Wednesday, September 25, 2013

A Trio of Samplers

A couple of weeks ago I picked up my Anne Maria Clarke sampler (The Essamplaire) from my framer.  Anne Maria is now hanging in my family room surrounded by her "sampler sisters".


Since completing Anne Maria, I've returned to stitching on models.  First was my reproduction of Elizabeth Wood's 1822 sampler.  I mentioned in an earlier blog post that Elizabeth's border has an unusual shape, an octagon.  I've debated how to best frame her:  Do I simply put her in a regular frame?  If so, do I mat her in such a way to draw attention to the octagon border?  Or do I have an octagon-shaped frame made?  I'm leaning toward the latter because that is how the original antique was framed.


Over the past couple of weeks, I've been working on a new original design sampler.  Hopefully, in another week or two, I'll have it completed.  For now, I'll tell you that there are lots of flowers in the border and also a satin-stitched sawtooth inner border.

I hope you'll like these new designs.

4 comments:

Colleen said...

Gorgeous samplers! I think a mat (or two!) in the shape of the octagon would set it off. Beautiful work:)

Margaret said...

Ok, I love your new model!!! So gorgeous! I like the idea of an octagonal frame. i wonder how hard that is to do. Your Ann Maria Clarke is beautiful too. Looking forward to seeing your other new piece.

Barb said...

Both of the samplers are beautiful. I love red houses so I have to stitch Elizabeth Wood's 1822 sampler!I can't wait to see your new design.

Annette-California said...

Congrats on Elizabeth Woods! She's a gorgeous sampler. LOVE the shape of her border and all the reds. Beautiful frame you selected for stunning Anne Maria sampler.
So exciting Ellen. love Annette