Precious time sampler

In days-gone-by stitching a sampler was part of every little girls’ education. They would be worked at school, convent schools, or at home with their governess or tutor. 

Stitched in 1771 by a girl named Elizabeth Garratt, the sampler is in delicate condition with many holes, and missing stitches on the right side. This rare sampler came into my collection already professionally framed, so I dare not take it apart – even though I am very curious to see the underside.

Typical of the time, the letters J and U are missing from the alphabet, and in some words the letter S is replaced with an F looking letter which is actually just a decorative long S. This is one way to confirm the authenticity of the sampler, as by the early 1800’s the long S was replaced with the small, rounded S which we use today.

Sampler from 1771

In poor condition - Note the holes....

Here you can see my version of the sampler. Because the sampler lacked some letters ( J and U ), I have added these along with the modern spelling of words, this has made the size/shape slightly different from the original.

There is a space on the lower end of the sampler to stitch your own name, and date. 

Antique sampler replicas look their best when stitched on linen with natural, or over dyed embroidery floss, or silk. So this is a great way to use up those skeins of embroidery threads that you bought at that artisans market and never found a use for before. Just be careful when using natural, or home dyed threads and linens - the colours can run, so don't wash the finished piece.

Pattern available on ETSY, Makerist, Website