Many of the patterns and motifs seen on this sampler will be familiar, since they were brought to the New World from Europe by the teachers and needlewomen of the new Spanish colonies.

What makes this sampler so exciting and unique, however, is its unmistakable creative manipulation of cultural and ethnic themes. Building on the relatively stock patterns taught by Old World nuns to young Spanish women, a distinctively brilliant colour palette reflects native influences: gleaming golds, intense violets, red, roses, nearly neon greens. Chinese silk was one of the most widely traded commodities in New Spain, via the Port of Manila in the Philippines, so Mexican needlewomen had reasonably easy access to these fine materials, as well as the opportunity to study finished goods from the Orient, all of which invariably influenced their needlework.

Charted from the original sampler, using the unfaded colours from the back, the execution of the reproduction requires cross, faggoting, counted satin, double running, straight, and Mayan Step stitches, all diagramed and explained in the instructions. The Scarlet Letter wish to thank Pat Carlson for loaning the original sampler for reproduction.
 
Kit contains 30 count linen, cotton or silk thread, needle and instructions.

Finished size: 13"x20"

Experience is advisable for this piece.

Scroll down to view close up pictures of sections of this piece.