Kits

Hannah and Ellen Wikinson, 1835 to 1841 is beautiful red sampler made by two sisters from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

The stitches used are cross stitch over one and two threads of linen. The sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities.

Note, if full kit (thread+linen+chart) is purchased and shipping is charged. We will refund the difference. We have a limitation on our website. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, chart only or as full kit.

 Full Kit Options:

• Soie 1003 Version: Includes linen +  1 spool of SMS 523, printed chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping in USA)
• Soie Surfine Version: Includes linen +  1 spool of SSS 2523, printed chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles  (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping in USA). We recommend stitching with Soie Surfine when using counts 46ct or higher
• Soie d'Alger 37 Version: Includes linen +  2 skeins of SDF 2645, printed chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping in USA)
• Soie d'Alger 30 Version: Includes linen +  6 skeins of SDF 2645, printed chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles  (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping in USA)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half - Victoria Sponge Cake - 35" x 36  (Recommended linen for using Soie d'Alger)

• 37 ct Fat Quarter of Corn Tassel - 18" x 35"  (Recommended linen for using  Soie d'Alger)

• 38 ct Fat Quarter - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 35"  (Recommended linen for using  Soie 1003 or Soie d'Alger - 1 strand)
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• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5" (Recommended linen for using  Soie 1003)

• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29" (Recommended linen for using Soie Surfine or Soie 1003)

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"The two sisters were born at Wincobank in the parish of Ecclesfield, Sheffield, to James, a farm labourer, and his wife Mary. Hannah was christened on February 24, 1824 and Ellen on November 20, 1827 at the Zion Independent Church in Attercliffe, Yorkshire, England.

Ellen tells us that “Hannah Wilkinson worked this first, second and part of the third Alphabet in the 11th year of her age and died May 12, 1835 aged 11 years and four months.” We believe that Ellen picked up her sister’s needle at the letter “N”.

Rosa Sugars is another beautiful sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers - stitched by a 4 year old!

The project has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads with the exception of the verse which has been worked in cross stitched over one thread.

The project is suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability. 

 Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, printed chart only or as full kit.

Full Kit Options:

Includes linen + 11 spools of Soie 1003 thread, Printed Chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct ~ Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

11 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• 072 ~ Turquoise ~ light

• 079 ~ Avocado green ~ medium

• 080 ~ Drab brown ~ very light

• 089 ~ Mahogany ~ light 

• 148 ~ Yellow beige ~ medium 

• 325 ~ Avocado green ~ light 

• 356 ~ Antique blue ~ medium 

• 410 ~ Antique mauve ~ very dark ~ SMS 375 may be substituted 

• 434 ~ Violet ~ very dark 

• 557 ~ Antique violet ~ medium ~ SMS 439 may be substituted 

• 664 ~ Christmas red

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"What a remarkable child Rosa was. Rosa tells us that she completed her sampler on July 20, a Wednesday, in the year 1881.

We have found Rosa in family history records. She was born in July 1877 at Aspley End in Hertfordshire to Charles and Adelaide (née Sears). In the 1881 census, which was compiled in the April, Charles was noted as a butcher and Rosa, at the age of 3 years, as a scholar. One would have expected a three-year-old to have had no occupation recorded. It was unusual for a child of three to attend school. It is also unusual for a child to stitch a sampler at such a young age! Rosa only turned four in the July of 1881."

Jane Hopkins, 1875 is beautiful sampler filled with florals from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

The reproduction of Jane’s sampler is predominantly worked with cross stitch laid over two threads of linen; the other stitch used is satin stitch. The sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, chart only or as full kit.

 Full Kit Options:

Includes linen + 32 spools of Soie 1003 thread, printed chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Quarter - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 35"
• 45 ct Fat Quarter - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"

• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

32 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 073 Celadon green ~ light - SMS 169 may be substituted
• SMS 147 Beige brown ~ ultra light
• SMS 148 Yellow beige ~ medium
• SMS 152 Olive green ~ very dark
• SMS 210 Blue green ~ very dark
• SMS 241 Straw ~ very dark
• SMS 346 White violet
• SMS 375 Antique mauve ~ very dark
• SMS 376 Antique mauve ~ dark
• SMS 348 Blue violet ~ medium dark
• SMS 390 Navy blue ~ very dark - SMS 289 will be substituted
• SMS 394 Parrot green ~ dark
• SMS 401 Beaver grey ~ light
• SMS 439 Antique violet ~ medium - SMS 557 may be substituted 
• SMS 473 Baby blue
• SMS 474 Lavender ~ pale
• SMS 479 Mocha beige ~ medium
• SMS 480 Antique blue ~ very light
• SMS 494 Salmon
• SMS 499 Garnet
• SMS 517 Desert sand ~ ultra dark
• SMS 525 Copper ~ medium
• SMS 547 Jade green
• SMS 561 Tin
• SMS 592 Coffee brown ~ ultra dark
• SMS 647 Moss green ~ dark
• SMS 666 Cocoa ~ light
• SMS 707 Pine green ~ medium
• SMS 712 Antique blue ~ light
• SMS 740 White tin
• SMS 756 Pistachio green ~ ultra dark
• SMS 779 Christmas red

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Jane’s sampler is certainly one that catches the eye! A young Welsh school girl diligently stitched a sampler that is dominated by a decorative vase overflowing with blooms. You can almost smell the fragrant scent of the Cabbage Roses, also known as Rosa Centifolia, “the hundred petal rose. 

The original sampler was stitched on Penelope canvas with wool thread and is of Welsh origin. Whilst acquired at auction in Carmarthenshire, there is no Jane Hopkins to be found in this Welsh county in the 1871 census. We believe that the young maker was one of four Janes, who ranged in age from 8 to 13 years, that were born and living in the county of Glamorganshire, Wales."

Mary G Ramage is another beautiful and colorful Scottish temperance sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

The project has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads with the exception of the verse which has been worked in cross stitched over one thread.

The project is suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability. 

 Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, chart only or as full kit.

Full Kit Options:

Includes linen + 10 spools of Soie 1003 thread, printed chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

10 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 073 Blue green ~ medium
• SMS 106 Coral ~ dark
  
• SMS 226 Golden brown ~ light
• SMS 271 Emerald green ~ dark
• SMS 303 Golden olive
• SSM 494 Salmon ~ medium
• SMS 524 Garnet ~ very dark
• SMS 605 Turquoise ~ dark
• SMS 616 Golden olive ~ dark
• SMS 647 Moss green ~ dark

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Mary G Ramage is a beautiful and very colourful sampler from the Scottish Borders. Mary was 12 years old when she stitched this sampler in 1891, mainly using cross stitch over 2 threads on approximately 24ct Penelope canvas. She has also included in her sampler a beautiful alphabet stitched using Algerian eyelets over 4 threads, carrying on the tradition of using repeated eyelet stitches to form the letters in an alphabet.

Mary originally stitched her sampler using wool threads which have faded overtime, and some colours on the front of the sampler have changed and become muted and dull. The colour palette was therefore taken from the reverse of the sampler, as these were still so vibrant and fresh. Should Mary happen to gaze down on us while we are stitching, these are the colours she would recognize, and the finished sampler is how Mary intended it to be seen and a true reflection of her own choice of colours and how she used them together.

The verse leads us to think that this may be a Temperance sampler and is taken from Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging and whoever is deceived by it is not wise.” Maybe she stitched this sampler at Sunday School."

Ann Oliver, 1845 is another beautiful sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

The project has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads with the exception of the verse which has been worked in cross stitched over one thread.

The project is suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability. 

 Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, chart only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 15 spools of Soie 1003 thread, printed chart booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles

(Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth - Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

15 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 022 Golden olive ~ light
• SMS 060 Shell pink ~ medium light
• SMS 099 Brown grey ~ very dark
• SMS 137  Terracotta ~ very dark
• SMS 152  Moss green ~ dark
• SMS 205  Coffee brown ~ very dark
• SMS 241  Straw ~ dark
• SMS 274  Avocado green ~ very dark
• SMS 313 Wedgewood ~ very dark
• SMS 425  Hazelnut brown ~ light- Will be substituted with 634
• SMS 621  Grey green ~ light
• SMS 666 Shell grey ~ medium
• SMS 681  Christmas red
• SMS 705 Avocado green ~ dark
• SMS 707 Green grey ~ medium

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"In the eleventh year of her age, Ann Oliver finished her captivating sampler. The more you look at her needlework, the more there is to enchant. The young schoolgirl had a good eye for colour and design.

