2026 Stitch–a–Long led by Judy Hall
Maria’s sampler is available as a printed booklet and as PDF download. Click HERE for the PDF download.
We are delighted to present to you a stunning sampler that was completed by Maria Wales Newson in the year 1838 when she was 13 years old .There is much to delight your eye and needle in this Bobby Dazzler.
Maria’s sampler stitched in 1838 has been reproduced using a palette of 22 colours carefully matched to the colours found on the reverse of the sampler. The model was stitched using Soie 100.3 from Au Ver à Soie, and we have included conversions for Soie d’Alger (SDA) and DMC. The sampler is executed mainly with cross stitches laid over two threads of linen. Maria also worked four-sided stitch and cross stitch over one for the verse and dedication. There is an Aida adaptation available on request.
The sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability.
The design area of the sampler is 295 stitches (w) x 413 stitches (h). # The model was stitched on linen overdyed by Tabby Cat Linen to the shade Lichen. Tabby Cat Linen are offering customs cuts of linen for the sampler especially for Friends of Hands Across the Sea Samplers.
With grateful thanks to Lisa Brown, who painstakingly reproduced Maria’s sampler and Melissa Coyle who lovingly stitched the model. 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.
Stitch–a–Long
The Facebook Group Friends of Hands Across the Sea Samplers are hosting a Stitch–a–Long for Maria’s 1838 sampler. The SAL will start on January 1, 2026 and run throughout the year. There will be several draws through the year and at the end of the year there will be a draw for those that have completed the sampler for an antique sampler from Nicola’s private collection.
The SAL will be led by Judy Hall. Judy has devised a suggested monthly plan. You are not required to follow the plan to participate. You are welcome to stitch at your own pace.
We also have a gorgeous printed project bag panel available. Please click HERE.
Minnie McBeans Fripperies have created a stunning accessory set especially for Friends of Hands Across the Sea Samplers. Please click HERE for the Etsy store.
1838 Thread Legend
Maria’s bobby dazzler of a sampler has been reproduced using a palette of 22 colours carefully matched to the colours found on the reverse of the sampler. The model was stitched using Soie 100.3 from Au Ver à Soie, and we have included below conversions for Soie d’Alger (SDA) and DMC.
100.3 1 strand on 40–56ct 031 ~ Hazelnut brown (lt)
048 ~ Drab brown (dk)
070 ~ Salmon (dk)
073 ~ Grey green (md)
088 ~ Peach (vy lt)
134 ~ Terracotta (vy lt)
142 ~ Yellow beige (lt)
148 ~ Golden olive (vy lt)
199 ~ Olive green (md)
210 ~ Blue green (vy dk)
236 ~ Avocado green (dk)
284 ~ Rosewood (lt)
323 ~ Tan (vy lt)
376 ~ Antique mauve (md dk)
491 ~ Hunter green (dk)
633 ~ Shell pink (vy dk)
634 ~ Yellow beige (dk)
647 ~ Avocado green
656 ~ Pistachio green (vy dk)
696 ~ Black brown
703 ~ Grey green (dk)
755 ~ Antique blue (dk)
SDA 1 strand on 36–46ct 1726 ~ Grey green (dk)
1746 ~ Antique blue (dk)
1836 ~ Pistachio green (vy dk)
2125 ~ Avocado green
2135 ~ Hunter green (dk)
2143 ~ Olive green (md)
2242 ~ Golden olive (vy lt)
2633 ~ Rosewood (lt)
2644 ~ Shell pink (vy dk)
2757 ~ Grey green (md)
2911 ~ Peach (vy lt)
2912 ~ Terracotta (vy lt)
2915 ~ Salmon (dk)
3416 ~ Black brown
3735 ~ Avocado green (dk)
3745 ~ Drab brown (dk)
4242 ~ Hazelnut brown (lt)
4541 ~ Tan (vy lt)
4645 ~ Antique mauve (md dk)
5025 ~ Blue green (vy dk)
F08 ~ Yellow beige (lt)
F09 ~ Yellow beige (dk)
SDA 2 strands on 36ct 1726 ~ Grey green (dk)
1746 ~ Antique blue (dk)
1836 ~ Pistachio green (vy dk)
