Hello and welcome to Mrs Parkman’s Academy of Needlework. It is a privilege for me to share my love of needlework and reproduction samplers with you. Thank you so much for participating in this online workshop and presentation.

Margaret’s sampler is laid out in a band format, the Queen-stitched border added almost as an afterthought. The arcaded band at the top of the sampler is reminiscent of the traditional band samplers of the 1600s and 1700s. We were captivated by the middle band. Music charms, Industry, and Melody Inspires. So true!

The final band features an imposing Palladian-style house. We do not know if this was a real house in Closeburn, but girls often depicted houses of local significance. It may have been the home of her father’s employer Sir Menteath.

Margaret was an able pupil and demonstrated skill in stitching her sampler. She worked her sampler mainly with cross stitch over two threads, her lettering with cross stitch over one thread, two dividing rows of crosshatching worked in two alternating colours, two dividing rows of long-arm cross stitch, satin stitch, double running stitch, and a distinctive eight-sided Queen stitch.

It is these stitches that we will explore, practise, and master in our workshop “A Lass That Has Gone”. Our goal is for you to be able to stitch this beautiful sampler with the confidence.

The download consists of the PDF for the booklet which contains background information on Margaret and her sampler, stitch diagrams and the chart (multi-page and single-page) to stitch the sampler. There is also a video which consists of a presentation on the sampler together with entire workshop. Links for the eight how-to video tutorials contained within the main workshop video are also accessible individually.

The how-to video tutorials cover the pin stitch, cross stitch over one and two threads, satin stitch, Queen stitch, long arm cross stitch, two toned cross hatching, double running stitch, back stitch and how to secure a lock of hair to the linen.

Needlework is a journey, every project a stepping stone. No matter what sampler you stitch there will always be challenges and something new to learn. Remember that with every stitch YOUR confidence will grow, YOU will become more competent and YOU will be able to complete MORE beautiful samplers!