Louise’s sampler holds the calm assurance of something made slowly and with care. Worked in a single, confident colour, it draws the eye inward to an orderly world of letters and numbers, each one formed with deliberate patience. The alphabet stands upright and proud, slightly varied in character, reminding us that this was shaped by a human hand – each stitch a small decision, each line a moment of attention.

The sampler is worked entirely in cross stitch over two threads of linen and is suitable for Aida or linen.

With grateful thanks to Veronica Rael for allowing us to use a photograph of her finished sampler. At the very core of Hands Across the Sea Samplers there is a team of needleworkers who are passionate about antique samplers and being able to share those samplers with you.