Kits

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:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice, Printed Chart + 2 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice, Printed Chart + 3 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Eighth  - Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 17.5"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"

 Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Includes:

• 946 ~ Shell pink ~ very dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)

  2946 ~ Shell pink ~ light 

  
  

***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 includes linen of choice + 16 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Eighth  - Victoria Sponge Cake - 17.5" x 18"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"

 Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Includes:

• SDF 1011 ~ Desert sand ~ light
  
• SDF 1414 ~ Navy blue ~ medium
• SDF 1723 ~ Turquoise
• SDF 1841 ~ Blue green ~ medium
• SDF 1845 ~ Blue green ~ dark
• SDF 1846 ~ Blue green ~ very dark
• SDF 2144 ~ Moss green
• SDF 2223 ~ Olive green ~ medium
• SDF 2234 ~ Old gold ~ medium
• SDF 2634 ~ Alizarin ~ light
• SDF 2645 ~ Salmon ~ very dark
• SDF 2926 ~ Garnet ~ very dark
• SDF 3345 ~ Driftwood ~ dark
• SDF 3413 ~ Shell grey ~ medium
• SDF 4622 ~ Shell pink ~ medium light
• SDF 4636 ~ Grape ~ very light 
• 
  

  
  

**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."

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:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 15 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 18 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Quarter  - Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 35"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"

 Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Includes:

• SDF 944  ~ Garnet (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 1736 ~ Antique blue ~ dark
• SDF 2224 ~ Olive green ~ medium
• SDF 2643~ Terracotta
• SDF 2757 ~ Grey green ~ medium (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2758 ~ Blue green
• SDF 2913 ~ Terracotta ~ very light
• SDF 2926 ~ Shell pink ~ very dark
• SDF 3346 ~ Mocha brown ~ dark
• SDF 3724 ~ Pine green ~ medium
• SDF 4242  ~ Yellow beige ~ medium (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 4246 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ very dark
• SDF 4511 ~ Tan ~ very light
• SDF 4645 ~ Antique mauve ~ dark
• SDF 5382 ~ Grey green ~ light
  

   

  
  

  
  

***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, printed chart only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 19 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 28 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 28 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Victoria Sponge Cake - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Russian Tea Cake  - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger kit Includes:

• SDF 1746 ~ Antique blue ~ dark  (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
  
• SDF 2242 ~ Yellow beige ~ medium
  
• SDF 2626 ~ Red copper ~ dark
• SDF 2633 ~ Terracotta ~ light
• SDF 2912 ~ Terracotta ~ ultra light
• SDF 2914 ~ Salmon
• SDF 3026 ~ Dusty rose ~ ultra light
• SDF 3725 x 2 ~ Fern green ~ dark  (5 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3726 ~ Black avocado green
• SDF 3735 ~ Avocado green ~ dark  (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3812 ~ Tan ~ light  (3 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 4114 ~ Mocha beige ~ dark
• SDF 4246 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ dark
• SDF 4536 ~ Mocha brown ~ dark
• SDF 4541 ~ Mahogany ~ very light  (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 4545 ~ Brown ~ medium
• SDF 5022 ~ Blue green ~ light
• SDF 5384 ~ Grey green ~ medium  (2 skeins for 30 ct version)

***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, chart only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice, Chart + 26 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice, Chart + 34 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Pecan Shortbread -35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 1745 (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2543
• SDF 2757
• SDF 2911
• SDF 3195
• SDF 3424 (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3446 (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3724 x 2 (3 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3725 (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3733
• SDF 3734 (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3745
• SDF 3823
• SDF 3835
• SDF 4245
• SDF 4246
• SDF 4523
• SDF 4524
• SDF 4534
• SDF 4624 (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 4625
• SDF 5025
• SDF F09
• SDF F11 x 2 (3 skeins for 30 ct version)

***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:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 11 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 14 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Quarter  - Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 35"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"

 Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Includes:

• SDF 525 ~ Golden olive

  SDF 2925 ~ Christmas red ~ dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)

