. The sampler was worked on 32 count R & R
Reproductions "Americana Blend" linen using
over-dyed threads from The Gentle Arts. The colors
used are: Grape Leaf (2), Willow, Rhubarb, Currant,
Tarnished Gold, Cameo Pink, Fudge Ripple, Slate,
Black Crow, and Sarsaparilla. Specialty stitches used
are Chain, Queen, Four-sided, and Satin. Complete
directions for all stitches are included. The verses
and two motifs are stitched over 1 thread. The
sampler is full of motifs symbolizing death and
mourning which are described in the pattern. Motifs
include Forget-Me-Nots, butterfly, ship, anemone
flower, urn with flame, two birds, broken oak,
weeping willow, heart with anchor, and the color
black. The center verse "To live in hearts we leave
behind is not to die" (Thomas Campbell, 1825)
inspired the design. The quote "Life how short -
Eternity how long" was found on a sampler dated 1814.
my father, Walter Fisher. Stitch count is 198 wide X
200 high. The sampler was worked on 32 count R & R
Reproductions "Americana Blend" linen using
over-dyed threads from The Gentle Arts. The colors
used are: Grape Leaf (2), Willow, Rhubarb, Currant,
Tarnished Gold, Cameo Pink, Fudge Ripple, Slate,
Black Crow, and Sarsaparilla. Specialty stitches used
are Chain, Queen, Four-sided, and Satin. Complete
directions for all stitches are included. The verses
and two motifs are stitched over 1 thread. The
sampler is full of motifs symbolizing death and
mourning which are described in the pattern. Motifs
include Forget-Me-Nots, butterfly, ship, anemone
flower, urn with flame, two birds, broken oak,
weeping willow, heart with anchor, and the color
black. The center verse "To live in hearts we leave
behind is not to die" (Thomas Campbell, 1825)
inspired the design. The quote "Life how short -
Eternity how long" was found on a sampler dated 1814.
| Life How Short Mourning Sampler |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
Chart $12.00
Learn the basic techniques of Blackwork (also known
as double running or Holbein stitch) and Pulled
Thread (whitework) while stitching this miniature
sampler. Six blackwork bands begin this sampler,
starting with easy patterns and working into more
complicated ones. Four bands of whitework complete
the piece.
This miniature sampler must be stitched on an even
weave fabric such as linen. Samples were stitched on
32 count off white linen using black and pink silk for
the blackwork and ecru perle coton for the
whitework.
The stitch count for this piece is 25 X 54. Samples
are approximately 1.6” X 3.4”. Any color floss or silk
may be used for the blackwork area. Perle coton
matching the fabric is best for the whitework but
other colors may be used.
as double running or Holbein stitch) and Pulled
Thread (whitework) while stitching this miniature
sampler. Six blackwork bands begin this sampler,
starting with easy patterns and working into more
complicated ones. Four bands of whitework complete
the piece.
This miniature sampler must be stitched on an even
weave fabric such as linen. Samples were stitched on
32 count off white linen using black and pink silk for
the blackwork and ecru perle coton for the
whitework.
The stitch count for this piece is 25 X 54. Samples
are approximately 1.6” X 3.4”. Any color floss or silk
may be used for the blackwork area. Perle coton
matching the fabric is best for the whitework but
other colors may be used.
| Miniature Blackwork & Whitework Sampler |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
Chart $8.00
This is a small sampler for those who wish to go
beyond basic cross stitch. Pulled thread is just what
the name implies – pulling the threads tight in each
step of the stitch. The pulling creates holes which will
give the piece a lacy look. This sampler will give the
stitcher the very basics of pulled thread work
before trying a more complicated piece. Stitches
used are Algerian Eyelet, Nun’s Stitch, Cross Stitch,
Pulled Satin, and Eyelet. Complete directions are
included for each stitch plus an alphabet for
personalizing the piece.
The recommended fabric is linen with an open weave.
