GERMAN SAMPLER; SAMPLERS FROM THE EARLY INTERNET

The next sampler from the Museum of Science and Industry is a German Sampler. It was stitched on what I believe is a linen fabric, but note in the closeups that it is a checkered fabric and that the stitches are embroidered not counted. This sampler was stitched in 1758 and measures a whopping 13" x 52." This is why I was not able to get a photo of the entire piece. I have taped several photos together to get it all. There is the Lamb of God and a crucifix. I believe that northern Germany was a Catholic area at the time. The 1939 appraised price was $8. It sold at Sotheby's in a group of 2 for 632 pounds sterling.

The verse reads:

God will
take care for
today and
tomorrow

God with us

The blessing, of the Lord,
Stay with you, from children
to children's children

SAMPLER PURCHASES FROM THE INTERNET—

Years ago when I was on AOL and the internet was just a baby, I was on some antiques group, and a gal in California mentioned that she wanted to sell 6 antique samplers. I jumped and bought them. Sorry, don't remember what I paid. I sent her a certified check for the first, and she sent one to me. Then she sent me the rest, and I paid her.

The first was Betty Key 1807, a Scottish sampler. I know this because she stitched various family initials  on the sampler. Love the extra large ABC. I reproduced this sampler on 25 count linen. There are cross stitch and eyelet stitches, and it measures 7" x 15."

The next was Mary Prescott 1820. It is an English sampler and not in great shape but I like all the little people and dogs and the castle, etc. 

Next came Ruth Morries 1835. This is also an English sampler and is stitched with wool thread. GR is King George—George Rex.

Robina Drysdale Jack stitched her sampler in 1850. Because she stitched so many of her family's initials, I was able to find her. There were 13 children in the family who resided in Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland. The black CWKJ is her sister Christina Wilson Kelly Jack who must have died as her initials are in black. I reproduced this sampler on 28 count linen with 7 colors of thread. There are cross, eyelet, and rice stitches. The size is 7" x 14."

I don't remember the name of this sampler below, but I do think it is Scandinavian as noted by the AO after the Z in the alphabet. It must have been stitched around 1850 or later because of the Berlin work style of  motifs at the bottom.

I took this photo through the glass on the frame. It is really difficult to do!

I believe that Julian Cherrier 1839 is a French sampler. Imagine my dismay when I looked at it closely after I received it to find that it had been cut off at the top! I wonder how long it originally was... This sampler was stitched on linen with wool thread. 

OTHER HOBBIES—

I love to do all kinds of handwork. This is my first attempt at rug hooking—primitive style. He was a kit that I received in a class. Love him. Tried to work on another rug hooking pattern a year ago. I had bought it in Massachusetts and had cut all the wool for it. Worked a bit too hard and must have injured something in my forearm and had to quit. My forearm was sore for a year! Now if I am in the mood for hooking, I do punch needle instead. Much easier on the body. Speaking of the body, I'm off to yoga class. I go twice a week and take Iyengar yoga and have a fabulous teacher and lot of nice gals in my classes. It keeps me young in mind and body. Talk soon. --Nancy