Cross-Stitch Seminar: Christmas in Williamsburg

The sampler created by Amanda Jarrett is in the Collections of Colonial Williamsburg. According to Kim Ivey, Curator of Textiles and Historical Interiors at Colonial Williamsburg, "Samplers created in the Western part of Virginia, which today makes up the state of West Virginia, are relatively rare, with only a few regional styles identified."

Amanda Jarrett was born on January 2, 1808 to William Norris Jarrett and Mary Kieger McNeely Jarrett. She worked her piece when she was 12 years old. Amanda married and passed away at the age of 76 and is buried in Wayne, Ohio. Her colorful sampler displays a meandering vine border, strawberry tree and an inner sawtooth border framing a two-story blue house all above the verse taken from the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," written by Robert Robertson in 1757.

This embroidered sampler was once in the renowned collection of needlework historian and author, Betty Ring. During our class time together, Kim Ivey will share her knowledge of Virginia "Back Country Samplers." Our reproduction will be worked on 28-count linen with DMC® floss. The embroidery techniques are cross-stitch, satin stitch, Algerian eye and queen stitch; when finished, the sampler will measure approximately 15" x 16 1/2".

One of the most prestigious groupings of American embroideries to have been worked in New England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries can be attributed to the Balch Academy in Providence, R.I. The Academy was conducted under the accomplished hand of Mary "Polly" Balch. Many of the Balch Academy samplers and silk work embroideries possess some of the most sophisticated and pleasing visual design characteristics, as well as intricate needlework techniques.

The superlative designs created at the school were influenced by Mary Balch's childhood sampler executed in Newport in 1773. She was the daughter of Sarah Rogers and Timothy Balch; Born in 1762 in Newport, R.I., she moved with her family to Providence in 1776. To give support to her family, Mary aided her mother in teaching embroidery. By 1785, she had taken over the responsibilities of the school located near Brown University. The Balch Academy was in operation from 1785 to 1841. Mary passed away in 1831. Her adopted daughter, Eliza Walker, maintained the school for ten more years.

Our reproduction will be worked on 35-count linen using silk and metallic threads. The embroidery techniques used are cross-stitch, tent, rice, outline, satin and Algerian eye, with accents of French knots, couching and queen stitch. Directions will be given for the procedures needed to transfer elements of the design. We will also view the development of the Newport to Providence-area samplers through the use of slides.

The Edinburgh Reticule is a shield-shaped stitching bag similar to one in the collection at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, former home of Mary Queen of Scots. It consists of four exterior panels, two of linen and two of silk Dupioni, and is lined in the same silk. It has a bead-and-loop closure and a cord handle. Tucked inside are two "smalls" -- a needle book and a scissor fob. The needle book is embellished with silk ribbon and contains wool felt needle pages. The fob rests on a cord embellished with a tassel. The linen panels of the reticule are approximately 4" x 5".

The motifs stitched on the reticule and smalls were inspired by embroidered Scottish Regimental Guidons from Edinburgh Castle and by the embroidery of Mary Stewart. Motifs include Tudor roses, shamrocks, thistles, vines, leaves and crowns. Stitches include cross, tent, satin, back stitch, double running, lazy daisy, Rhodes, eyelet and French knot. One of the "smalls" will be prestitched and constructed in class.

The reticule is stitched on 32-count platinum Belfast® linen with DMC® pearl cotton and Gloriana over-dyed silk flosses. The color palette is green, lavender, sage, rose, red, gold and white. The kit includes all supplies needed to complete the design.

Inspired by 18th-century fruit and flower patterns, five tree ornaments are worked in a sampler format with sampler stitches and techniques. The ornament set will feature pomegranates, lemons, strawberries, chrysanthemums, irises and carnations, which are worked with beautiful, jewel-tone threads. The class project will offer a bit of a challenge and hours of stitching enjoyment.

This project is the ultimate lace gallery! Eighty-one stitches and patterns showcase skill and provide a lasting, heirloom-quality needlework reference. If you ever need delicate filigree, you are sure to find it here. And once you take this class, you will truly be adept at creating openwork patterns -- expertly and fearlessly!

The centerpiece of this 4 1/2" x 13" design is an ancient crown pattern embellished with luminous pearl beads. Surrounding the crown are blocks with eight categories of pulled work stitches, except for one block that is set aside for your graceful initial. This sampler includes 82 pulled thread stitches. Variations of the pulled-thread stitches include backstitch, double backstitch, buttonhole, cross, eyelet, four-sided, satin and straight.

As you master the techniques, Eileen will share with you both the history of pulled work and an extensive bibliography that she has developed through years of studying this elegant technique.

Two glass bottles fit neatly into the two side compartments of this petite rolled-up needle case which is adorned with spring flowers and gold spangles. Sewing roll fits easily inside the chamber area of the Fair Maiden's Work Bag.

A teardrop, structurally shaped work bag, adorned with styled spring flowers and gold spangles, opens to reveal compartments for stitching treasures, including the companion early-bird class -- the Fair Maiden's Sewing Roll.