It is with regret that we were unable to discover some background information about the sampler and its maker. There are many Ann Olivers to be found in family history records, and we were unable to pinpoint our Ann."

Eliza Nisbet is Scottish sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

The project has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads and is rated as suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability. 

 Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, printed chart only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 2 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles + Chart (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

2 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 378 ~ Avocado green ~ very dark

• SMS 681 ~ Christmas red

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"We have failed to find an Eliza Nisbet in the baptismal records of Scotland, which made us to wonder if her given name was Elizabeth. We have found an Elizabeth being born and living in Edinburgh who was 7 years old when the sampler was completed. Unfortunately, we do not know with any certainty if this is the young maker of this vibrant sampler."

Harriet Godhard, 1817 is another delightful sampler from Hands Across the Sea.

The project has been stitched using cross stitch over one and two threads, Algerian eyelets, four-sided stitch and a diagonal stitch over two threads. This sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, printed chart only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 9 spools of Soie 1003 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles + printed chart (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Quarter of Corn Tassel - 18" x 35"
• 38 ct Fat Quarter of Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 35"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth of Foxtail Millet - 17.5" x 18" 
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 kit Includes:

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Harriet tells us that she was 16 years of age when she finished her sampler in the year 1817. Harriet Godhard was born in 1801 and is most likely the Harriet that married William Yeowell on December 10, 1828 in Clewer, Berkshire, England. Harriet’s husband, William, was a Licenced Victualler. He was the landlord of the public house known as “The Sun” (originally the “Rising Sun”) at 24, Windsor Street, Chertsey, Surrey."

Marie Louise Piret 1911 ~ ~ A Little Gem is another cute sampler from Hands Across the Sea.

The sampler has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads and is suitable for needleworkers of all levels of ability.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, printed chart only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 5 spools of Soie 1003 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles + chart (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"
• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth of Foxtail Millet - 17.5" x 18" 
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 kit Includes:

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Marie Louise’s sampler dates from the beginning of the 20th century and is a simple but beautiful example of what school children were expected to produce — work of a very high standard that taught them a skill which would be useful to them as adults, either in their home or to earn a living. Stitching alphabets prepared the young girls to monogram their household linen with their initials.

Whilst the sampler was acquired in England, we believe that the sampler was most probably stitched in France, Belgium, or Germany. Regrettably, we have been unable to find Marie Louise in family history records. We have been hampered by our lack of the Dutch, French, and German language. The surname of Piret is most commonly found in Belgium."

Matilda Swallow, 1820  is the 2021 Queen of the May sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

This sampler is suitable for confident beginners to advanced needleworkers. 

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 38 spools of Soie 1003 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36"
• 45 ct Fat Half of Foxtail Millet - 35" x 36"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 kit Includes:

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Matilda showed great diligence and industry with her needle. The verse she chose for her sampler “The Lord my pasture shall prepare and feed me with a shepherd’s care” is the first verse of the hymn “The Good Shepherd” written by Joseph Addison.

The dominant motif in Matilda’s sampler is the magnificent Temple of Fame nestled between two fruiting trees and guarded by two red lions. The lions symbolise strength, courage, dignity, and pride. Two angels with trumpets signifying that they are the voice of God hover either side of the temple."

Ann Morley is another lovely sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Eleanor's sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. The stitches used are cross stitch over two threads.

**Please note, Sampler Thread Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea

 Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 16 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

16 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 025 ~ Blue green
• SMS 072  ~ Grey green
• SMS 091 ~ Terra cotta ~ ultra very light
• SMS 156 ~ Tan ~ light
• SMS 278 ~ Antique mauve ~ very light
• SMS 295  ~ Red copper
• SMS 451 ~ Grape ~ dark
• SMS 494 ~ Salmon ~ medium
• SMS 523 ~ Salmon ~ very dark
• SMS 524 ~ Garnet ~ dark
• SMS 542 ~ Brown ~ vert light
• SMS 547 ~ Jade ~ medium
• SMS 557 ~ Antique violet ~ medium  ** SMS 439 will be substituted 
• SMS 586 ~ Blue green ~ very dark
• SMS 627 ~ Pewter grey ~ very dark
• SMS 666 ~ Shell grey ~ medium

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Ann worked her delightful sampler when she was just 8 years old. We suspect that Ann’s parents were not affluent, as her sampler was worked on a stiff, coarse linen. It is possible that Ann’s mother wove the linen using a handloom. Ann stitched her sampler with wool using a bright array of colours. She chose a distinctive palette which adds to the overall charm of her sampler."

