Inspiration for a Modern Sampler
Needlework samplers have been around since the 15th century and became a standard feature of a girl’s education by the 1700s. The use of letters, numbers, repeating patterns of vines or floral borders, and other interesting motifs and symbols can be found in those early samplers.
Marking samplers served a dual purpose in teaching children basic embroidery techniques while also providing a means of learning and practicing the alphabet and numerals. The inclusion of initials of family members and friends was also commonly found in these works. Alphanumeric characters and initials were typically stitched using complementing or multiple colors. The use of black floss for initials indicated a family member or loved one who had passed away.
The antique sampler that inspired my Stitching With Friends design was stitched by Ada May Pringle in 1881 using Berlin wool. She included several sets of initials on her sampler. They appear to be family members, including a loved one who had passed.
In the year 2020, during the pandemic, many people found solace and inspiration by returning to or discovering the world of arts and crafts. As the world grappled with uncertainty and isolation, the act of creating became a therapeutic outlet for individuals seeking to express their emotions and regain a sense of control. Whether it was picking up a neglected paintbrush, dusting off a sewing machine, or learning the intricacies of needlework, crafting provided a comforting refuge from the chaos outside.
Like Miss Pringle, I set out to stitch a sampler that documented a specific time period in my life, and I also included initials of those who played a significant role in that story. The narrative that inspired the initials that were lovingly stitched into my sampler comes from time spent with a wonderful group of women who stitched with me every Thursday evening during the pandemic via a Zoom meeting. We couldn’t be together in person, but we could virtually share with one another as we stitched, each from our own home. Honoring that friendship is the foundation for my sampler.
I hope you enjoy this design and are encouraged to include the initials of those who are important in your story.