ALPHABETICAL INDEX ALL SAMPLERS 

Genuine miniature samplers-not fragments of larger pieces or excerpts from full-sized samplers- are quite rare. The most common sort feature either monochromatic alphabetic and numeric tests, or even a simple, short, sentimental verse. The former type, sometimes called "plain work," usually originated in a working class school setting where young girls learned the means of self support. Small samplers like this were occasionally bound into small volumes, and today are more often found plundered, individually, rather than in their original book format. The latter type of miniature was often a presentation piece. Girls and women gave each other gifts of their handwork- a meaningful sentiment then as well as now. The antique miniature samplers that we have reproduced demonstrate a variety of "functions" that are still useful today: as mementos, as gifts, even as learning exercises. As the original samplers were invariably stitched with silk floss on linen or varying thread counts, we have assembled these kits to match the original materials in every way. All of these are recommended for beginning to intermediate level needleworkers.

CLICK on the sampler ICON to see an enlarged photo and detailed description of the sampler.

ABCD 1817 Origin and date: Scotland, 1817 Linen count/finished size: 30 count, 2-3/4"x3-1/4" Stitches: Cross stitch Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss:  $14.00 Graph: $5.00   Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph CONTENT Origin and date: England, circa 1800 Linen count/finished size: 30 count, 6"x4-1/2" Stitches: Cross, straight Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $15.00 Graph: $5.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph CUTWORK MINIATURE ENGLISH SAMPLER Origin and date: English circa 1800 Rated: Beginning to Intermediate Linen count and finished size: 35-count, 5-1/4"x4-7/8" Stitches: Cross and tent Kit with silk floss:$22.00 Graph only: $5.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph only DEAR AUNT Origin and date: England, circa 1820 Linen count/finished size: 35 count, 3-3/4"x4-1/4" Stitches: Cross stitch Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $12.00 Graph Only: $2.50 Select   Kit with silk floss Graph only 1840 MINIATURE Origin and date: Possibly American, 1840 Linen count/finished size: 25 count, 2-1/2"x4-1/2" Stitches: Cross, satin Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $10.00 Graph: $4.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph GRATITUDE Origin and date: Probably England, circa 1820 Linen count/finished size: 40 count, 2"x 2-1/2" Stitches: Cross, satin Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $10.00 Graph $4.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph  HR TO MAP Origin and date: England, 1820 Linen count/finished size: 40 count, 2-1/2"x4" Stitches: Cross, satin Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $14.00 Graph: $5.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph N. HINDE Origin and date: England, (Lancashire) 1778 Linen count/finished size: 35 count, 1-1/2"x2-1/2" Stitches: Cross stitch Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $12.00 Graph: $4.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph THE HUSWIF  Origin and date: England, circa 1825 Linen count/finished size: 40 count, 4"x3-1/2" Stitches: Tent or cross Source: Private collection ONLY NINE KITS LEFT Kit with silk floss: $32.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss ENGLISH MINIATURE Origin and date: England circa 1800 Linen count/finished size: 25 count, 2-1/2"x3" Stitches: Cross stitch Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss/red velvet backing: $15.00 Graph Only: $3.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss, red velvet backing Graph Only MY BELOVED Origin and date: England, circa 1780 Linen count/finished size: 35 count, 2-1/2"x4-1/2" Stitches: Cross, satin, lazy daisy, stem, back Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $20.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss  SHEPHERD AND SHEPHERDESS  Origin and date: England, 1790 Linen count/finished size: 25 count, each one 3-1/2" square Stitches: Cross, back Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss/blue velvet backing (two samplers): $24.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss, blue velvet backing The Twigg Miniatures CIRCA 1800 Linen: 30 count Finished Size: 5 1/2" Square (Each sampler) Rated: Beginning Kit with Silk Floss: $24.00 Graph Only $6.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph Only S. WOOD  Origin and date: England, circa, 1820 Linen count/finished size: 30 count, 4"x3-1/4" Stitches: Cross Source: Private collection Kit with silk floss: $12.00 Graph: $4.00 Select   Kit with Silk Floss Graph