2125 ~ Avocado green
2135 x 2 ~ Hunter green (dk)
2143 x 2 ~ Olive green (md)
2242 x 2 ~ Golden olive (vy lt)
2633 ~ Rosewood (lt)
2644 x 2 ~ Shell pink (vy dk)
2757 ~ Grey green (md)
2911 ~ Peach (vy lt)
2912 ~ Terracotta (vy lt)
2915 ~ Salmon (dk)
3416 x 2 ~ Black brown
3735 x 2 ~ Avocado green (dk)
3745 ~ Drab brown (dk)
4242 ~ Hazelnut brown (lt)
4541 x 2 ~ Tan (vy lt)
4645 ~ Antique mauve (md dk)
5025 x 2 ~ Blue green (vy dk)
F08 ~ Yellow beige (lt)
F09 ~ Yellow beige (dk)
SDA 2 strands on 28ct 1726 ~ Grey green (dk)
1746 ~ Antique blue (dk)
1836 ~ Pistachio green (vy dk)
2125 ~ Avocado green
2135 x 3 ~ Hunter green (dk)
2143 x 2 ~ Olive green (md)
2242 x 2 ~ Golden olive (vy lt)
2633 ~ Rosewood (lt)
2644 x 3 ~ Shell pink (vy dk)
2757 ~ Grey green (md)
2911 ~ Peach (vy lt)
2912 ~ Terracotta (vy lt)
2915 ~ Salmon (dk)
3416 x 2 ~ Black brown
3735 x 2 ~ Avocado green (dk)
3745 ~ Drab brown (dk)
4242 ~ Hazelnut brown (lt)
4541 x 2 ~ Tan (vy lt)
4645 ~ Antique mauve (md dk)
5025 x 3 ~ Blue green (vy dk)
F08 ~ Yellow beige (lt)
F09 ~ Yellow beige (dk)
DMC 1 strand on 40–46ct 221 ~ Shell pink (vy dk)
315 ~ Antique mauve (md dk)
319 ~ Pistachio green (vy dk)
422 ~ Hazelnut brown (lt)
469 ~ Avocado green
500 ~ Blue green (vy dk)
610 ~ Drab brown (dk)
733 ~ Olive green (md)
738 ~ Tan (vy lt)
758 ~ Terracotta (vy lt)
834 ~ Golden olive (vy lt)
924 ~ Grey green (dk)
926 ~ Grey green (md)
930 ~ Antique blue (dk)
935 ~ Avocado green (dk)
948 ~ Peach (vy lt)
3045 ~ Yellow beige (dk)
3047 ~ Yellow beige (lt)
3328 ~ Salmon (dk)
3345 ~ Hunter green (dk)
3371 ~ Black brown
3859 ~ Rosewood (lt)
DMC 2 strands on 36ct 221 x 2 ~ Shell pink (vy dk)
315 ~ Antique mauve (md dk)
319 ~ Pistachio green (vy dk)
422 ~ Hazelnut brown (lt)
469 ~ Avocado green
500 x 2 ~ Blue green (vy dk)
610 ~ Drab brown (dk)
733 ~ Olive green (md)
738 ~ Tan (vy lt)
758 ~ Terracotta (vy lt)
834 ~ Golden olive (vy lt)
924 ~ Grey green (dk)
926 ~ Grey green (md)
930 ~ Antique blue (dk)
935 ~ Avocado green (dk)
948 ~ Peach (vy lt)
3045 ~ Yellow beige (dk)
3047 ~ Yellow beige (lt)
3328 ~ Salmon (dk)
3345 x 2 ~ Hunter green (dk)
3371 ~ Black brown
3859 ~ Rosewood (lt)
DMC 2 strands on 36ct 221 x 2 ~ Shell pink (vy dk)
315 ~ Antique mauve (md dk)
319 ~ Pistachio green (vy dk)
422 ~ Hazelnut brown (lt)
469 ~ Avocado green
500 x 2 ~ Blue green (vy dk)
610 ~ Drab brown (dk)
733 ~ Olive green (md)
738 x 2 ~ Tan (vy lt)
758 ~ Terracotta (vy lt)
834 x 2 ~ Golden olive (vy lt)
924 ~ Grey green (dk)
926 ~ Grey green (md)
930 ~ Antique blue (dk)
935 x 2 ~ Avocado green (dk)
948 ~ Peach (vy lt)
3045 ~ Yellow beige (dk)
3047 ~ Yellow beige (lt)
3328 ~ Salmon (dk)
3345 x 2 ~ Hunter green (dk)
3371 ~ Black brown
3859 ~ Rosewood (lt)
1838 Linen Sizes
The design area is 295 stitches (w) x 413 stitches (h). Our calculations have included a 3" margin for finishing and framing. The model was stitched on linen overdyed by Tabby Cat Linen to the shade Lichen.
A custom cut of linen is available through Tabby Cat Linen for Friends of Hands Across the Sea Samplers.
28ct linen: Design: 21.07" x 29.50" Fabric: 27.07" x 35.50"
32ct linen: Design: 18.44" x 25.81" Fabric: 24.44" x 31.81"
36ct linen: Design: 16.39" x 22.94" Fabric: 22.39" x 28.94"
40ct linen: Design: 14.75" x 20.65" Fabric: 20.75" x 26.65"
46ct linen: Design: 12.83" x 17.96" Fabric: 18.83" x 23.96"
56ct linen: Design: 10.54" x 14.75" Fabric: 16.54" x 20.75"
1838 Stitch Guide
The sampler is executed mainly with cross stitches laid over two threads of linen. Maria also worked four-sided stitch and cross stitch over one for the verse and dedication. The sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability.
