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Wednesday 2 January 2013

New samplers

I thought I would start a new year by showing you some samplers I have sewn based on old Welsh originals. I will feature them one by one in future posts together with the original sampler.


They are all worked on canvas with wool as were the originals and I have used Appletons Crewel wool on single canvas, not the double canvas on which most were worked because I didn't want them to be as big.  Some of the originals are very big indeed but of course they can of  be worked on a larger canvas.

I sewed these samplers quite a few years ago after charting them on graph paper.  I did this mainly for my own enjoyment, though I did lend the rather dog eared charts to some of my students as I was then teaching embroidery in Adult Education classes.  I had a vague notion of maybe doing a more professional job, but though I bought a cross stitch programme for my computer, I only really tinkered with it and never produced a whole chart.  After all where was the market for Welsh samplers?

I started this blog mainly to record what I have learnt about Welsh samplers over the years.  I thought it would be of interest to anyone studying them now or in the future. I also wanted to help to give them an identity because, unless they have some words of Welsh, they just get mixed in with English samplers.

Before I embark on a full chart maybe it would be best to start with a collection of motifs seen regularly on Welsh samplers, perhaps linking them to a particular school or area of Wales?  That would be more in line with the reasons for starting this blog.

I'm thinking on the hoof here as I have just changed from a pc to a Mac so will need a new programme. I would appreciate your feedback on this. 






9 comments:

  1. The samplers are beautiful.

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  2. Oh, l love these samplers. It would be interesting to learn more about them. Since reading your blog, l have learnt a lot. - sandra.

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  3. I love samplers in general and am always looking for new patterns. Although I love the small sampler on the lower left I can understand you wanting to start charting something smaller. What if you charted several designs that could be finished into pin cushions? That is very popular at the moment and might be more marketable than simple motifs. Good luck!

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  4. I would love to stitch a large Welsh Sampler so would be very interested in any you chart.

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  5. I would also love to stitch a bigger Welsh Sampler. I think that there are quite some eager reproduction sampler lovers out there and your work will be appreciated.

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  6. Would love to stitch a Welsh sampler whatever the size

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  7. Your samplers are very bright and colorful. Were the originals as well? I'll look forward to seeing them side by side as you mentioned in your post. They are very sweet!

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  8. The originals were extremely bright Nyla, but some colours have faded over time.

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  9. I certainly hope you do chart them or perhaps ask someone to do them for you, and sell the patterns! I especially like the one on the lower right.

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