Minnie Standlake, 1897 is little gem sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Minnie's sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. The stitches used are cross stitch over two threads.

**Please note, Sampler Thread Kit does not include chart.Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit option:

Includes linen + 2 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

2 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• 107 Christmas red

• 703 Antique blue ~ dark

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Minnie’s sweet sampler certainly stood out for us as an example of a child’s needlework. Using only two colours, the twelve-year-old child recorded her alphabet in the upper and lower case, her numbers through 1 to 10, and a verse taken from Exodus 20:12.

 “Honour thy father and mother that thy days may belong upon the land and which the Lord thy God giveth thee”.

Eleanor Steele, 1836 is little gem sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Eleanor's sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. The stitches used are cross stitch over two threads.

**Please note, Sampler Thread Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 8 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

8 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 077 ~ Dusty rose ~ medium
• SMS 079 ~ Grey green ~ light
• SMS 222 ~ Plum ~ medium
• SMS 491 ~ Hunter green ~ dark
• SMS 542 ~ Brown ~ very light
• SMS 557 ~ Antique violet ~ medium ** SMS 439 will be substituted 
• SMS 684 ~ Coral ~ medium
• SMS 779 ~ Christmas red
  

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"We believe that Eleanor was born in Cumbria, the most north-western county in England, bordering onto Scotland. We have found two possible Eleanors in the family history records. One baptised on August 29, 1824 in Saint Bridget Beckernet and the other baptised on July 26, 1823 at Saint Bees. It is possible that the two Eleanors were cousins, as Beckernet and Saint Bees are situated less than five miles apart."

Ellen Martha Whiting, 1879 is colorful, beautiful sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

This sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. The stitches used are cross stitch over 1 and 2 threads and satin stitch together with six straight stitches that form the stamens on the two fuchsia heads.

**Please note, Sampler Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea.**

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 32 spools of Soie 1003 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth of Foxtail Millet - 17.5" x 18" 
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 kit Includes:

• SMS 002 - Grey green ~ very light
• SMS 025 - Blue green
• SMS 048 - Golden olive ~ very dark
• SMS 079 - Avocado green ~ dark
• SMS 080 - Tan ~ very light
• SMS 122 - Shell pink ~ ultra light
• SMS 142 - Old gold ~ very light
• SMS 147 - Tan ~ ultra very light
• SMS 152 - Olive green ~ very dark
• SMS 160 - Peach ~ very light
• SMS 269 - Salmon
• SMS 278 - Salmon ~ light
• SMS 303 - Golden olive ~ very light
• SMS 313 - Wedgewood ~ dark
• SMS 325 - Avocado green ~ light
• SMS 341 - Beige brown ~ very light
• SMS 344 - Desert sand ~ light
• SMS 394 - Forest green ~ medium
• SMS 465 - Beige grey ~ medium
• SMS 474 - Antique violet ~ very light
• SMS 499 - Garnet ~ medium
• SMS 517 - Beige brown ~ light
• SMS 542 - Brown ~ very light
• SMS 572 -Beige grey ~ ultra dark
• SMS 592 - Coffee brown ~ ultra dark
• SMS 646 - Wedgewood ~ light
• SMS 674 - Old gold ~ medium
• SMS 677 - Golden olive
• SMS 681 - Salmon ~ very dark
• SMS 741 - Salmon ~ medium
• SMS 763 - Blue green ~ very light
• SMS Crème - Beige grey ~ light

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Ellen finished her sampler on Monday, February 3, 1879 when she was 12 years old. The day must have been a momentous one, and we can imagine her excitement. Some 142 years later we are very excited to share the reproduction of her sampler with you.

Ellen Martha Whiting was baptised in St Mary’s Church in the village of Colkirk, Norfolk, England on Wednesday, October 9, 1867."

Emily Ann Foster, 1892 is little gem sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Jessie’s sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. The stitches used are cross stitch over two threads.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, printed chart or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 2 spools of Soie 1003 thread, Printed Chart and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

2 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 307 ~ Shell pink ~ light

  SMS 499 ~ Shell pink ~ very dark
  

   

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

""Emily Ann finished her sampler in the year 1892 when she was 11 years old. She recorded that she lived in Weaverthorpe, a village in the south-eastern corner of North Yorkshire. Emily was born in 1881 to George Foster, a farm labourer, and his wife Hannah Summersgill."

