This sampler is brought to you as part of a series of “Little Gems” that are available as a pdf download by Hands Across the Sea Samplers. The project has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads and is rated as suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability. Tom’s Foolery can be stitched either on Aida, Linaida, or linen.
There are 4 versions of the pdf. You will be able to download any or all of the following pdf and graph versions:
Version 1 ~ An eight-page colour chart.
Version 2 ~ A one-page colour chart (intended to be viewed/used on your tablet, phone, laptop, or computer).
Version 3 ~ An eight-page black and white symbol chart.
Version 4 ~ A one-page black and white symbol chart (intended to be viewed/used on your tablet, phone, laptop, or computer).
The moment I saw this unnamed and undated sampler, I knew that I had to stitch it. I have been enchanted from the first to last stitch. The child who stitched this sampler created a surreal scene which allowed them to explore all sorts of images and ideas without being constrained by the limits of the real world. Children have such vivid imaginations!
The original sampler was stitched in wool, and the background was entirely stitched in cross stitch. We have not filled in the background, instead we used a linen of a similar colour to the colour used by the child.
We believe that the sampler is Welsh, although we have nothing other than instinct to make this assumption. We are fairly certain that it was stitched by a child. The back of the sampler is a tangle of carried threads, ginormous knots and long loose ends!
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.
Guest checkout ~ Upon completion of purchase you will instantly receive an email confirming your order and giving you a link to download the .pdf. It is important that you ensure the correct email address is given. If the email is not received into your in-box please check your spam folder. You may find it easier to register as a user on our website as you will then be able to visit your account to download the .pdf
Thread Legend
The sampler has been stitched with a palette of twenty-five colours from Au Ver à Soie’s range of Soie 100.3. We have provided conversions for Soie d’Alger and DMC.
Only one spool or skein of each colour is needed with the exception of 1315/327 and 1835/986 when stitching with 2 strands on 28ct linen.
Soie 100.3 / Soie d’Alger /DMC ~ Colour Description
022
/3815
/ 833
~ Golden olive ~ light
070
/ 2643
/ 21
~ Alizarin ~ light
217
/ S2700
/950
~ Desert sand ~ light
223
/ 3026
/ 915
~ Plum ~ dark
278
/4643
/ 778
~ Antique mauve ~ very light
288
/ 3226
/ 413
~ Pewter grey ~ dark
362
/ 1342
/ 340
~ Blue violet ~ medium
434
/1315
/327
~ Violet ~ dark
486
/ 1735
/931
~ Antique blue ~ medium
519
/ 4122
/801
~ Coffee brown ~ dark
531
/ 3836
/ 3787
~ Brown grey ~ dark
537
/ 1836
/ 890
~ Pistachio green ~ ultra dark
549
/1835
/986
~ Forest green ~ very dark
601
/1725
/ 3842
~ Wedgewood ~ very dark
605
/ 1723
/3810
~ Turquoise ~ dark
616
/ 3745
/829
~ Golden olive ~ very dark
647
/ 2134
/470
~ Avocado green ~ light
653
/ 2132
/368
~ Pistachio green ~ light
661
/4241
/ 3046
~ Yellow beige ~ medium
674
/ 2514
/3821
~ Straw
684
/ 636
/ 350
~ Coral ~ medium
687
/ 3044
/718
~ Plum
690
/ 1344
/333
~ Blue violet ~ very dark
779
/926
/817
~ Coral red ~ very dark
Noir
/ Noir
/310
~ Black
Linen Sizes
The design area is 217 stitches (w) x 153 stitches (h). Our calculations have included a 3" margin for finishing and framing.
The sampler can be stitched on Aida, Linaida, or linen. The model was stitched using 56ct Zweigart-based linen that was overdyed to Grey Sand by xJuDesigns. You should use a count and fabric that you enjoy working with.
28ct: Design: 15.5" x 10.93" Fabric: 21.5" x 16.93"
30ct: Design: 14.47" x 10.20" Fabric: 20.47" x 16.20"
32ct: Design: 13.56" x 9.56" Fabric: 19.56" x 15.56"
36ct: Design: 12.06" x 8.50" Fabric: 18.06" x 14.50"
40ct: Design: 10.85" x 7.65" Fabric: 16.85" x 13.65"
46ct: Design: 9.43" x 6.65" Fabric: 15.43" x 12.65"
56ct: Design: 7.75" x 5.46" Fabric: 13.75" x 11.46"
52/62ct: Design: 8.35" x 4.86" Fabric: 14.35" x 10.86"
62/52ct: Design: 7.00" x 5.88" Fabric: 13.00" x 11.88"
Stitch Guide
Tom's Foolery is worked with cross stitch over 2 strands of linen. The project has been rated as suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability.
Cross stitch ~ When working cross stitch the top stitch should always lie in the same direction for a neat and uniform finish.
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/tools” section.
