AW 1662 An early English band sampler

Description

Samplers made in the seventeenth century are among the finest examples of this needle art. An exquisite combination of Renaissance-influenced intricate pattern bands employing a variety of stitch techniques resulted in a body of distinguished needlework made by young and adult women. Before the sampler was relegated to the schoolroom and became a rote exercise of practicing alphabets and stitching pious verses it reigned as the supreme example of the needle’s excellency- hence the derivation of the name from the Latin examplar.

This beautifully stitched English band sampler was stitched almost entirely in Montenegrin cross stitch and double running stitch. It features numerous traditional pattern bands as well as some unique bands including one resembling white snowflakes within an interlocking diamond maze. Four alphabets in the lower section include the Maker’s initials and the date she completed the sampler. Stitched on 30 count linen the reproduction sampler will most closely approximate the size of the original sampler- 8-1/2″ x 33″. The original sampler is in the collection of The Scarlet Letter. The sampler can be stitched using cross stitch, making it suitable for any skill level. If you choose to stitch it with Montenegrin cross stitch it will be more challenging. Diagrams are included.

View the original antique here