The floss color traditionally would be close to the
fabric color; either slightly darker, lighter, or the
same color although a contrasting floss can give an
interesting effect. The sample shown was stitched on
30 count white linen using pale pink floss. The design
area is 40 X 40.
beyond basic cross stitch. Pulled thread is just what
the name implies – pulling the threads tight in each
step of the stitch. The pulling creates holes which will
give the piece a lacy look. This sampler will give the
stitcher the very basics of pulled thread work
before trying a more complicated piece. Stitches
used are Algerian Eyelet, Nun’s Stitch, Cross Stitch,
Pulled Satin, and Eyelet. Complete directions are
included for each stitch plus an alphabet for
personalizing the piece.
The recommended fabric is linen with an open weave.
The floss color traditionally would be close to the
fabric color; either slightly darker, lighter, or the
same color although a contrasting floss can give an
interesting effect. The sample shown was stitched on
30 count white linen using pale pink floss. The design
area is 40 X 40.
| Beginning Pulled Thread Pincushion |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
Chart $8.00
| Beginning Pulled Thread Pincushion |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
This sampler was inspired by a quote from Anne
Frank’s diary - “Today I will choose to be happy.” This
optimistic quote, written under such hopeless
circumstances, should inspire all of us to start each
day with the decision to be happy.
To accentuate the optimism, this sampler was
stitched on 32 count Cream Belfast linen in cheerfully
colored over-dyed threads from Olde Willow
Stitchery. This sampler is also lovely stitched with
the same soft colors using a darker fabric such as 32
count Copper Penny.
The motifs were chosen for this piece because of the
positive symbolism associated with them. The sampler
design includes 14 intriguing stitches – Rice Stitch,
Blackwork, Mosaic, Knitting variation, English Stitch,
Bound Cross, Floral Stitch, Double Herringbone,
Smyrna Cross, Queen Stitch, Zig Zag, Woven Square,
Crossed Rice, and Rounded Wheat.
The stitch count is 95 X 153 with the size of the
finished piece being approximately 6” wide by 9.5”
long on 32 count linen. The sumptuous colors used are
Monet, Midnight Rain, Seascape, Evening Rose,
Absent but not Forgotten Rose, Chestnut, Mt.
Pleasant, James River, Emerald Isle, Dark Chocolate,
and Golden Memories.
Frank’s diary - “Today I will choose to be happy.” This
optimistic quote, written under such hopeless
circumstances, should inspire all of us to start each
day with the decision to be happy.
To accentuate the optimism, this sampler was
stitched on 32 count Cream Belfast linen in cheerfully
colored over-dyed threads from Olde Willow
Stitchery. This sampler is also lovely stitched with
the same soft colors using a darker fabric such as 32
count Copper Penny.
The motifs were chosen for this piece because of the
positive symbolism associated with them. The sampler
design includes 14 intriguing stitches – Rice Stitch,
Blackwork, Mosaic, Knitting variation, English Stitch,
Bound Cross, Floral Stitch, Double Herringbone,
Smyrna Cross, Queen Stitch, Zig Zag, Woven Square,
Crossed Rice, and Rounded Wheat.
The stitch count is 95 X 153 with the size of the
finished piece being approximately 6” wide by 9.5”
long on 32 count linen. The sumptuous colors used are
Monet, Midnight Rain, Seascape, Evening Rose,
Absent but not Forgotten Rose, Chestnut, Mt.
Pleasant, James River, Emerald Isle, Dark Chocolate,
and Golden Memories.
| Choose to be Happy |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
Chart $12.00
This sampler is a modified reproduction of a
needlepoint sampler dated 1885.The original is 6
inches wide by 48 inches long and was stitched on a
soft congress-type fabric using wool threads. The
sampler was layered with paper between the
stitched piece and the pale pink backing fabric and
used the same pink fabric for the binding.
The original sampler has large blocks of needlepoint
stitches with the silhouette bands between each
block. The silhouette bands and the outside borders
were stitched in tent stitch using black wool. The
stitcher’s initials “MM” and the date “1885” were
stitched at the bottom of the piece in burgundy wool
with gold beads accenting the letters.
This reproduction features the bands of silhouettes
as the focal points with a row of counted thread
stitches between each band. The nine stitches used
are – Reversed Mosaic, Rice, Two-sided Italian,
Double Tied Oblong Cross, Montenegrin, Smyrna
Cross, Yugoslav, Swedish Cross, and Zig Zag.