Where Flowers Bloom, is another little gem sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

This sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities.

**Please note, Sampler Thread Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 16 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth - Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

16 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 060 ~ Shell pink ~ medium light
• SMS 073 ~ Blue green ~ medium
• SMS 135 ~ Alizarin ~ light
• SMS 152 ~ Moss green
• SMS 209 ~ Blue green ~ very dark
• SMS 217 ~ Desert sand ~ light
• SMS 303 ~ Old gold ~ medium
• SMS 313 ~ Navy blue ~ medium
• SMS 410 ~ Grape ~ very light ~ will be substituted with 375
• SMS 523 ~ Salmon ~ very dark
• SMS 536 ~ Garnet ~ very dark
• SMS 605 ~ Turquoise
• SMS 666 ~ Shell grey ~ medium
• SMS 698 ~ Driftwood ~ dark
• SMS 726 ~ Olive green ~ medium - SMS 199 may be substituted 
• SMS 756 ~ Blue green ~ dark

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"

Where Flowers Bloom is a small design by Nicola that has been inspired by a border found on an antique sampler in her collection and her own garden. Blank graph paper and a chart of an alphabetic and numerical font has been included so that you can personalise your sampler. We hope that you enjoy stitching the sampler and that it will brighten your days."

Amy Fisher 1893, is another sweet sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Amy's sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities.

**Please note, Sampler Thread Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 15 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

15 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 029  ~ Grey green ~ medium
• SMS 031 ~ Yellow beige ~ medium
• SMS 048  ~ Hazelnut brown ~ very dark ~ SMS 455 will be substituted
• SMS 070  ~ Terracotta
• SMS 188  ~ Mocha brown ~ dark
• SMS 199  ~ Olive green ~ medium
• SMS 323  ~ Tan ~ very light
• SMS 344  ~ Terracotta ~ very light
• SMS 376  ~ Antique mauve ~ dark
• SMS 499 ~ Garnet
• SMS 536 ~ Shell pink ~ very dark
• SMS 550 ~ Blue green
• SMS 621 ~ Grey green ~ light
• SMS 707 ~ Pine green ~ medium
• SMS 755  ~ Antique blue ~ dark

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Amy’s sampler has been a joy to reproduce and stitch. The 12-year-old child certainly had a good eye for colour and design. The sampler is a riot of colours, yet harmonious. Amy’s stitching is exquisite, and she has taken great care in the execution of her work."

Mary Lock 1832, is sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

This sampler is suitable for intermediate and advanced needleworkers but is not beyond a confident beginner. The stitches used are cross stitch over 1 and 2 threads and satin stitch.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, chart only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 19 spools of Soie 1003 thread, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36"
• 45 ct Fat Half of Foxtail Millet - 35" x 36"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 kit Includes:

• SMS 072~ Grey green ~ medium
• SMS 093~ Terracotta ~ light
• SMS 148~ Yellow beige ~ medium
• SMS 154~ Tan ~ light
• SMS 176~ Terracotta ~ ultra light
• SMS 217~ Mahogany ~ very light
• SMS 378~ Avocado green ~ dark
• SMS 455~ Hazelnut brown ~ dark
• SMS 517~ Mocha beige ~ dark
• SMS 524~ Dusty rose ~ ultra light
• SMS 621~ Blue green ~ light
• SMS 624~ Mocha brown ~ dark
• SMS 686~ Red copper ~ dark
• SMS 702~ Brown ~ medium
• SMS 705 x 2~ Fern green ~ dark
• SMS 710 ~ Antique blue ~ dark
• SMS 741~ Salmon
• SMS 756~ Black avocado green

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Mary may have been educated at home by a governess or attended a local fee-paying school or even a boarding school. Whether she was taught by a governess or a school mistress, needlework would have played a big part in her education. It was one of the necessary accomplishments a young lady was required to master. It was considered one of the “female arts”, which were important in the preparation for marrying “well” and essential domestic skills needed by the mistress of a household.  At a time when everything was hand-sewn, sewing skills were essential regardless of the family’s financial standing.

Mary’s sampler demonstrates her diligence, and the neat stitching and attention to detail are indicative of her pride and enjoyment in her work. We are fortunate that Mary’s sampler was treasured, first by her and her parents and then by her descendants. Their care of a child’s needlework has ensured that Mary is remembered and celebrated today."

