This small Dutch sampler was originally stitched in wool and measures 12.5’’ / 12’’.

Mina did not include her age, but judging from the simple, candid motifs, she must have been quite young. You will notice that she had difficulty stitching some letters. Letters V and W, initially stitched with errors, are both repeated. One would assume she was asked to stitch them again.

In addition to the alphabet, as was often the practice in the Netherlands, Mina included many initials, probably those of her parents, grandparents and other family members. Motifs included in the sampler such as animals, flowers and fruit baskets, were popular patterns of the time.

There is however one fun and specific motif typical of Dutch samplers: the Epiphany Star.

In the Netherlands, even today, on the day of Epiphany, children dressed as kings carry a star on the end of a staff, a symbol of the star of Bethlehem which the Three Kings followed to find Jesus. Thus dressed, they go door to door singing and receive candies.

The original Sampler (last photo) was worked on 40ct fabric, using wool thread, while the reproduction sampler is worked in cotton. If you would rather use wool like the original, a wool color palette is also available.

Stitch Count: 158w x 147h
Linen: Newcastle 40 Count, Colour: Light Mocha
Thread: Charted for Gentle Art/ Classic Colorworks & DMC - 21 colours.