SS Harris, Heart in Hand Sampler - Antique Sampler Reproduction

Model: 40 count Hemingway Linen by Needle and Flax Alternate Linen: Old Stationery by Seraphim

Thread:  Gentle Art, Classic Colorworks, Weeks Dye Works

Stitch Count: 246 wide x 262 high      

Design Size:  12.3 inches wide x 13.1 inches high

Original:  17 inches x 17 inches wide, 15 stitches to the inch, cotton thread on 30 count linen

Stitches used: cross stich over two only

About the Sampler: SS Harris is Sarah Sylyina Harris who stitched her sampler in the thirteenth year of her life. With no year and no place provided it is difficult to find out more about her. What we do know from the way she carried her thread and misspelled a word or two, perhaps even her middle name, is that she was not so serious about perfection. The whimsical motifs, including the heart in hand motifs, not commonly seen on samplers, bright colors and plentiful pots of flowers on her sampler make it clear Sarah had a bright spirit, despite the somewhat dreary verse common to the times. We hope she indeed met her man and found love, happiness and a long life.
 
Sarah Sylyina Harris is my name.                            My morn of life is hastning fast
And so I mean it shall remain.                                  My spring will soon be oer
Til I can find a likely man                                         And soon the night of death will come
Then I will change it if I can.                                    When I can work no more.
 
                             Made by SS Harris in the 13^th Year of her Age.
 
An alphabet to personalize your sampler is provided. Note Sarah stitched her initials in the small cartouche at the bottom right, which you might like to do as well. You may choose to stitch the full alphabet to replace a verse, or two alternative verses are provided, one from the Loara Standish sampler, and a second of a romantic nature.