  SDF 3195 ~ Beige brown ~ dark

  SDF 3446 ~ Pewter grey ~ very dark

  SDF 3735 ~ Avocado green ~ very dark  (3 skeins for 30 ct version)

  SDF 4242 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ light

  SDF 4622 ~ Shell pink ~ light

  SDF 4623 ~ Shell pink ~ dark

  SDF 5382 ~ Grey green ~ light

  SDF 5384 ~ Grey green ~ medium

  SDF F09 ~ Hazelnut brown

  
  

***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 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Eighth of Victoria Sponge Cake - 17.5" x 18"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Corn Tassel - 17.5" x 18"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Russian Tea Cake - 17.5" x 18"
  

10 skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

• SDF 913 – Apricot
  
• SDF 944 – Christmas red
• SDF 2144 – Olive green
• SDF 1446 – Wedgewood ~ very dark
• SDF 1836 – Pistachio green ~ very dark
• SDF 4526 – Brown ~ medium
• SDF 4545 – Mahogany ~ medium
• SDF 4644 – Antique mauve ~ very light
• SDF F1 – Ecru
• SDF 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 of choice + 5 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Eighth of Pecan Shortbread - 17.5" x 18"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Corn Tassel - 17.5" x 18"
  

5 skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 524  ~ Golden olive
• SDF 1746 ~ Grey green ~ very dark
• SDF 3735 ~ Avocado green ~ very dark
• SDF 4624 ~ Christmas red ~ dark 
• SDF F22  ~ Yellow beige ~ light

***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 + 19 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Quarter of Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Quarter  of Russian Tea Cake - 18" x 35"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

• SDF 524 ~ Golden olive
  
• SDF 1434 ~ Antique blue ~ medium
  
• SDF 2146 ~ Khaki green ~ dark
  
• SDF 2625 ~ Orange spice ~ dark
  
• SDF 2643 ~ Apricot ~ medium
  
• SDF 2646 ~ Terracotta ~ very dark
  
• SDF 2757 ~ Grey green ~ medium
  
• SDF 3346 ~ Driftwood ~ dark
• SDF 3413 ~ Shell grey ~ medium
  
• SDF 3425 ~ Blue green ~ dark
  
• SDF 3742 ~ Yellow beige ~ dark
  
• SDF 3826 ~ Brown ~ very light
  
• SDF 3834 ~ Khaki green ~ medium
  
• SDF 4242 ~ Yellow beige ~ medium
  
• SDF 4644 ~ Shell pink ~ light
  
• SDF 4645 ~ Shell pink ~ medium
  
• SDF 5022 ~ Blue green ~ light
  
• SDF 5114 ~ Antique violet ~ medium
  
• SDF S4153 ~ Desert sand
  

***Please note, this item is excluded from any discounts 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 lovely 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:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 26 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 36 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Pecan Shortbread - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

• SDF 1814 - Blue green ~ light 
  
• SDF 2242 x 2 - Yellow Beige ~ medium (3 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2633 - Terracotta ~ light
• SDF 2644 x 2 - Salmon ~ very dark (4 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2756 - Grey green ~ light
• SDF 3424 - Brown grey ~ medium (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3425 - Blue green ~ dark
• SDF 3426 - Blue green ~ very dark
• SDF 3714 x 2 - Green grey (4 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3716 - Green grey ~ dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3745 - Golden olive ~ dark
• SDF 3746 - Mocha brown ~ dark
• SDF 3814 - Old gold ~ medium (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3834 - Beige grey ~ dark
• SDF 4245 - Old gold ~ very dark
• SDF 4525 x 2 - Hazelnut brown ~ dark (3 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 4541 - Mahogany ~ ultra very light
• SDF 5384 - Grey green ~ medium
• SDF F10 - Tan – ultra very light (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF F22 x 2 - Yellow Beige ~ light (3 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SMS 517 - Hazelnut -brown dark - Included in 37 ct version for verse

