This unusual sampler is probably of Scottish origin. The distinctive French-inspired mansion house and the peacocks are commonly found on Scottish samplers. Adam and Eve are realistically stitched in the Garden, by effectively working two quite simple stitches together: cross, outlined by stem stitch, to give their shapes fluidity and movement. The sun, wearing a jaunty black derby hat, and an eyelet stitched moon, flank the thunderous clouds overhead. In the lower half of the sampler is a spinning monkey motif, usually found on Dutch samplers, as well as a variation on Solomon's Temple, and a windmill. This model has been stitched on 40-count linen to more closely approximate the size of the original sampler.

Origin and date: England or Scotland, 1811

Linen count and finished size: 35 or 40 count, 17-1/2"x20-1/4" or 15-1/2"x17-3/4" (please specify). Kit contains fabric silk or cotton thread, needle and instructions.

Stitches: Cross, Irish, satin, eyelet

Source: Collection of The Scarlet Letter