The bright, warm colours used in this Scottish sampler are fairly typical of the region, whether as an antidote to a damp, blustery climate, or easy and inexpensive access to those dye colours one can only speculate. The original sampler was created in Dalkeith, located just south of Edinburgh. In typical Scottish fashion the piece is full of initials of parents and other family members, and features a tall mansion atop a lawn, flanked by rice stitched shaded mounds. The verse is from the Bible (Isaiah 55), worked over one thread, while the rest of the sampler is worked over two threads of linen.

Origin and date: Scottish, 1839

Suitable for all levels.

Linen count and finished size: 35- or 40-count dyed (please specify) 14-1/2"x20-1/2" or 12-1/2"x18". Kit contains fabric, silk or cotton thread, needle and instructions.

Stitches: Cross, Gobelin, rice stitch, a little bit of Queen and counted satin

Source: Private collection