***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”.

Ann Webb, 1829  ~ A Little Gem is a delightful, cute sampler from Hands Across the Sea.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 17 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 26 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Victoria Sponge Cake - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Russian Tea Cake - 35" x 36"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

• SDF 525 ~ Golden olive ~ dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
  
• SDF 1716 ~ Antique blue ~ very dark
• SDF 2225 x 2 ~ Olive green ~ very dark (4 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2242 ~ Old gold ~ light
• SDF 2756 ~ Grey green ~ light (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2914 ~ Salmon ~ medium
• SDF 2915 ~ Salmon ~ dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2916 ~ Salmon ~ very dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2931 ~ Salmon ~ light
• SDF 2943 ~ Salmon
• SDF 3733 ~ Khaki green ~ medium
• SDF 3741 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ light
• SDF 3812 ~ Tan ~ very light (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3821~ Tan ~ ultra very light
• SDF 4246 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ very dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 4534 ~ Beige brown ~ medium

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"At only nine years of age Ann finished her delightful sampler. The young girl chose a delicious palette, she had a good eye selecting very soft yet colourful threads. She diligently worked at her sampler covering her linen with an assortment of motifs including two billy goats. 

The verse she carefully stitched is the first of the nine Beatitudes of Matthew 5:3. “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. We do not know if Ann was rich or poor in spirit, with the passing of time all that remains today is her childhood needlework."

Amelia Jane Chandler, 1862 ~ A Little Gem is the another in a series of “Little Gems” from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. This sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities and would make an ideal “starter” project for those wishing to explore samplers.

**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:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 4 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 7 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Quarter of Pecan Shortbread - 17.5" x 35"
• 37 ct Fat Quarter of Corkscrew Willow - 17.5" by 35"
• 38 ct Fat Quarter of Wayfarer's Cloak - 17.5" x 35" 

4 skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 945 x 2 ~ Christmas Red  (3 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3724 x 2 ~ Pine green ~ medium  (4 skeins for 30 ct version)

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Amelia Jane was baptised on May 22, 1842 in St Nicholas, Compton, Surrey. She had been born in the hamlet of Binscombe to Henry and Jane Chandler. In the 1851 census return the family can be found living at Hookley Lane in the village of Compton. Henry was listed as a gamekeeper.

In the 1861 census Amelia Jane can be found as a nursemaid at the Sun Inn and Brewery at Bridge Street in the historic market town of Godalming. The inn and brewery were owned by a widow, Emma Smeed, and it is probable that Amelia Jane cared for her employer’s four-year-old daughter Alice."

The Alexanders of Lintrathen, 1829 ~ A Little Gem is delightful sampler from Hands Across the Sea.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only OR as full kit.

Full Kit options:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 20 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads, Printed Chart and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 25 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads, Printed Chart and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Pecan Shortbread - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Corn Tassel - 17.5" x 18"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Russian Tea Cake - 17.5" x 18"

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"In the 1851 census, Jean Alexander can be found living with her sister Mary. She is listed as a handloom weaver of linen. Handloom weaving was a family business; the trade being handed down through the generations. It is possible that the linen the sampler was stitched on was woven by an Alexander. Whilst the 1851 census contains the last official mention of Jean Alexander, the survival of the sampler she stitched as a child is her lasting legacy. Her sampler is a primary historical source document in its own right."

Anna Sophia Brcham, 1871 is a lovely sampler from Hands Across the Sea. This beautiful sampler has been reproduced with a palette of twenty-six colours from Au Ver à Soie’s range of Soie 100.3. 

