Hands Across the Sea Kit

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"
• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 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."

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."

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"
• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 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."

Hannah Campbell Ballypallady 1838 is a beautiful sampler from Hands Across the Sea. 

The sampler has been rated as suitable for intermediate and advanced needleworkers. However, it is not beyond a determined beginner.

The stitches used are cross stitches laid over one and two threads of linen. Hannah also used Algerian eyelets and rice 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 + 18 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads, 1 spool of Accentuate Metallic, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 21 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads, 1 spool of Accentuate Metallic, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 28 Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Victoria Sponge Cake - 35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"
• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36"

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

• 1016 x 1 ~ Christmas red (2 skeins for 30 ct)
• 1434 x 1 ~ Antique blue
• 2643 x 1 ~ Coral
• 2916 x 1 ~ Salmon dark
• 2932 x 1 ~ Salmon medium
• 3045 x 1 ~ Plum
• 3344 x 1 ~ Beige grey
• 3413 x 1 ~ Driftwood
• 3433 x 1 ~ Beige brown
• 3446 x 1 ~ Pewter grey (2 skeins for 30 ct)
• 3725 x 1 ~ Green grey
• 3734 x 2 ~ Khaki green  (3 skeins for 30 ct)
• 3846 x 1 ~ Beaver grey
• 4512 x 1 ~ Hazelnut brown
• 4645 x 1 ~ Antique mauve
• 5382 x 1 ~ Grey green
• F14 x 1 ~ Drab brown

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

Emily Wildhack, 1874 is a beautiful historical sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

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 with linen.

Full Kit options:

Includes linen + 13 spools of Soie 1003  thread, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles + Free Shipping  (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Quarter - Russian Tea Cake - 18" x 35"
• 37 ct Fat Quarter - Corn Tassel - 18" x 35"
• 45 ct Fat Eighth - Foxtail Millet - 17.5" x 18"
• 53/63 ct Fat Eighth Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29"
• 53/63 ct  Fat Eighth Gothic Ivory - 18" x 29"

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

• SMS 031 ~ Yellow beige ~ medium
  
• SMS 079 ~ Avocado green ~ medium
  
• SMS 080 ~ Cream
  
• SMS 108 ~ Fern green
  
• SMS 170 ~ Beaver grey ~ medium
  
• SMS 188 ~ Driftwood ~ dark
  
• SMS 375 ~ Garnet ~ very dark
  
• SMS 378 ~ Avocado green ~ dark
• SMS 486 ~ Antique blue ~ medium
• SMS 494 ~ Salmon ~ medium
• SMS 523 ~ Salmon ~ very dark
• SMS 557 ~ Antique violet ~ medium
• SMS 580 ~ Khaki green ~ medium

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Emily’s needlework has been reproduced using the slightly mellowed colours found on the front of her sampler. The ten-year-old child used wool and 20ct Penelope canvas to create an elegant sampler that gracefully flows from row to row. Her sampler contains elements that are reminiscent of the artwork on Roman Catholic prayer cards. Emily recorded that she completed her pretty sampler on November 18, 1874 at the Convent of Mercy in Chelsea.

Emily Augustine Marie Wildhack was born on April 13, 1864 in Chelsea, London, to Robert Andrew Frederick Wildhack and Marie Josephine Arcolier. Robert, a courier, was born in Vienna and became a naturalised British subject; Marie was born in Belgium. They married on August 31, 1847 in London. Emily was named after a sister who died in 1860 before reaching her first birthday."

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 + 4 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 + 12 skeins of Soie d'Alger thread, Printed Chart Booklet 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"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Russian Tea Cake - 35" x 36"

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:

"Sophia recorded on her sampler “Nailsea 1804”. Whilst there is no record of a Quaker school in Nailsea, it is possible that Sophia was a pupil boarding at Sidcot and recorded “Nailsea” as the location of her home rather than that of the school.

Sophia married Mark May, a farmer, on April 8, 1816. Mary, their first of eight children, was baptised the following February. The family can be found in the census returns at Mays Green in the village of Puxton. Mark died in 1867 and Sophia two years later in 1869, just before her 80^th birthday."

Ruth Gibb is another beautiful little sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. 

The project has been stitched using cross stitch over two threads with one color.

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

Kit Options : 

Choice of purchasing thread only, Printed Chart Booklet or as full kit.

Full Kit Options:

Includes linen of choice + 1 skein of Soie d'Alger thread, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

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.

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Eighth  - Victoria Sponge Cake - 18" x 17.5"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Corn Tassel - 18" x 17.5"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Russian Tea Cake - 18" x 17.5"
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"

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

SDF 2646

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"Ruth Gibb is a very sweet little sampler stitched entirely in cross stitch over 2 threads and using only one colour – a rich, deep red, which concentrates the eye. The stitches pop out from the linen like jewels.

The lacy border frames the alphabets which are stitched in a very pretty font. The capital letter alphabet has an anomaly in the sequence of letters. The line ends with V X, and the W Y Z are stitched below. Either this was an error by Ruth, or it seems more likely to be by design, as the number of stitches needed to stitch the W would make it too big for the space at the end of the row. Perhaps she stitched the border first and then realised it wouldn’t fit and improvised. We’ll never know, but you can decide which way you think it was."

Tom's Foolery is another little gem 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. 

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

Choice of purchasing thread only or as full kit.

Full Kit options:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 25 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 + 27 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"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"

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

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"The original sampler was stitched in wool, and the background was entirely stitched in cross stitch. We have not filled in the background, instead we used a linen of a similar colour to the colour used by the child.

We believe that the sampler is Welsh, although we have nothing other than instinct to make this assumption. We are fairly certain that it was stitched by a child. The back of the sampler is a tangle of carried threads, ginormous knots and long loose ends!"

Jane Surtees, 1811 is a lovely sampler from Hands Across the Sea.

Kit Options : 

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

Full Kit option:

Includes linen + 9 spools of Soie 1003  thread, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles + Free Shipping  (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

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

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

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"In the family history records there are several possible Janes all from the great northern counties of England. The North of England or “Up North”, as anyone south of the Midlands calls it, has a distinct feel from “Down South”; it is an area that inspires. It has a stunning landscape filled with ancient castles, unspoilt beaches, rolling hills, attractive dales, rugged moorland, peatlands, tumbling upland rivers, and a cultural heritage all of its own. 

Jane was born when Great Britain was ruled by the Hanoverians. By 1811, George III had reigned for some 51 years. The verse Jane chose to painstakingly stitch on her sampler seems so apt for George’s life."

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."

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 spools of Soie 100/3 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Corn Tassel - 17.5" by 18"
• 38 ct Fat Eighth of Fuller's Teazel - 17.5" x 18" 
• 45 ct Fat Eighth of Foxtail Millet - 17.5" x 18"
• 53/63 Fat Eighth of Sycamore Seed Pod - 18" x 29.5"

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

• SMS 025 ~ Blue green ~ dark
• SMS 072 ~ Turquoise ~ light
• SMS 232 ~ Golden brown ~ medium
• SMS 290 ~ Turquoise ~ very dark
• SMS 376 ~ Antique mauve ~ dark
• SMS 434 ~ Violet ~ dark
• SMS 499 ~ Rose ~ very deep
• SMS 524 ~ Garnet ~ very dark
• SMS 674 ~ Straw
• SMS 686 ~ Copper ~ medium

***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 Ann Groom, 1876 is a beautiful historical Sampler from Hands Across the Sea

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

The sampler is stitched with cross stitch over two threads of linen with a satin stitch sawtooth border that encloses the verse.

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

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice, Chart Booklet +  Soie d'Alger or Soie 1003 threads (+Free Shipping). 

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Eighth  - Victoria Sponge Cake -17.5" x 18" ~ Recommended for Soie d'Alger Threads only 

• 37 ct Fat Eighth - Russian Tea Cake -17.5" x 18" ~ Recommended for both Soie d'Alger and Soie 1003 threads

• • 45 ct Fat Eighth -Jersey Cream - 17.5" x 18" ~ Recommended for Soie 1003 Threads 

• • 48 ct Fat Eighth - Bride Cake - 17.5" x 18" ~ Recommended for Soie 1003 Threads 

Thread Options:

 Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger kit includes 6 skeins. Recommended linen for this thread is 38 ct or lower.

• SDF 1422
• SDF 2144
• SDF 2533
• SDF 3415
• SDF 4624
• SDF 5413

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 includes 6 spools.

Recommended linen for this thread is 37 ct or higher.

• SMS 072
• SMS 109
• SMS 149
• SMS 152
• SMS 188
• SMS 416 - will be substituted with 382

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

About the Sampler from the Designer

"We are delighted to present to you this sweet sampler that was worked by Mary Ann Groom in the year 1876 when she was ten years old. We particularly liked the border that frames the young maker’s stitching. Mary Ann worked with a limited palette, yet she has created a colourful sampler with some very pretty motifs.

Although Mary Ann did not record her age or location on the sampler, her granddaughter Jackie carefully noted on the reverse of the frame that

“This was done by my grandmother, mother of Robert Edward Wesley Whitbread, my Dad. Bless him”

Jackie also included her name, address and telephone number. We telephoned Jackie, and she told us that she had inherited the sampler and only sold it when she downsized. Jackie knew very little about her grandparents as they were never talked about. She believed they had died when her father was a child.

Mary Ann was born on April 24, 1866 in Tebworth, a hamlet located in Central Bedfordshire. Her parents were Thomas Groom, a labourer, and his wife Charlotte. She was baptised in the Methodist church in Toddington.

The 1891 census return records that as a young woman Mary Ann worked as a straw-hat maker."

Margaret Entwistle, 1854 is a delightful english sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers and is the sister sampler of Charlotte Entwistle.

The design is suitable for needleworkers of all abilities. The stitches used are cross stitch over 2 threads of linen and can be stitched on Aida, Linaida, or linen.

Kit Options : 

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

Full Kit option:

Includes linen + 21 spools of Soie 1003  thread, Printed Chart Booklet and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles + Free Shipping  (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 - Jersey Cream - 18" x 17.5"
• 53/63 ct  Fat Eighth - Gothic Ivory - 18" x 29"

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

• SMS 025 ~ Blue green
  
• SMS 080 ~ Ecru
  
• SMS 129 ~ Golden olive
  
• SMS 155 ~ Tan
  
• SMS 209 ~ Blue green dark
  
• SMS 218 ~ Cocoa
  
• SMS 244 ~ Coral ~ will be substituted with SMS 039
  
• SMS 303 ~ Old gold
  
• SMS 335 ~ Terracotta
  
• SMS 465 ~ Green grey ~ will be substituted with SMS 108
  
• SMS 474 ~ Antique violet
  
• SMS 481 ~ Driftwood
  
• SMS 536 ~ Shell pink
  
• SMS 616 ~ Golden olive dark
  
• SMS 681 ~ Christmas red
  
• SMS 702 ~ Golden brown
  
• SMS 710 ~ Grey green dark
  
• SMS 712 ~ Grey green light
  
• SMS 741 ~ Salmon
  
• SMS 768 ~ Navy Blue medium
  
• SMS Noir ~ Black

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

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

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)
• 
  

• 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”.

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."

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:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 40 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)
• 30 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 53 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase + Free Shipping)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half of Victoria Sponge Cake -35" x 36"
• 37 ct Fat Half of Corn Tassel - 35" x 36"
• 38 ct Fat Half of Fuller's Teazel - 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:

"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."

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 of choice + 8 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"
  
• 38 ct Fat Eighth - Fuller's Teazel - 18" x 17.5"

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

• SDF 923 ~ Coral ~ medium
  SDF 943 ~ Christmas red
  SDF 2135 ~ Hunter green ~ dark
  SDF 2943 ~ Dusty rose ~ medium
  SDF 3045 ~ Plum ~ medium
  SDF 3826 ~ Brown ~ very light
  SDF 5113 ~ Antique violet ~ medium
  SDF 5382 ~ Grey green ~ light
  
  

***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."

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."

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”.

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:

Includes linen of choice + 3 spools of Soie 100/3 thread and 2 Tapestry Size 10 Beading Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 37 ct Fat Quarter of Corkscrew Willow - 17.5" by 35"
  
• 38 ct Fat Quarter of Wayfarer's Cloak - 17.5" x 35" 
• 45 ct Fat Eighth of Woven Sedge - 17.5" x 18"
• 53/63 Fat Eighth of Sand Castle - 18" x 29.5"

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

• SMS 499 ~ Christmas Red
• SMS 707 x 2 ~ Pine green ~ medium

***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."

Thy Love Divine~ A Little Gem is another vibrant sampler in a series of Little Gems from Hands Across the Sea.

About the Sampler from Nicola Parkman:

"The sampler, designed and stitched by Nicola as a Valentine’s Day gift for her husband, has been inspired by samplers in her private collection. Nicola chose colours that are taken from her husband’s favourite shirt. The focus of the sampler is the sentiment:

Thy love divine that made me thine

Will keep me thine forever"

**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:

Full Kit options:

• 37 ct option for 1 strand: Includes linen of choice + 9 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)
• 30 ct - 34 ct option for 2 strands : Includes linen of choice + 10 skeins of Soie d'Alger threads and 2 Tapestry Size 26 Needles (Gift with Purchase)

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Quarter of Parisian Grey - 18" x 35"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Cloudburst  - 17.5" by 18"
• 37 ct Fat Eighth of Russian Tea Cake - 17.5" by 18"

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

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

Attention customers, conversion to 1003 is only provided if you purchase the thread kit. Purchase of chart only will not provide conversion to Soie 1003. 

Elizabeth Weston is an elegant and beautiful large sampler from Hands Across the Sea.

Elizabeth executed her beautiful sampler in cross stitch over 1 and 2 threads, satin stitch and 4 elongated lazy daisy stitches. 

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

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

Full Kit options:

Includes linen of choice, Chart Booklet +  Soie d'Alger or Soie 1003 threads (+Free Shipping). 

Linen Choices:

• 30 ct Fat Half - Victoria Sponge Cake -35" x 36" ~ Recommended for Soie d'Alger Threads only  
• 37 ct Fat Half Corn Tassel - 35" x 36" ~ Recommended for both Soie d'Alger and Soie 1003 threads
• 38 ct Fat Half - Fuller's Teazel - 35" x 36" ~ Recommended for both Soie d'Alger and Soie 1003 threads
• 45 ct Fat Half -Foxtail Millet - 35" x 36" ~ Recommended for Soie 1003 Threads 
  

Thread Options:

Au Ver a Soie®, Soie d'Alger - 37 ct version includes 34 skeins. Recommended linen for this thread is 38 ct or lower.

 Au Ver a Soie®, Soie 1003 includes 24 spools. Recommended linen for this thread is 37 ct or higher.

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

About the Sampler from the Designer

"When Elizabeth’s sampler first arrived, we were so excited by her gentle beauty. The sampler had probably been hung, for some time, in a position where dappled sunshine fell across the linen. Rather than detract, the faded elegance has added to her beauty. From the back of Elizabeth’s sampler, and three others from the same school that are in the collection of Hands Across the Sea Samplers, we know that these samplers originally burst with vibrant colours. We chose to replicate the time mellowed colours on the front, with occasional help from the back. The soft pinks, creams and olives of today are a delight for the eye.

Elizabeth made good use of her linen choosing many beautiful motifs to fill her sampler. There are three sections contained within a meandering vine which is heavily laden with a profusion of violas, star flowers and snowdrops.  In the top section flanked by baskets and urns filled with a profusion of flowers and fruit is one of our favourite verses ~ “Next unto God Dear Parents I address …….”

This verse was very popular with school girls to stitch on their samplers. It first appeared in 1695 in an educational manual entitled “The Young Man’s Companion: Or, Arithmetick Made Easy” by William Mather.  The book was an encyclopaedia of “practical lessons and useful information applicable to many professions and was intended for the use of both the schoolmaster and the self taught”....."