Notions: Reading Between the Stitches

On the surface, samples and samplers are a window into historic needlework techniques. But they also provide tantalizing bits of information about their makers. Without the existence of these textiles, the lives of the girls who created them might have gone unnoted, as most historic paperwork documented only men’s lives.

Craft a throw based on a sampler from the Brooklyn Museum.

Often, samplers seem to hint at a mysterious backstory. Was the knitter adding every stitch pattern she could to her ever-growing knitting roll in anticipation of a move to a faraway place? Was a child from a poor background toiling away at darning stitches in the hope of employment? Was the lacemaker creating a collection of stitches so that traditional techniques would not be lost?

In these pages, discover the stories some samplers have to tell. Laurann Gilbertson presents sprang, a little-known thread manipulation technique that Scandinavian immigrants brought to the United States and Canada. And Lynne Anderson introduces us to the world of Mexican samplers, including the story of one refined young lady and her handiwork.

Elisabeth Baty puts a new spin on the Queen Stitch with her silk embroidery.

If you make any of the beautiful projects in this issue, please remember to include a tag or card with as much information as possible about not only the item but also yourself. A future admirer will appreciate the insight into the pattern, materials, and maker.

Happy stitching!

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