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

Kit Options : 

Full Kit options:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 27 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 38 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

 Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Pecan Shortbread - 35" x 36"
  
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel -35" x 36"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

• SDF 934 ~ Carnation ~ medium
• SDF 1711 ~ Antique blue ~ ultra very (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 1713 ~ Antique blue ~ light
• SDF 1714 ~ Antique blue ~ medium (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 1753 ~ Straw ~ very dark (3 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2136 ~ Hunter green ~ very dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2145 ~ Olive green ~ very dark
• SDF 2245 ~ Topaz ~ dark
• SDF 2912 ~ Shell pink ~ very light
• SDF 2915 ~ Salmon ~ dark
• SDF 2925 ~ Garnet (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 2926 ~ Garnet ~ dark
• SDF 3416 ~ Beaver grey ~ ultra dark
• SDF 3726 ~ Fern green ~ dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 3736 ~ Khaki green ~ dark
• SDF 3821 ~ Old gold ~ very light
• SDF 3833 x 2 ~ Mustard (4 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 4214 ~ Golden brown ~ dark
• SDF 4526 ~ Mocha beige ~ dark
• SDF 4622 ~ Shell pink ~ light
• SDF 4623 ~ Dusty rose ~ ultra dark
• SDF 4625 ~ Garnet ~ very dark (2 skeins for 30 ct version)
• SDF 5381 ~ Grey green ~ very light
• SDF 5384 ~ Grey green ~ medium
• SDF 5386 ~ Turquoise ~ very dark
• SDF F18 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ light (2 skeins for 30 ct version)

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

“Anna Sophia was 13 years old when she stitched her sampler. At age 22, in 1880, she can be found living at 20 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park, London and marrying Frederick Charles Bishop. Anna Sophia and Frederick, together with their 3-month-old daughter Alice Maria, were recorded in the 1881 census as living at 149 Cromwell Road, Kensington. Frederick, at only 25, is listed as a butler, a prestigious role within the domestic servants’ hierarchy for one so young.

Anna Sophia and Frederick were to have one more child, a son called Charles Frederick, born in 1883. Anna Sophia passed away in 1884 aged just 26. She died in Norfolk, possibly she and the children had returned to her parents whilst ill.

The 1891 census finds Frederick in Chelsea, London, as the butler to the very wealthy Francis William Lowther and in charge of a large household staff."

Ann Borrett, 1646 is another little gem sampler from Hands Across the Sea. Ann’s beautiful band sampler is highly decorative and even though  she “rovght” her sampler three hundred and seventy-four years ago, the colours are still intense today. 

Ann stitched her sampler over 3 threads of linen with stitches that are reversible. If you prefer, your sampler could be executed over 2 threads.

Kit Options : 

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

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 15 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)  - Free Shipping included

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Pecan Shortbread - 35" x 36" 
• 37 ct Fat Quarter of Corn Tassel - 18" x 35"
  

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger:

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"The first two bands of Ann’s sampler also appear in the band sampler stitched by Jeane Vally in 1646. Jeane’s sampler is in the Goodhart Collection at Montecute House and is featured in the book “The Goodhart Collection” on page 88.

Band samplers were the traditional “test pieces” worked by young girls. Ann’s sampler or “sam cloth” is a visual catalogue of stitches and comprises of neat rows of patterns that are suitable for repeating motifs to adorn garments and household items. The alphabet at the bottom of Ann’s sampler and her inscription demonstrate her ability to mark household linen."

Emma Lavinia Crocker 1825 is another little gem sampler from Hands Across the Sea. This sampler is the Reproduction version of the samplers.  The sampler has been rated as suitable for confident beginners through to advanced needleworkers.

**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:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 18 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 26 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

 Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Victoria Sponge Cake - 35" x 36"
  
• 30 ct Fat Half of Pecan Shortbread - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel -35" x 36"
• 38 ct Fat Half of Russian Tea Cake- 35" x 36"

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

“Emma recorded that she finished her sampler on July 16, 1825. The 16th was a Saturday, and this has given us reason to consider that the sampler was wrought under the guidance of her mother rather than a school or Sunday school teacher.

Emma’s sampler is an amazing achievement for a girl of barely 9 years of age."

Mary Ann Diaper, 1826 is a sampler from Hands Across the Sea - at only at only eight years of age, finished her sampler in the year 1826. Mary Ann’s sampler has been rated as suitable for confident beginners through to advanced needleworkers.

