Studying old embroideries really puts you in the shoes of the stitcher. I have always been fascinated by samplers and am always a bit overwhelmed by the thought that the stitchers were so young. I thought you might enjoy studying samplers too, so I have put together a small selection of charts, histories, and luscious photos of favourites from my own collection. Each one is a little piece of history you can recreate for yourself.

This exquisite antique sampler was stitched, or perhaps completed, in 1777 and is worked on linen in a combination of cotton and silk. I have reproduced the chart with all her inconsistencies and oddities but with great attention to detail.

I would go so far as to describe the work on the original as fiendish! It is extraordinarily fine and the highest standard I have seen on an antique sampler. The foreground stitched over one thread of the fabric and similarly stitched vignettes are just astonishing. It makes an ambitious project but something to feel very proud of.

In your lovely JG Book Box, you will find: