OUCH!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011




Look at the nails!!! Are you framing your samplers like this? I certainly hope not.

Mary Evans worked hard on this lovely sampler only to have it nailed to a board. Luckily it was backed with muslin. I think the muslin has saved it from major damage.


The last time we attended Heart of Country in Nashville I picked up this one. Mary Evans finished it October 20, 1830. That was 181 years ago. I bet Mary skipped around the room when this was completed!


Mary Evans will be the featured sampler in a cross stitch book released in April or May. Her sampler was chosen because of the wonderful three baskets she stitched.

Mistress Mary, Quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With Silver Bells, And Cockle Shells,
And baskets in a row.

I don't mean to imply that Mary Evans was contrary. If you judge her by her sampler, she was a very good girl indeed.

Until later dear friends,

Alma

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27 comments

  1. JoyJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    A framer's nightmare! Can't wait to see a new sampler. Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

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  2. MargaretJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Oh wow! She looks so pretty! Bummer about the framing method used on her. But you've saved her! Can't wait for the new book!

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  3. the striped roseJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Looks very interesting! Oh, the torture for that poor sampler!

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Alma, you're temtping us! It will be a lovely book. Your books are always so well put together. Something to look forward to for sure.
    Angie

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  5. A.B.January 26, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Mary would be proud to see what you will do with her sampler.....and I'll be anxious to see your new releases.
    I love flower baskets!

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  6. Annie BeezJanuary 26, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Wow! I can't wait to see what you all come up with with this wonderful sampler as inspiration!

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  7. LeilaJanuary 26, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    I can't wait for the new book! What fun!!!

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  8. LindaJanuary 26, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    What an amazing stitch...so glad it has endured all these years. Looking forward to the new book and seeing what this wonderful piece inspires.

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  9. CariJanuary 26, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Love the sampler and the fact that you have saved her!! I'll be on the list for your newest book. Hugs and happy stitching Alma.

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  10. SilviaJanuary 26, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    carissima

    il sampler è bellissimo

    aspetto con impazienza il libro

    un abbraccio forte dall'italia

    silvia

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  11. Tempus fugitJanuary 26, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    What a good news ! Love it ;-)

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    I have several old family samplers and they are all framed on wood! What else would have held them securely? It is amazing that they survive such treatment and aren't we lucky when they do???

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  13. NancyJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    A beautiful new booklet to look forward to! This is a wonderful sampler, and the stitches look so tiny. I wonder who nailed it - someone Mary knew or someone much later on.

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  14. GiovannaJanuary 26, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Look forward to the new book - what a beautiful sampler!

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  15. AnnaJanuary 26, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    I swore I wasn't coming back here after ordering sourdough starter and a bostform...but I can't help myself...the sample is such a treasure!

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  16. CynJanuary 26, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Looks beautiful!

    Or at least what you are sharing with us so far. :-)

    Looking forward to seeing the new book.

    Cynthia

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  17. TanyaJanuary 26, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Thank goodness you rescued the sampler. I will be looking forward to your new book and seeing the sampler.

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  18. GloriaJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    I hope Mary Evans can see how much enjoyment her Sampler has given and is still giving to so many people and will continue to give. What a wonderful find and how precious.

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  19. HollyXSingJanuary 27, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    My sister's name is Mary Evans! I will eagerly wait for the publishing of this sampler! She is also an avid gardener! A must stitch! Thank-you for sharing the good news!

    Holly in VA

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  20. Little Welsh Quilts and other traditionsJanuary 27, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Welcome to the Mary Evans Sampler Collection Club! I live in Wales and my grandmother's name was Mary Evans and I have a small collection of Mary Evans samplers - all quite different. Not one like yours though!

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  21. Roberta January 27, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    I don't know much about old samplers, but it's amazing to me how well the colors hold up in some of them over time. Looks like a beautiful design. I'm looking forward to seeing your new book.
    ~Roberta

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  22. Cathy LloydJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Oh boy! Can't wait til April or May! Still waiting for Nashville! You two are so fabulous!

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  23. Cathy BJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Can't wait for your new book Alma. Mary stitched a beautiful sampler; I'm glad you saved it from further despair!

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  24. CandaceJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    How wonderful that you were able to save Mary's precious work and eventually give it new life when you reproduce it! Mary would have been proud! I can't tell you how many items from my grandparents that were ruined by nails and whatnot - little did they know they would become treasures well past their time!
    Cheers!

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  25. LeliaJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Fun to skip around the room with needlework finishes.

    Thx for sharing

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  26. GingerJanuary 29, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Oh Alma!
    Next time you want to "sneak" off to Round Top - could you plan to come teach here at the shop????
    Oh boy!
    Ginger at Ginger's in Austin

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  27. NataliaJanuary 30, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Aren't you glad about all the conservation methods we have today? Hopefully in 150 or 200 years when somebody looks at our work, it won't be so damaged :-). I look forward to the new book..

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