Band Samplers

A centuries old tradition in needlework is done in the form of Band Samplers. During the 14th and 15th centuries women stitched motifs on linen that represented their skills, later young girls learned to stitch samplers that aided in improving their stitching skills as well as learning alphabets and numbers.  Often there were rather somber sayings on death included.  In Jane Austen's time, a woman's worth was defined by her craft skills, including needlework.

Today, samplers are often done for the simple joy of creating the work and perhaps the thought of leaving a part of one's self behind.  Band Samplers have become a way to not only exhibit wonderful specialty stitches, but to tell a story with the various bands.

I have been doing band samplers for at least 30 years.  There is a special place in my heart for these pieces of needlework, as they brought much calmness and serenity to my life while I was stitching them.

Below are pictures of some of my work.

Rosa's Garden and closeup detail

Some closeup detail of the Basket sampler above.

 Dartmoor Sampler