Is sampler primitive embroidery or high art!?
Do you what sampler is? Some people believe that it is just primitive embroidery. But actually, it is a combination of embroidered with different stitches and colours pictures referring to the same topic and having a general meaning.
In 14 century samplers were used as biblical and wise sayings, and magic spells. Embroidery could reflect memorable dates, scenes from life, letters. The earliest sampler has survived until modern times dates from 1598. It represents a part of little girl’s costume. In these times samplers were unique personal notes of needlewomen, kind of a handbook where women kept lovely sets of patterns and embroidery styles, different ornaments and colour solution. Craftswomen kept carefully them, passed from generation to generation, and often reminded in wills. The first samplers were made on fabric with width 15–23 cm. Back then, fabric was an expensive privilege so people embroidered almost its entire surface. Samplers had a spotted structure, patterns and stitches were embroidered with threads of different colour, elements were not connected with each other, and sometimes they were on chaotic or very close to each other.
In 17 century, the usage of samples changed. In the Modern era, not only boys, but also girls could study, who were taught the most important things – needlework, the basics of literacy and numeracy. Changes in education and the economy affected naturally embroidery. Girls learnt techniques of different stitches. When embroidering samplers, they used not only cross stitch but satin stitch, chain stitch, Algerian eyelet stitch, Richelieu embroidery, needle lace and etc. In general, there were about 20 different techniques. When the first embroidery schools began to appear in Europe, samplers became a certain document on which needlewomen proved their skills. The patterns on the samplers turned from training into decorative. Such pictures were used as an interior decoration. They were embroidered with family crest, scenes from folklore and even historical events.
In the 18th century, samplers still played an important educational role, but at the same time they acquired more and more artistic features. Borders, text fragments, landscape sketches appeared, and decorative elements were becoming more and more diverse.
Nowadays, samplers have turned from primitive embroidery into full-fledged paintings with a high artistic style.
Features of embroidery samplers
• Certain symbolism is laid in patterns. Different plots are encrypted with their help.
• Different stitches, decorative seams, satin stitch can be used in samplers.
• As a picture, people use animals, plants, ornaments, letters, heraldic signs, architecture building, and people.
• Samplers are classified as primitive embroidery because of using flat and simple patterns. However, some patterns are made in a difficult way.
How to create a sampler?
If you want to create a vintage sampler, it is better to choose linen base and naturally dyed threads. Make up pattern, learn different stitches which you would like to use in your work. Remember that all elements should make a certain plot. Mark the fabric on which you will embroider, otherwise the embroidery may shift. Apply a pattern to the fabric through a carbon paper. Apply a pattern to the fabric through a carbon paper. You can start embroidery. But it is much easier to purchase ready-made kits. So you do not have to search separately for threads, canvas and plot. You will save time and effort. TM PANNA offers more than 10 kits in sampler technique, as follows:
«Family (English)» (арт. CE-7205)
«Christmas Eve» (арт. CE-7153)
«On the Farm» (арт. CE-7144)
«The Cosy Nest» (арт. CE-7056)
«In the Oak Tree» (арт. CE-7066)
«Winter in Your Pocket» (арт. CE-7032)
«Keys» (арт. CE-7053)
«The house where the cat lives» (арт. CE-7054)
«To do before you leave home» (арт. CE-7020)
«Home Sweet Home» (арт. CE-1973)
«Autumn in Your Pocket» (арт. CE-1974)
To order the kits, visit our website panna-stitch.com.
Have a good shopping and creative mood!