**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 + 28 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Victoria Sponge Cake - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel -35" x 36"
  

28 skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes: 

• SDF 934  ~ Christmas red ~ light
• SDF 1713  ~ Antique blue ~ light
• SDF 2623 ~ Orange spice ~ light
• SDF 2626 ~ Red copper ~ dark
• SDF 2756 ~ Grey green ~ light
• SDF 2922 ~ Christmas red
• SDF 3022 ~ Dusty rose
• SDF 3025 ~ Dusty rose ~ ultra very dark
• SDF 3222 ~ Pewter ~ very light
• SDF 3414 ~ Shell grey ~ dark
• SDF 3744 ~ Golden olive ~ very dark
• SDF 3831 ~ Drab brown ~ very light
• SDF 3833 ~ Drab brown ~ light
• SDF 3834 x 3  ~ Drab brown
• SDF 3835  ~ Brown grey ~ dark
• SDF 3836  ~ Brown grey ~ very dark
• SDF 4241 ~ Tawny ~ light
• SDF 4513  ~ Tan
• SDF 4525 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ dark
• SDF 4624 ~ Garnet
• SDF 4631 ~ Mauve ~ light
• SDF F05 ~ Tan ~ultra very light
• SDF F09 ~ Hazelnut brown ~ light
• SDF Noir  x 2 ~ Black
• SDF Optique ~ Winter white

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

“The longest road out is the shortest road home”

Who can resist a red house sampler? Jane’s colourful sampler glows with good cheer. Contained within a stylised red carnation border is a delightful scene of a sturdy redbrick house surrounded by urns of fruit, four birds and auriculas. The parkland abounds with deer, two small dogs and an aristocratic cat with tail held high. The three chimneys, with smoke billowing, create a feeling of “home is where the hearth is” and adds to the overall feeling of warmth the sampler conveys.

Jane stitched the number four in 1840 backwards. Writing numbers backwards (mirror-writing) is not unusual for young children, it is how their brain processes what they see.

Jane Hardy c 1840~ A Little Gem is cute colorful sampler and is the 9th in a series of Little Gems 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 + 13 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Quarter of Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 35"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Russian Tea Cake - 17.5" by 18"

13 skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 100/3 Kit Includes: 

• SDF 524 x 2  - Golden olive
• SDF 1434   -  Antique blue ~ medium
• SDF 1835   -  Forest green ~ dark
• SDF  2543  -  Straw ~ light
• SDF  2643  -  Apricot ~ medium
• SDF 2645 x 2 -  Salmon ~ very dark
• SDF 3734   -  Khaki green ~ dark
• SDF  3823  - Tan ~ light
• SDF  5113  -  Antique violet ~ medium
• SDF 5384  -  Blue green ~ medium
• SDF S3390   -  Desert sand ~ light

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

“The longest road out is the shortest road home”

Who can resist a red house sampler? Jane’s colourful sampler glows with good cheer. Contained within a stylised red carnation border is a delightful scene of a sturdy redbrick house surrounded by urns of fruit, four birds and auriculas. The parkland abounds with deer, two small dogs and an aristocratic cat with tail held high. The three chimneys, with smoke billowing, create a feeling of “home is where the hearth is” and adds to the overall feeling of warmth the sampler conveys.

Jane stitched the number four in 1840 backwards. Writing numbers backwards (mirror-writing) is not unusual for young children, it is how their brain processes what they see.

Agnes Husband 1862, is another sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

Agnes is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities and would make an ideal “starter” project for those wishing to explore samplers.

**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 of choice + 3 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"
• 30 ct Fat Quarter - Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 35"

3 Skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 2645 ~ Salmon - very dark
• SDF 3446 ~ Pewter grey – very dark
• SDF 3724** ~ Pine green - medium

**SDF 3724 may be substituted with SDF 3723

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Agnes’ sweet sampler is worked mainly in red and green, and follows the Scottish practice of recording family initials. Three sets of initials are stitched with black thread which indicated that those relatives were deceased. We have found Agnes in family history records and the pdf download includes information about her and her family."

