Decorating with Primitive Samplers
Samplers were first made starting in the 15th century. As there was no way to print designs and patterns directly on fabric, if a needle worker saw a stitch or design they liked, they would sew it onto a small piece of fabric. At the time, fabric was expensive, so samplers would often be filled with patterns and stitches. The oldest surviving sample was stitched by Jane Bostocke. The sampler has her name and the date 1598 stitched into it. Samplers evolved over time and became more organized rather than just a jumble patterns that the embroiderer wanted to remember.
Around the 17th century, sewers began adding borders to samplers and the alphabet. By the 18th century, samplers were made to show skill and knowledge of the form rather than to simply preserve the stitches. The ability to stitch samplers became a social grace and women were taught to sew samplers from a young age.
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| PRIMITIVE EARLY STYLE REDWORK EVE 1758 SAMPLER REPRO | |
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$12.95 Time Remaining: 35m |
| PRIMITIVE EARLY STYLE BIRTH SAMPLER 1814 REPRO | |
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$12.00 Time Remaining: 36m |
| ENGLISH SAMPLER AND AMERICAN PRIMITIVE SAMPLER. 5x7 machine embroidery designs | |
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$15.99 Time Remaining: 44m |
| SOUTHERN FOLK ART PRIMITIVE COUNTED CROSS STITCH PATTERN | |
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$1.99 Time Remaining: 2h 45m Buy It Now for only: $1.99 |
| Primitive Star "Make Haste" from Handwork Primitives - counted cross stitch | |
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$1.99 Time Remaining: 6h 3m |
| Old Antique Folk Art Watercolor on Fabric Early Frame Primitive Sampler AAFA | |
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$99.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 7h 3m |
Primitive samplers feature a variety of stitches, not just the cross stitch often associated with them. The stitches may be slightly imperfect, adding to the rustic feel of the work. They often feature religious thoughts and sentiments such as Bible verses or moral quotations. Primitive samplers are commonly stitched on linen or other open weave fabrics. Primitive sampler reproductions and primitive samplers by contemporary designers are available to purchase for home decoration. Antique samplers are also available.
Primitive samplers can add a rustic, country feel to your home decor. They are still made by hand and give your decor a unique feel that is so often lacking from mass produced prints and decorations. Samplers vary in size and usually come pre-framed, ready to be hung on the wall or propped up on a table. Primitive samplers can be personalized to your tastes and thoughts and stitched with a quotation or pattern that expresses who you are. Reproduction primitive samplers can be combined with family heirlooms and antiques to give your home a personal, down-home, country feel.