Cross stitch was my first love before I chanced upon an exhibition of antique quilts; part of the extensive collection of Annette Gero. That was back in 1993...
This sampler was under construction back then and has been in storage for quite some time.
The exemplar or sampler has been in evidence since 1502 when Elizabeth of York paid 8 pennies for "lynnyn cloth for a sampler for the Queen".
In the 17th century samplers were generally long and narrow and served as repertoires of stitches and designs intended for future use, serving as a permanent record which could be easily rolled up and stored away.
This piece features bands of floral and geometric patterns in a variety of stitches. The alphabet is of the period and the verse taken from John Sibmacher's "Newes Modebuch"
originally published in 1604.
Last few bands to do!!
.jpg)
.JPG)
11 comments:
It's beautiful, as is all of your work. It's so funny -- I took the opposite path -- was quilting and got into cross stitch instead. lol!
This is really lovely work--is it "counted crossstitch"? I only learned stamped crossstich and crewel from my Grand'mere--she really was a crocheter and knitter (as I was before my arthritis kicked in) at heart though....Julierose
Yes, it's from a chart, so the linen is unmarked, and you count the threads for each stitch. The crosses are over two threads for this one...I believe the linen is 25 count, so not so fine.
This is so beautiful! How wonderful that you'll be finished soon!
Your sampler is beautiful.
THis is so fun - I just drafted a post of this Sampler! I completed it in 1984 and am getting it re-framed. I love the last bands.
Lovely...you will be thrilled to finish it!
So beautiful. I hope you are able to finish this piece. Cross stitch was my love before I discovered quilting. I've done a few things over the years but discovered I like working with fabric more than thread. Still I appreciate the beauty and work involved.
It's a beautiful piece of stitching, I'm cheering you onto the finish.
cross stitch was my first love too. a beautiful piece.
It looks wonderful Kate! I still do some cross stitch. I think all the new threads they've come out with make it interesting. I love the acorns on it.
Post a Comment