A bit about samplers...

Needlework samplers tell us much about our social history.

Many of the samplers were stitched by school children as young as seven and eight years old. The magnificent sampler stitched above by Alice Smith was stitched by a nine year old. In contrast, the Almshouse sampler shown below was stitched by a 34 year old. Almshouses provided shelter for the infirm or destitute and the building on the sampler is most likely a depiction of this home.   Her plea to God that she stitched on the sampler pulls at our heartstrings, "O Lord hear me for I am poor and needy." 

Victorian Rose has a collection of 350+ needlework samplers and it continues to grow. Of those we have reproduced 24 thus far for needlework enthusiasts to recreate with their own needle. These reproductions can be found at many cross stitch shops and online at victorianroseneedleartsshoppe.com. We will have themed rotating exhibits for the public to enjoy free of charge. We are currently working on establishing a place to hold the exhibits and will let you know in the near future. Appointments are highly recommended.