Ruth Bates 1823, is sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

This sampler is suitable for intermediate and advanced needleworkers but is not beyond a confident beginner. The stitches used are cross stitch over 1 and 2 threads and satin stitch.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit with linen.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice, Chart + 23 spools of Soie 1003 thread + 1 skein of SDF 3446 and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"
• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 kit Includes:

• SMS 048
  
• SMS 148
• SMS 156
• SMS 160
• SMS 209
• SMS 211
• SMS 274
• SMS 425 ~ will be substituted with SMS 634
• SMS 455
• SMS 468
• SMS 486
• SMS 492
• SMS 499
• SMS 518
• SMS 550
• SMS 572
• SMS 576
• SMS 580
• SMS 584
• SMS 627 -   Soie d’Alger 3446 will be substituted
• SMS 634
• SMS 705
• SMS 707
• SMS 746

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Ruth’s sampler had so many similarities to Isabella’s that there had to be a connection. We were able to make contact with one of Ruth’s descendants, a medieval archivist who had some information on the family’s history. Ruth was born in Plaistow, London, on August 16, 1815 to Joseph Bates and Esther Bates, née Cartwright."

Jessie Watson 1816, is another sweet sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Jessie’s sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. The stitches used are cross stitch over two threads, eyelet stitch and three satin stitches.

**Please note, Sampler Thread Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 11 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct  Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

11 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 002 ~ Grey green ~ light

  SMS 022 ~ Golden olive

  SMS 031 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ light

  SMS 072 ~ Grey green ~ medium

  SMS 278 ~ Shell pink ~ light

  SMS 378 ~ Avocado green ~ very dark

  SMS 425 ~ Hazelnut brown

  SMS 499 ~ Christmas red ~ dark

  SMS 523 ~ Shell pink ~ dark

  SMS 584 ~ Beige brown ~ dark

  SMS 773 ~ Pewter grey ~ very dark

  
  

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"This delightful sampler stitched on 24ct linen with wool by Jessie Watson charmed us from the first glance. Unfortunately, Jessie did not include a date or a location on her sampler, so we have not been able to identify her in family history records. However, we do know of another sampler that has an almost identical house and heart that was stitched in 1816.

Sometimes when researching a sampler, we have to look to the motifs for clues as to the identity of its young maker. We believe Jessie’s sampler to be Scottish."

Marion B Horsburgh, 1866 ~ A Little Gem is a charming, colorful sampler from Hands Across the Sea.

**Please note, Sampler Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea.**

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 10 spools of Soie 1003 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Corn Tassel - 17.5" x 18"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Russian Tea Cake - 17.5" x 18"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth of Fuller's Teazel - 17.5" x 18"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth of Jersey Cream - 17.5" x 18"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Gothic Ivory - 18" x 29"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

10 spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 100/3 Kit Includes: 

• SMS 039 – Apricot
• SMS 080 – Ecru
• SMS 152 – Olive green
• SMS 354 – Antique mauve ~ very light
• SMS 519 – Brown ~ medium
• SMS 601 – Wedgewood ~ very dark
• SMS 656 – Pistachio green ~ very dark
• SMS 664 – Christmas red
  
• SMS 702 – Mahogany ~ medium
• SMS Noir** – Black ** only one cross stitch is laid with this colour

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Marion’s charming sampler was finished on April 6, 1866 when she was twelve years old. The young girl’s sampler was worked with wool on a ground of approximately 24ct. Contained within a border of plump red strawberries is a delightful cottage flanked by two pine trees with a lawn of luscious green grass. You could imagine the heroine of a fairy tale stumbling across this cottage in a forest glade."

Lilly Thirza Edwards 1887, is another sweet sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Lilly is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities.

**Please note, Sampler Thread Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 5 spools of Soie 1003  thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"

5 Spools of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 Includes:

• SMS 109  ~ Christmas red ~ dark

  SMS 142  ~ Yellow beige ~ light

  SMS 303 ~ Golden olive

  SMS 378  ~ Avocado green ~ very dark

  SMS 710 ~ Grey green ~ very dark

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales. 

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"From family history records we know that Lilly was born to Henry, a railway guard, and his wife Eliza. On September 29, 1878 she was baptised in the town of Bromsgrove in the county of Worcestershire. By the 1881 census return the family can be found living at 21 New Market Terrace, London in the parish of St Pancras.

