Towards the end of the 18th century, pastoral scenes featuring fanciful shepherds and shepherdesses began to appear on samplers. Dressed in the fashionable finery of the period, they were probably decked out as well as the stitcher's imagination could stretch.

This sampler shows such a pair, accompanied by the omnipresent alphabets and numerals, and a verse. Instructions are given for working their hair with your hair, or with floss, whichever you prefer.

Linen count and finished size: 35 count, 15-1/4"x22-1/4. Kit contains fabric, silk or cotton thread, needle and instructions.

Stitches: Cross, eyelet, back, counted satin, with special instructions for stitching with human hair!

Source: Private collection