I have been fascinated by samplers since I began to stitch over 40 years ago. This fascination has made me very interested in the history of samplers and more specifically, finding out what makes something a sampler. I also wanted to learn about the different types of samplers. As I was researching, I found the variety of definitions for sampler captivating. Even the Loudoun Sampler Guild, “a group devoted to the preservation and study of sampler” did not have a single definition. Of all the definitions that I found, my favorite is from the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: “A decorative piece of cloth embroidered with various designs or mottoes in a variety of stitches, serving as an example of skill at needlework.”
What is your favorite definition of a sampler? Please share with us.
During my research I used many references, here are my favorites:
Books:
- Sampler & Antique Needlework: A Year in Stitches – Symbol of Excellence Publishers, Inc., 1994
- Embroidered Samplers – Dorothea Kay, 1979
- Cross Stitch and Sampler Book – Jan Eaton and Liz Mundle, 1985
- Samplers: Five Centuries of a Gentle Craft – Anne Sebba, 1979
- Traditional Samplers – Sarah Don, 1986
Websites:
- http://www.nordicneedle.net/newsletter-articles/samplers/
- http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/h/a-history-of-samplers/
- http://pintangle.com/2016/07/25/brief-history-embroidery-samplers/
- http://www.neh.gov/files/grants/university_of_delaware_the_sampler_archive_project.pdf
- http://www.caron-net.com/featurefiles/featfeb.html
- http://www.victorian-embroidery-and-crafts.com/sampler.html
- http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/american-samplers
- http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/need/hd_need.htm
- https://www.mpm.edu/research-collections/history/online-collections-research/schoolgirl-samplers
- http://nscda.org/historical-activities/samplers/
- http://www.antiquetrader.com/features/a_stitch_in_time_research_looks_at_old_samplers_in_new_ways
- http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/gallery/samplers/what/
- http://historyofembroidery.blogspot.com/
What are your favorite references? Please share with us.
Our next discussion topic will be exploring the different types of samplers.
