Barb Adams and Alma Allen of Blackbird Designs have joined with the Spencer Museum of Art to share historical schoolgirl samplers with the cross stitchers of today. There is much to admire when perusing these lovely examples of needlework. Figures stroll through gardens of enormous flowers, baskets can be as large as a house and blossoms almost as big as a person can float through the sky. Still the casual observer strolling through the garden feels that all is right with the world … it is folk art at its best! You will find examples of samplers spanning the years of 1710 – 1841. Barb and Alma include nine projects to stitch based on these wonderful works of art that were crafted by children so long ago.

Sampler Size 8-2/3" x 9"

Design Size 171W x 183H.

Finished Size 5-3/4" x 4-1/4".

Sampler Size 7" x 6"

An on-line Blackbird Designs favorite!

Sewing Bag 8" x 7-1/2" Pin Cushion 5" x 4"

Sampler Size 4-1/4" x 6-1/2"

Counted Cross Stitch

Counted Cross Stitch

My Gift Sampler 8-1/2" x 6" Alphabet Sampler 5-3/8" x 6-1/2"

Eleven projects in a whimsical collection of pincushions, needlebooks and pockets.

Sampler Size 6-7/8" x 9-7/8"

A New Year is time to celebrate the season of new beginnings. This little sampler will remind you to make a toast to cherished friends, family and lovely moments in your life. Finished Size 15" x 5-1/3" when stitched on 30 count.

Counted Cross Stitch

Sampler Size 6-1/2" x 8"

Counted Cross Stitch

A book of eight cross stitch designs.

Sampler Size 4-3/4" " x 2-1/4"