Simply Samplers

Welcome to my Simply Samplers Page!
I hope to provide you here with some useful information about samplers, and some links to other sampler resources, all collected for you "from the remotest parts of Christendom" with much "industrie"!

A Sampling of Activities: Samplers are becoming more and more popular; there are now a number of Sampler Guilds and stitching groups you may join, and many specialist sampler classes and courses to attend. Check out this listing of what is available...

Sampler Bookcase: A diverse and ever increasing sampling of books from around the world various subjects, including the history of samplers, sampler design, and instructions on working specialist sampler stitches. Many of the books include complete charts, or have graphs of individual motifs for you to work from. Some general needlework books are included.

Sampler Greetings Cards: Send a surprise virtual sampler greetings card to a fellow stitching enthusiast! No need of pen and paper or a stamp, just choose your virtual card, type in your message and a couple of e-mail addresses, and press the button to send it. If you have a design that would make a suitable card, please let me know!

Sampler History: Take a look at the history of samplers through the ages, and investigate the different styles and techniques used in their construction at different periods of time.

Sampler Links: Stitching samplers has always had a universal appeal, and this is reflected in this international list of sampler sites and resources.

Sampler Resources: Delve into a stitching paradise of sampler designs and specialist sampler suppliers and resources; everything you could ever need for your stitching basket is hopefully listed here!

Sampler Showcase: Many museums and stately homes have a stunning array of samplers on display. The Samplers Showcase page offers information on places to visit to see permanent sampler displays and special sampler exhibitions in the UK and Europe.

Spotlight on Samplers: Wander through the Spotlight at your leisure, and focus on a selection of samplers in greater detail, including:

the Brontë sisters' samplers
the Chieveley Sampler,
and my prize winning "Barnaby's Rainbow Sampler"
the Three Ships sampler

If you are spoilt for choice, the Sampler Spotlight will pick one at random for you.

Sampler Motifs: Many of the motifs and symbols used on samplers have a special meaning, and sometimes a very interesting story behind them. Learn more about this fascinating subject here.

Site Search: In addition to this general index page, there is available a "Site Search Engine" to help you locate more detailed information on these pages.

Web Board: currently out of action due to server move (18/03/2001) Quite a number of sampler enquiries come my way, some of which I am not able to help with. I have set up a "Web Board" so that anyone with a query can place it an an open forum. I hope that this will prove a useful resource.

Dozy Rosy's Home Page: And if what you have sampled here whets your appetite for more, please visit my home page to see what else I have on offer!!