This is a complex piece of counted embroidery not suitable for the novice
I am very grateful to my dear friend Lucy Evans, who owns this remarkable piece of history and has allowed me to examine it in minute detail. I will never forget the day she went to the unlocked boot of her car and took out the framed sampler which was amongst three other priceless pieces of counted embroidery that had been in her family for years. Originally stitched in 1693, Sarah’s sampler has been charted for us by CSG member Jane Napier. She has included all the errors and inconsistencies as seen on the original sampler, so do feel free to adjust the design if you wish. Personally, I love it as it is!
Stitch Count: 178 x 445 Work out the design size
Design Size
To work out the design size (or the stitched area) you need to divide the stitch count by the number of stitches to the inch (2.5cm) on the fabric. You then add enough fabric to this measurement to allow for framing etc. If a stitch count is not shown on any design, you will need to count across the design and down the design, which will give you the stitch count.
Example: 140 stitches divided by 14 (Aida) = 10 inches
If working on evenweave fabric, remember that you generally work over two fabric threads, thus 28-count linen is also 14-count when doing the sum. I suggest adding 5 inches to the design size on a project to make sure you have an adequate margin for mounting and framing. Obviously you can adapt this amount when working a small card of lid top.
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