Detailed instructions are provided for each stitch.
The sample was stitched on 32 count Copper Penny
linen over one thread using 1 strand of Raspberry
Ripple over-dyed thread from Olde Willow Stitchery.
Any color fabric and thread may be used as long as
there is a strong contrast to make the silhouettes
stand out.
The stitch count is 102 X 369 making the sampler
approximately 3.2” wide X 11.5” long on 32 count over
1 fabric thread. Over 2 fabric threads on 32 count,
the size is approximately 6.4” wide and 23” long.
Using two strands of over-dyed thread is
recommended when stitching over 2 fabric threads.
needlepoint sampler dated 1885.The original is 6
inches wide by 48 inches long and was stitched on a
soft congress-type fabric using wool threads. The
sampler was layered with paper between the
stitched piece and the pale pink backing fabric and
used the same pink fabric for the binding.
The original sampler has large blocks of needlepoint
stitches with the silhouette bands between each
block. The silhouette bands and the outside borders
were stitched in tent stitch using black wool. The
stitcher’s initials “MM” and the date “1885” were
stitched at the bottom of the piece in burgundy wool
with gold beads accenting the letters.
This reproduction features the bands of silhouettes
as the focal points with a row of counted thread
stitches between each band. The nine stitches used
are – Reversed Mosaic, Rice, Two-sided Italian,
Double Tied Oblong Cross, Montenegrin, Smyrna
Cross, Yugoslav, Swedish Cross, and Zig Zag.
Detailed instructions are provided for each stitch.
The sample was stitched on 32 count Copper Penny
linen over one thread using 1 strand of Raspberry
Ripple over-dyed thread from Olde Willow Stitchery.
Any color fabric and thread may be used as long as
there is a strong contrast to make the silhouettes
stand out.
The stitch count is 102 X 369 making the sampler
approximately 3.2” wide X 11.5” long on 32 count over
1 fabric thread. Over 2 fabric threads on 32 count,
the size is approximately 6.4” wide and 23” long.
Using two strands of over-dyed thread is
recommended when stitching over 2 fabric threads.
| Click on picture to enlarge |
Chart $12.00
| Victorian Silhouettes |
Stitch this sweet design for the one you always want
to kiss goodnight!
Pattern includes charts for both versions – colorful
and monochromatic. The colorful sample was stitched
on 36 count Iced Cappuccino over-dyed linen from R
&R Reproductions using 2 strands of DMC floss. The
sample was stitched using 2 shades each of dark
mauve – 3865 & 3803, antique blue – 930 &931, and
pistachio green – 367 & 320. Any shades of color may
be used as long as they blend well together.
The monochromatic sample was stitched on 28 count
Starry Night over-dyed linen from Crossed Wing
Collection using 2 strands of Merlin (two 5 yard
skeins) from Weeks Dye Works. Any colors of floss
and linen may be used for this version as long as
there is a strong contrast between them.
Stitch count is 135 wide and 80 high. On 36 count
linen over 2 threads, the design area is approximately
7.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches high. On 28 count linen
over 2 threads the design area is approximately 9.6
inches wide and 5.7 inches high.
to kiss goodnight!
Pattern includes charts for both versions – colorful
and monochromatic. The colorful sample was stitched
on 36 count Iced Cappuccino over-dyed linen from R
&R Reproductions using 2 strands of DMC floss. The
sample was stitched using 2 shades each of dark
mauve – 3865 & 3803, antique blue – 930 &931, and
pistachio green – 367 & 320. Any shades of color may
be used as long as they blend well together.
The monochromatic sample was stitched on 28 count
Starry Night over-dyed linen from Crossed Wing
Collection using 2 strands of Merlin (two 5 yard
skeins) from Weeks Dye Works. Any colors of floss
and linen may be used for this version as long as
there is a strong contrast between them.
Stitch count is 135 wide and 80 high. On 36 count
linen over 2 threads, the design area is approximately
7.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches high. On 28 count linen
over 2 threads the design area is approximately 9.6
inches wide and 5.7 inches high.
| Click on pictures to enlarge |
Chart $8.00
| Always Kiss Me Goodnight |