Mary Woodward c 1820~ A Little Gem. is cute miniature sampler and is the 8th in a series of Little Gems 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 + 9 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Legacy Linen Corn Tassel - 17.5" x 18"
  
• 30 ct Fat Eighth of Victoria Sponge Cake - 17.5" x 18"

9 Skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 942 ~ Christmas red
  
• SDF 1814 ~ Blue green ~ light
• SDF 2232 ~ Straw ~ light
• SDF 2757 ~ Grey green ~ medium
• SDF 2926 ~ Shell pink ~ very dark
• SDF 2932 ~ Salmon ~ medium
• SDF 3026 ~ Raspberry ~ very dark
• SDF 3446 ~ Pewter grey ~ very dark
• SDF 3735 ~ Green grey ~ dark
  
  
  

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Mary Woodward is certainly the smallest sampler Hands Across the Sea Samplers have reproduced, yet she has oodles of appeal and all the elements, in miniature, of a school girl sampler.

A strawberry border undulates around an array of baskets filled with pretty flowers; butterflies and birds complete the charming scene. The motifs and colours Mary chose to stitch her sampler with work in harmony, recreating the froth of planting and rainbow of colours we see in a quintessential English cottage garden."

M E Metcalfe ~ A Little Gem  is the 7th in a series of “Little Gems” from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. This sampler is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities and would make an ideal “starter” project for those wishing to explore samplers.

**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 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Legacy Linen Corn Tassel - 17.5" x 18"
  
• 30 ct Fat Eighth - Legacy Linen Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 17.5"

10 Skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 136 ~ Turquoise ~ very dark
• SDF 543 ~ Straw
• SDF 616 ~ Copper ~ medium
• SDF 1315 ~ Violet ~ dark
• SDF 2614 ~ Golden brown ~ medium
• SDF 2926 ~ Garnet ~ very dark
• SDF 2935 ~ Rose ~ very deep
• SDF 4645 ~ Antique mauve ~ dark
• SDF 5024 ~ Blue green ~ dark
• SDF 5384 ~ Turquoise ~ light

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Where flowers bloom so does beauty”

 Is this sweetest of Little Gems a Mary or a Mabel? Unfortunately, we will never know as the young needleworker never recorded their full name. They may even be a Matthew or Martin!"

Mary Carter 1712 ~ the 2020 Queen of the May  is another sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

By the time Mary was taught needlework, the need to learn a great variety of stitches and complex traditional patterns had reduced. In the 1700s embroidered costumes and furnishings were replaced by extravagant woven and printed fabrics. In this century the format of English samplers was evolving, reflecting the changing perception of their purpose.

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit with linen

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice + 32 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half - Legacy Linen Pecan Shortbread - 35" x 36"
  
• 37 ct Fat Half - Legacy Linen Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half - Legacy Linen Corkscrew Willow - 35" x 36" 

32 skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 542 x 3 ~ Topaz ~ light
• SDF 1811 x 1 ~ Sky blue ~ very light
• SDF 2145 x 6 ~ Moss green
• SDF 2223 x 4 ~ Moss green ~ medium light
• SDF 3045 x 6 ~ Plum ~ dar
• SDF 3812 x 4 ~ Tan ~ very light
• SDF 5384 x 4 ~ Peacock blue ~ light
• SDF F07 x 4 ~ Off white

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Mary’s sampler was worked in the traditional bands of the 1600s on a long and narrow piece of linen. She used several reversible stitches, all exquisitely executed with skilled hands. However, we do not believe that her aim was to embroider a reversible sampler. The reverse of her sampler is extremely neat; Mary had pride in her work. There are no knotted starts and all her tail ends are neatly buried but her threads are visibly carried."

Jane Harth 1868~ A Little Gem is the 7th in a series of “Little Gems” from Hands Across the Sea Samplers.