We know that Lilly stitched her sampler in the year 1887 when she was nearing her eighth birthday.

On June 3, 1905 Lilly married James Henry Thomas at St Paul’s Church in St Pancras. Lilly lived a long life, dying aged 80 on September 16, 1959. We hope that when the 1921 census is released in the forthcoming year that we may be able to add to Lilly’s story."

Cicely Margaret Ingram  ~ A Little Gem is a delightful, cute sampler from Hands Across the Sea. The design is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. 

**Please note, Sampler Kit does not include chart. Purchase is required separately on Hands Across the Sea.**

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 20 spools of Soie 1003 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Quarter of Russian Tea Cake - 18" x 35"
  
• 45 ct Fat Eighth of Jersey Cream - 18" x 17.5"
  
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Gothic Ivory - 18" x 29"

20 spool of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 100/3 Kit Includes: 

• SMS 022 ~ Golden olive ~ dark
• SMS 025 ~ Blue green ~ dark
• SMS 029 ~ Grey green ~ medium
  
• SMS 031 ~ Yellow beige ~ medium
  
• SMS 038 ~ Apricot ~ medium
  
• SMS 073 ~ Blue green ~ light ** SMS 169 will be substituted 
  
• SMS 093 ~ Desert sand
  
• SMS 137 ~ Terracotta ~ very dark
  
• SMS 188 ~ Driftwood ~ dark
  
• SMS 274 ~ Khaki green ~ dark
  
• SMS 293 ~ Orange spice ~ dark
  
• SMS 303 ~ Golden olive
  
• SMS 338 ~ Shell grey ~ medium ** SMS 011 will be substituted
  
• SMS 356 ~ Antique blue ~ medium
  
• SMS 376 ~ Shell pink ~ medium
  
• SMS 542 ~ Brown ~ very light
  
• SMS 557  ~ Antique violet ~ medium
• SMS 580 ~ Khaki green ~ medium
  
• SMS 588 ~ Shell pink ~ light
• SMS 634 ~ Yellow beige ~ dark

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discount or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Cicely recorded on her sampler that she was born on December 17^th, the time period 1877 to 1898, Cobbe Place and her family’s motto “Magnanimus Esto”, which translates as “be great of mind”. These were some exciting clues that we were able to follow through in our quest to discover Cicely’s story."

Ann Castle is a delightful, cute sampler from Hands Across the Sea. The design is suitable for intermediate and advanced needleworkers but is not beyond a determined beginner. 

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 20 spools of Soie 1003 thread, Printed Chart and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth of Manuscript Vellum - 18" x 29"

20 spool of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 100/3 Kit Includes: 

• SMS 031 - Old gold ~ medium
• SMS 072 - Grey green ~ medium
• SMS 129 - Mocha brown ~ dark
• SMS 135 - Terracotta ~ light
• SMS 148 - Yellow Beige ~ medium
• SMS 197 - Brown grey ~ medium
• SMS 211 - Tan – ultra very light
• SMS 217 - Mahogany ~ ultra very light
• SMS 378 - Green grey ~ dark
• SMS 492 - Old gold ~ very dark
• SMS 517 - Hazelnut brown ~ dark
• SMS 550 - Blue green ~ dark
• SMS 562 - Yellow Beige ~ light
• SMS 603 - Beige grey ~ dark
• SMS 616 - Golden olive ~ dark
• SMS 621 - Blue green ~ light
• SMS 644 - Salmon ~ very dark
• SMS 712 - Grey green ~ light
• SMS 718 - Green grey
• SMS 756 - Blue green ~ very dark

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts or sales.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

“A 19th century needlework Sampler by Ann Castle, dated 1811, 45cm x 32cm, (the owners grandparents believe the image of the house in the sampler is that of Holly Cottage, 18 High Street, Wargrave, Berkshire. Ann Castle lived in the cottage which formed part of the estate of the local manor house, the (owners) grandparents lived in the house as both were in service at the local manor house, one as a chauffeur and the other as a housemaid. They continued to live at Holly Cottage after their retirement and it is possible that the sampler was in Holly Cottage while they lived there and was subsequently gifted to them at some point. While the sampler shows three upstairs windows you can see from the photo with the sampler that the middle window was bricked up during the Georgian period to avoid the window tax”.