Good morning friends, and Happy New Year. I have a project I’ve been working on for a few weeks now to share with you, and I think it’s something you’ll really enjoy! I’ve created a sampler pattern and an optional kit to go with it, geared towards the complete beginner stitcher. The pattern is called “A Beginner’s Sampler, Ann Fox 1736” and comes as a 7 page booklet that not only provides the pattern for making the sampler, but also gives more background information about who made samplers, why they were made and how they can be used to study or teach history. You can find it now in my etsy shop.

I created this pattern with living history interpreters and students of history in mind (including those doing American History study units for 4th and 8th grades) and wanted to make the sampler as accessible and easy to complete as possible. This sampler is stitched on Aida cloth and only uses two colors of DMC floss, which makes it approachable for children as well as adults.

I’ve had so much fun exploring the history of samplers, and I think they are a wonderful way to approach a history lesson, and plan on using them in my work as a living history volunteer. They are also just a joy to stitch for those who enjoy cross stitching, with a bit of a history lesson on the side. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that very interesting and it will make your stitching all the more meaningful.

In my etsy shop you’ll find the sampler pattern available as both a booklet and as a PDF Instant download. I’ve also gone a step further and am offering a limited number of sampler making kits for this sampler pattern, which include the booklet, a wooden hoop, the needed DMC floss, Aida cloth and a cross stitch needle. This is the first time I’ve ever offered a kit for a cross stitch pattern, and depending on the popularity of this item I may offer others in the future.

You can find the pattern in paper or PDF, as well as the pattern and kit in my ETSY SHOP now. I hope you enjoy it! I’d love to see your sampler if you stitch it up!

Take Joy!
H