MH 1656 - Reproduction Sampler Pattern by Hands Across the Sea Samplers

Hands Across the Sea Samplers are proud to present to you, a beautiful reversible band sampler from the private collection of Nicola Parkman. The sampler was a gift from Nicola’s husband who knows his wife well and that antique needlework, and in particular band samplers, are his “girl’s best friend”!

The 1600’s is regarded as the golden age of band sampler making, and the sampler that MH finished nearly 400 years ago on May 23rd, 1656 is one of those very special pieces. She is a beautiful example of reverse stitching.

Thread Legend

This beautiful reversible band sampler has been reproduced with Au Ver à Soie d’Alger silks based on the vibrant colours found on the reverse of the sampler today. The skein quantities have been calculated based on 1 strand on 46ct fabric. We have included a DMC conversion and a conversion for 100/3 as an extra option for those stitchers using higher count linens. Additionally, we have provided below floss usage by the inch. We have not specified a particular brand or colour of linen. However, the original sampler was executed on uneven linen that is closest in colour to the DMC shades 3045/167. The original sampler is approximately 5.25” x 36”.

Soie d’Alger / 100.3 / DMC                                                                                            

F07 / 080 / 746 x 1            407 inches         Off white

3932 / 088 / 3770 x 1         238 inches       Tawny – very light

2632 / 323 / 3771 x 1         204 inches        Terra cotta – ultra very light

2633 / 093 / 3778 x 1          373 inches       Terra cotta – light

921 / 134 / 3824 x 1              30 inches       Apricot – light

922 / 344 / 352 x 1                82 inches        Coral – light

2625 / 682 / 920 x 1           378 inches       Copper – medium

945 / 499 / 816 x 1                39 inches       Garnet

2523 / 281 / 307 x 1           223 inches       Lemon

2543 / 149 / 744 x 1              93 inches      Lemon – pale

4245 / 492 / 680 x 1             48 inches      Old gold – dark

4525 / 702 / 167 x 1                 6 inches      Yellow beige – very dark

2224 / 022 / 733 x 1            142 inches        Olive green – medium

2134 / 647 / 3346 x 1       1052 inches       Hunter green

1826 / 549 / 561 x 1              38 inches       Jade – very dark

3721 / 465 / 369 x 1               15 inches      Pistachio green – very light

3724 / 707 / 3363 x 1           315 inches     Pine green – medium

1811 / 621 / 928 x 1                33 inches     Grey green – very light

5382 / 002 / 927 x 1            221 inches      Grey green – light

1744 / 605 / 597 x 1             246 inches      Turquoise

1444 / 646 / 3760 x 1           172 inches     Wedgewood

1446 / 313 / 311 x 1               165 inches     Navy blue – medium

LINEN SIZES

The design/graphed area (2 threads per square) is 130 (w) x 929 (h). Our calculations have included a 3” margin for finishing and framing.

32ct – Design: 8.13″ x 58.06″ Fabric: 14.13″ x 64.06″

36ct – Design: 7.22″ x 51.61″ Fabric: 13.22″ x 57.61″

40ct – Design: 6.5″ x 46.45″ Fabric: 12.5″ x 52.45″

46ct – Design: 5.65″ x 40.39″ Fabric: 11.65″ x 46.39″