… the word sampler is derived…simply meaning “example”…a demonstration in skill. Needlepoint samplers were mainly school exercises during the 18th and 19th centuries, when stitching of samplers was believed to be a sign of virtue, achievement and industry, and girls were taught the art from a young age. Often these lovely and imperfect works were used as household rags and lost forever but others were tucked into trunks and dressers to save and cherish.
My heart beats a little faster when I spy one of these beauties in an antique store. Some are WAAAY out of my budget but some are manageable with a little time spent in layaway (always form a friendly relationship with your local antique dealer…you won’t be sorry). Let me share some of my prized pieces….cherished and loved in my household now…
Susan Combs, age 12, completed this wonderful sampler in 1823, everytime I walk by it I am blown away that it survived almost 2 centuries. I hang this work in awe and wonderment.
This one is unsigned but seems to be the work of a very young girl still challenged by spacing. When I walk by it I am reminded that life is a process. We need to enjoy the journey and forget the notion of perfection. There is beauty in imperfection. I hang this work in gratitude.
What happened to Caroline Smith , age 12 ? Why is her sampler unfinished? Why was it kept in pristine, immaculate condition for almost 175 years? Her life, perhaps cut short, remains a mystery. When I walk by it I am reminded that life can be sobering, fragile and often taken for granted. I hang this work in remembrance.
Not every sampler in my collection is old, or even vintage, but they do commemorate life changing events in my life…becoming a wife and becoming a Mama…they were completed by my own mother and will be cherished and loved for many generations. I hang these works in love.
Thank you for the visit but I must be going…
I have an invitation to tea.
Home Sweet Home@The Charm of Home
Feather Nest Friday@French Country Cottage
Shabbilious Friday@Shabby Art Boutique
Friday Features@Oh My Heartsie Girl
Morning Cup of Joe@The Cottage Home
5 Star Fru Fru@A Tray of Bliss
A Day of Small Things... 
Amy, these samplers are really precious and you are blessed to have them in your home. I too would wonder about the young ladies who worked so tirelessly on them. They are real works of art and also very charming. I’m so glad you shared them with us. Enjoy your tea time!
Blessings,
Sandi
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I think it is the mystery that draws me…
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Dear Amy:
I hope you enjoyed your tea time there with the Princess and those darling friends! These samples you shared are really a journey back in time. What a difference it must of been – tv turned off and probably humming as we stitch. I love the gentler times! Thanks for sharing and linking.
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I picture a mother’s patient words and hands as she guides that needle…
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I have always loved samplers and these are wonderful. So interesting to imagine the person who made them. They are works of art.
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Because my mother does needlepoint with several guilds I really understand the work behind the samplers. Amazing that young girls completed these beautiful pieces!
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I have liked the old antique samplers also for years, some do sell for hundreds of dollars and more.
I have 3 however not as old as your 12 years old girls samplers
I love the soft turquoise or blue silk threads in one of them that is unfinished
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I can’t imagine the beauty of the work completed. It would have been a masterpiece!
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These samplers are great and your little sweetie is precious! Thanks so much for sharing at Inspiration Thursday!
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Always a pleasure
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Don’t you just love samplers? Each stitch is a work of art and they always convey the sweetest sentiments. So pretty!
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Very much. All the work and the dreaming that went along with it. Just beautiful.
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Such charming samplers. What an absolute delight this post is!!! Thank you so very much for joining the gathering at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.
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Thank you for the inspiration each week!
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Such amazing talent and work went into these samplers. They’re all so beautiful. I won’t keep you from your tea date, but I wanted to invite you to link up to our party, Sweet Inspiration. It starts on Friday and runs until Tuesday. Hope to see you there.
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Thank you. My pleasure
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Amy, glad to see you at the party! Thanks for sharing with us!
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You are very welcome
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Amy, as one who appreciates antique, vintage, and new samplers and stitches myself, I found this a touching post. You have some lovely pieces. I like the thoughtfuness of this post. Well done!
Your tea time looks most inviting.
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Thank you. I stitch a little but have watched my Mom work on an challenging pieces for weeks and months at a time. I find them all beautiful and amazing work. I am glad to meet someone who also understands the attraction.
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So charming! I have a few samplers, two that I made and one very old. I love them!
Karee
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My mother does beautiful work as well. I enjoy stitching but have not for a while. Hopefully I can find time for it soon
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Hello Amy, these beautiful samplers are unique and so precious! Thank you very much for sharing them with us. Have a great day!
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My pleasure
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Your samplers are beautiful and that tea looks most important! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
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Always an inspiration on your blog thanks
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Samplers always have such history, they always make me stop and wonder about; how long they took to make, the premise behind them. The ones you showcased here are just beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us at the Dishing It & Digging It Link Party.
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So much work for young girls but can you imagine the conversations that went on as the stitched and talked….imagine no texting!
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How sweet are these little samplers! I love how they open a door to times gone by, it’s so sweet to see the love that these young gals poured into their samplers. Although I think the wedding sampler your mama made is my favorite… it’s so pretty! Thanks for linking up with us at last weeks Welcome Home Wednesday Link Party… I can’t wait to see what you link up with us tomorrow! The party will be open at 7am CST!
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My Mom’s work is exquisite. I have several of her pieces. She has her stitch work on display at several museums and historical houses. I wish I had that gift.
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful samplers with SYC – what treasures.
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Thank you!
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Oh my gosh, I can’t believe how lovely these samplers are, all of them! Your post brought a smile to my face as my own mother loved to make samplers. She made one for each of us upon college graduation. Like yours from your mom,they will be treasured for years to come. Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Charm! Hope to see you there tomorrow! xo Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}
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Sharing. Recipe on my blog this week but I will have a decor entry next week and I will be back!
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Thank you for sharing on Peace, Love, Link-up! Be sure to stop by Friday at 6 for the next round of sharing awesomeness! : )
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Amy, you have yet another darling collection there! I adore the old samplers too. I actually recall doing one myself as a year 7 student. I’m showing my age now! How sad that that skill has gone our of style. Thanks for sharing at Five Star Frou-Frou last week. Will you join us again? Mimi xxx
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What a lovely post! I found a few samples at a yard sale and always wondered about the hands that made them 🙂
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Lovely post and I oh so love a tea party! I have only seen a few samplers out here, antiques stores are not as popular where I live as they were in the South. They are really lovely.
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So much history behind the samplers. I wish I was better at needlepoint. I think it would be. Wonderful to leave such a lovely legacy.
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Samplers are amazing, aren’t they? Thanks for the explanation behind them!!
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I wish I could afford more *sigh*
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