ANONYMOUS - The Scarlet Letter

The original sampler consists of nine horizontal pattern bands stitched primarily in double running stitch as well as back, straight, cross, counted satin and eyelet stitches, each pattern band a different color.

Although the sampler bears no date, it is fairly easy to pin down by comparing the linen, silk and stitch characteristics with thousands of similar pieces of the seventeenth century that survive in museums and private collections. Before 1620 the reversible double running stitch was commonly used to embellish the ends of sleeves, cloaks and cuffs: areas where both sides might show. Later on the use of this stitch succumbed to newer embroidery fashions which suggests that the original sampler was made in the first half of the century, although it is not unusual to find archaic motifs and devices on later samplers, even as late as the nineteenth century.

Later band samplers began to include a whole spectrum of colors and a greater variety of stitches giving more texture and depth to the designs and leading the way to the development of the sampler in the eighteenth century as an artistic and pictorial exercise. Earlier band samplers, such as this one, were often limited in their color scheme.

Typically they were intensely stitched as linen was usually imported and quite expensive.

On 40 count linen the reproduction will be almost the same size as the original: 8″x 18 ½”. The project is recommended for any level of skill.

Domestic (all Australian States and Territories):
- Orders under A$30.00: A$5.50 (Envelope)
- Orders A$30.00 - A$79.99: A$12.65 (Standard)
- Orders A$80.00 and over: A$16.15 (Express)
- Express shipping is also available as an option on any order, for a flat A$16.15, regardless of order value.

International Shipping:
We ship internationally by airmail to select countries.

For more information on shipping please refer here.

For our full Returns Policy, refer here.

When purchasing from The Crewel Gobelin please review your order carefully as we do not refund or exchange if you have a change of mind about your purchase. To protect the interests of our designers, exchange or refund is not available on books, charts and kits. This also applies to custom finished items, special orders and fabric cut to your specifications, these items cannot be returned unless there is a fault in the product.

Special orders once placed cannot be changed. You will be asked to provide a deposit if you wish us to order any items especially for you. If you change your mind and decide not to go ahead with the order the deposit is non-refundable.

If a product is faulty, please return it to us along with your docket within 14 days of purchase for a full refund or replacement. There are no returns or exchange on discounted and sale goods. If items have been marked down due to an imperfection it will be identified as such.