This English sampler was sewn by a nine year old girl. It was stitched on a very finely woven linen (approximately fifty threads to the inch) with silk flosses. The intricacy of her work, as well as the beautifully balanced composition, result in a pleasingly symmetrical sampler with many unique elements of design, including "The Alpha Cottage," the lovely verse, and the unusual star cartouche at the bottom. The verse is:

Labour after such things, as are more for use,
than for ornament, and with
The Bee, rather endeavour to gather honey,
than like the silly Butterfly to paint thy wings.

Stitches used are cross, eyelet, and counted satin.

Note: these photos are of the original antique sampler. Scroll down to see close up pictures of sections of this piece.

Kit contains 40 count linen, silk or cotton floss, needle and instructions

Finished size: 21-1/2" x 16-3/4"