**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 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Quarter - Legacy Linen Pecan Shortbread - 17" x 35"
  
• 37 ct Fat Quarter - Legacy Linen Corn Tassel - 18" x 35"

20 Skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 126 - Peacock blue ~ very dark
• 2 Skeins of SDF 236 - Emerald green ~ very dark
• SDF 524 - Golden olive
• SDF 942 - Christmas red
• SDF 1026 - Rose ~ very dark
• SDF 1314 - Violet
• SDF 1814 - Blue green ~ light
• SDF 2125 - Moss green ~ dark
• SDF 2224 - Olive green ~ medium
• SDF 2232 - Straw ~ light
• SDF 2533 - Straw ~ dark
• SDF 2643 - Coral
• SDF 2914 - Salmon
• SDF 2926 - Shell pink ~ very dark
• SDF 3336 - Violet ~ very dark
• SDF 4122 - Brown ~ medium
• SDF 5116 - Grape ~ very light
• SDF 5384 - Blue green ~ medium
• SDF F6 - Off white
  

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Who was this little girl? Jane offers us very few clues in her sampler other than her name and a year.

The General Records Office holds over 260 million records, yet we are unable to find a birth having been registered for Jane Harth!

We do find a Jane Harth born in around the year 1854 recorded in the 1871 census working as one of two servants in the household of George Shepherd, a retired grocer, and his adult son. This Jane was born in Tetney, Lincolnshire. If this was our Jane, then she would have stitched her sampler when she was 14 years old. We would not expect a humble servant to have remained in school until this age.

There is a recorded sampler stitched by Margaret Spender in 1810 that features the same distinctive vase with carnations either side of a tulip. Whilst this is much faded, it is unmistakably the same motif that Jane stitched 58 years later."

Ann Matthews~ A Little Gem  is the 6th in a series of “Little Gems” from Hands Across the Sea Samplers.

**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 + 19 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Legacy Linen Corn Tassel - 17.5" x 18"
• 30 ct Fat Quarter - Legacy Linen Pecan Shortbread - 17" x 35"
• 30 ct Fat Quarter - Legacy Linen Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 35"

19 Skeins of Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger Kit Includes:

• SDF 165 – Navy blue ~ very dark
• SDF 523 – Golden olive ~ light
• SDF 622 – Straw ~ light
• SDF 1753 – Straw ~ dark
• SDF 1836 – Hunter green ~ very dark
• 2 Skeins of SDF 2135 – Parrot green ~ very dark
• SDF 2625 – Burnt orange ~ dark
• SDF 2915 – Salmon ~ dark
• 2 Skeins of SDF 2923 – Christmas red
• SDF 3334 – Antique violet ~ light
• SDF 3343 – Beaver grey ~ light
• SDF 3715 – Khaki green ~ medium
• SDF 4112 – Desert sand ~ very light
• SDF 4132 – Coffee brown ~ ultra dark
• SDF 4545 – Brown ~ light
• SDF 5381 – Sky blue ~ very light
• SDF F09 – Hazelnut brown ~ light

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Ann is a beautiful little Welsh sampler worked with a palette of bright colours that pop out from the linen. The sampler is framed by a simple but very effective border using sumptuous red and duck egg blue silks, and she continues to use some very vibrant colour combinations.

Ann lived in Glamorgan, South Wales and was born in 1849 in Aberavon near Port Talbot, which is just a few miles from Margam Church which she depicts. She tells us that she was 10 years old when she stitched her sampler in 1859. The earliest reference to Ann is from the census taken in 1851, where she is living near Margam with her father David, her brothers Morgan and John, and her sister Margaret. Her father is a widower, and his parents are living with the family, presumably to help look after the children, of which Ann at 2 years old is the youngest. Her father’s occupation is a collier (miner), and the area she lives in is dominated by coal and copper mining. 

There is no record of Ann’s mother or when and how she died. The living conditions in the towns and villages were very hard, and diseases such as cholera and typhus were commonplace."