Marking samplers or school girl samplers as they are commonly called were usually the first piece of embroidery taught to young girls as part of their schooling. Marking samplers are usually comprised of letters in the alphabet and numbers. These letters and numbers were used to "mark" the clothing and linen in the household once the child grew up and married or went into household service. In addition to the numbers and the letters, you usually found the name and more times than not the age of the young stitcher. Some of the ones in my collection even have the school embroidered on the piece.

Over time I plan to reproduce a number of the marking samplers in my collection in hopes that others will appreciate their simple beauty. And that those who are just starting to enjoy samplers will enjoy starting where our sisters before us did as a way to get started stitching samplers.

Diane aka Thai Di

NOTE:  These samplers are for the personal enjoyment of the stitcher. They may NOT be kitted, sold or taught without the written permission of Sampler Cove.