The most outstanding feature of this Scottish sampler is its unusual and elaborate border of stylised lilies and daisies. The meticulously stitched stone house, with its peculiar dark figure on the front doorstep, is mysterious and intriguing. The bold, virtually unfaded colour has been reproduced from the front of the original sampler. The verse, unfortunately stitched with black floss, has almost vanished, so The Scarlet Letter have pieced in another verse that fits the space perfectly, is appropriate to the period, and to the overall design.

DILIGENCE: If you would adorn human nature
embellish and improve your understanding
How truly blest are they who leasure find
To dress the little garden of the mind
That grateful tillage will reward our pains
Sweet is the Labor certain are the gains
The rising harvest never mocks our toil
We're sure of fruit if we manure the soil.

The sampler bears many characteristics of Scottish samplers of this period, although we are not certain of its origin.

Stitches used are cross over one and two threads, double running, rice, and queen. The original sampler now resides in a private collection.

LINEN COUNT, FINISHED SIZE: 35 Count, 13-3/4" x 17-1/2". Kit contains fabric, cotton or silk thread, needle and instructions.

STITCHES: Cross over one and two threads, double running, rice, and queen

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