Treasures from the past
Sampler GalleryLittle pieces of history
I have been collecting antique embroidery, especially samplers, since 1985 and the charm and mystery of these pieces of stitching never fail to move me. Recently a quirk of fate put me in the right place at the right time and I was able to purchase a set of antique samplers which I want to share with you. Take a deep breath and prepare to step back in time…
Oak leaf & Acorn Workbox Weight with Stork Scissors
This workbox weight has a lovely antique feel to it with the acorn and leaf motif snaffled from an early Dutch sampler, and the soft hues of the raw linen and the shell buttons. I have attached the stitching as a frayed patch and the Goya shell buttons are there because I love them and need no excuse to use them.
In addition, I have added a matching silk ribbon bow with a little pewter stork scissor charm. As usual I have filled this with a combination of dry rice and lavender petals and added a linen tape ribbon to attach a pair of Italian stork scissors.
This workbox weight measures 5in (12.5cm) square and is supplied boxed.
£45.00
Oak leaf & Acorn Workbox Weight with Stork Scissors
This workbox weight has a lovely antique feel to it with the acorn and leaf motif snaffled from an early Dutch sampler, and the soft hues of the raw linen and the shell buttons. I have attached the stitching as a frayed patch and the Goya shell buttons are there because I love them and need no excuse to use them.
In addition, I have added a matching silk ribbon bow with a little pewter stork scissor charm. As usual I have filled this with a combination of dry rice and lavender petals and added a linen tape ribbon to attach a pair of Italian stork scissors.
This workbox weight measures 5in (12.5cm) square and is supplied boxed.
1 in stock
Oak leaf & Acorn Workbox Weight with Stork Scissors
This workbox weight has a lovely antique feel to it with the acorn and leaf motif snaffled from an early Dutch sampler, and the soft hues of the raw linen and the shell buttons. I have attached the stitching as a frayed patch and the Goya shell buttons are there because I love them and need no excuse to use them.
In addition, I have added a matching silk ribbon bow with a little pewter stork scissor charm. As usual I have filled this with a combination of dry rice and lavender petals and added a linen tape ribbon to attach a pair of Italian stork scissors.
This workbox weight measures 5in (12.5cm) square and is supplied boxed.
£45.00
Oak leaf & Acorn Workbox Weight with Stork Scissors
This workbox weight has a lovely antique feel to it with the acorn and leaf motif snaffled from an early Dutch sampler, and the soft hues of the raw linen and the shell buttons. I have attached the stitching as a frayed patch and the Goya shell buttons are there because I love them and need no excuse to use them.
In addition, I have added a matching silk ribbon bow with a little pewter stork scissor charm. As usual I have filled this with a combination of dry rice and lavender petals and added a linen tape ribbon to attach a pair of Italian stork scissors.
This workbox weight measures 5in (12.5cm) square and is supplied boxed.
1 in stock
Oak leaf & Acorn Workbox Weight with Stork Scissors
This workbox weight has a lovely antique feel to it with the acorn and leaf motif snaffled from an early Dutch sampler, and the soft hues of the raw linen and the shell buttons. I have attached the stitching as a frayed patch and the Goya shell buttons are there because I love them and need no excuse to use them.
In addition, I have added a matching silk ribbon bow with a little pewter stork scissor charm. As usual I have filled this with a combination of dry rice and lavender petals and added a linen tape ribbon to attach a pair of Italian stork scissors.
This workbox weight measures 5in (12.5cm) square and is supplied boxed.
£45.00
Oak leaf & Acorn Workbox Weight with Stork Scissors
This workbox weight has a lovely antique feel to it with the acorn and leaf motif snaffled from an early Dutch sampler, and the soft hues of the raw linen and the shell buttons. I have attached the stitching as a frayed patch and the Goya shell buttons are there because I love them and need no excuse to use them.
In addition, I have added a matching silk ribbon bow with a little pewter stork scissor charm. As usual I have filled this with a combination of dry rice and lavender petals and added a linen tape ribbon to attach a pair of Italian stork scissors.
This workbox weight measures 5in (12.5cm) square and is supplied boxed.
£45.00
Oak leaf & Acorn Workbox Weight with Stork Scissors
This workbox weight has a lovely antique feel to it with the acorn and leaf motif snaffled from an early Dutch sampler, and the soft hues of the raw linen and the shell buttons. I have attached the stitching as a frayed patch and the Goya shell buttons are there because I love them and need no excuse to use them.
In addition, I have added a matching silk ribbon bow with a little pewter stork scissor charm. As usual I have filled this with a combination of dry rice and lavender petals and added a linen tape ribbon to attach a pair of Italian stork scissors.
This workbox weight measures 5in (12.5cm) square and is supplied boxed.
1 in stock
Mounting & framing your embroidery
Framing is quite an expensive business these days, but presentation is everything particularly with valuable antique embroidery. If you can supply your framer with the work already mounted it will help to reduce the costs.
- When choosing a frame for a particular project, select the best moulding you can afford.
- Generally, embroidery looks better framed without glass but if you prefer glass use crystal glass, which although more expensive will minimize reflections and distortions.
- You must also ensure that the underside of the glass does not squash the embroidery. Either use a spacer (narrow strips of board), gold slip, or a mount (mat) between the glass and the mounted embroidery to hold them apart.
- Adding a single mount or double mount can add dimension to even the simplest project. Framers have a large selection of mounts in all sizes and colours or will cut one to fit.
- Ask the framer to make up the frame and a coloured or gold slip for you, but buy the frame, glass and so on in kit form (most framers do not mind) and then put it together yourself.
To frame your stitching, stretch and mount, then set aside. Place the frame face down on a covered surface and after cleaning both sides of the glass, place the glass in the frame rebate and insert the gold slip, mount or spacer followed by the stitching. Before fixing in the backboard and sealing the frame, line the inside with aluminium foil, which will discourage thunder flies from finding their way in!