Many antique and old samplers have been dedicated to Adam & Eve and the Tree of Life. Caroline Reeves stitched her sampler in 1830, probably in Pennsylvania, and Becky deVries-Wong owns this sampler in her private collection of antique needleworks. Becky is also one of the two owners of “In The Company of Friends”, together with Julie Buck. I asked Becky and Julie permission to create something inspired by their set, obviously reproducing some motives, even though .....

This design has an old fashioned look and it is a tribute to various Italian stitches. The middle band, stitched in blue, is a floral band of Assisi work. Assisi work is characterized by stylized flowers and animals created by void spaces within a background worked in cross stitch. The peacock, worked with a medallion on the left top, signifies "eternal life".

This piece includes motifs from old samplers and represent hope (birdcage), playfulness (butterflies) and youth (flowers). Threads are bright and include shades of green and pink and give a special new life to old symbolism. It is also a teaching piece for special stitches and it is very easy and quick to realize.

Dedicated to a special Christmas time with our family. A softly shaded band sampler with a few drawn threads sections. This project was awarded the first prize a Caron Collection on-line contest. A chart with alphabet and numbers is given to update and personalize the sampler.

Inspired by old English Samplers, this design matches with the old fashioned look of the pillow. An enclosed alphabet chart will enable stitchers to personalize the design.