This sampler is brought to you as part of a series of “Little Gems” that are available as an instant pdf download and as a printed booklet. Details of the instant pdf download can be found HERE.

The project has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads and is rated as suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability. Marie Louise can be stitched either on Aida, Linaida, or linen.

Marie Louise’s booklet is presented to you in a new style for Hands Across the Sea Samplers ~ a 28 page A5 spiral bound booklet printed on heavy weight card stock/paper in a landscape orientation.

We are delighted to add a Continental sampler to our portfolio, the first that Hands Across the Sea Samplers have reproduced. Whilst our field of expertise lies in the samplers of Great Britain, we have been anxiously waiting for some time for the “right” Continental sampler.

The moment we first saw Marie Louise, we knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was “the one”. The sampler has a dignified grace and is the epitome of elegance.

Marie Louise’s sampler dates from the beginning of the 20th century and is a simple but beautiful example of what school children were expected to produce — work of a very high standard that taught them a skill which would be useful to them as adults, either in their home or to earn a living. Stitching alphabets prepared the young girls to monogram their household linen with their initials.

Whilst the sampler was acquired in England, we believe that the sampler was most probably stitched in France, Belgium, or Germany. Regrettably, we have been unable to find Marie Louise in family history records. We have been hampered by our lack of the Dutch, French, and German language. The surname of Piret is most commonly found in Belgium.

The original sampler has been edged in lace and attached to a backing fabric in such a way that it could be draped over the back of an armchair as an antimacassar or displayed as a cover on a table, sideboard, dressing table, or tray.

“Exactness of intention produces elegance of style.” ~ Nathan Milstein

Our grateful thanks go to The Contented Stitcher for exquisitely stitching the model of Marie Louise. 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. Hands Across the Sea Samplers are on hand to help those stitching our charts.

If you need assistance or have any questions, we can be reached via email, address shown below, or the contact page on our website. Our website has stitching tutorials which can be found in the “Sewing Basket and Tools” section.