burlap cross-stitch samplers

Does anyone remember the yarn on burlap samplers we did in elementary
school?
As I recall it had cross stitches, chain stitch, back stitches. Also,
I think it included a row of the alphabet, row of numbers and our
names. My 6 year old daughter is expressing an interest in sewing and
I was thinking that a simplistic sampler would be something she might
want to try.

If anyone still has theirs, I'd be interested in what stitches are on
the samplers.

Lorie

Similar samplers were worked in the Gilded Age (and later) on "java
cloth", a coarse aida. Sewing skills were taught in this manner. As
well, congress cloth and plastic canvas make good beginner grounds.

I don't remember ever doing a burlap sampler, but the samplers at the
turn of the 19th century were often cross, herringbone, back, running,
half back, uneven running, chain (always go down in the same hole as the
last stitch), and probably many, many others. It is an excellent way to
learn and can easily be set up in any way one desires. Samplers were
not always "pretty". For a good look at samplers of this time period,
see the January issue of "Embroider Now" available he

http://www.embroider-now.com/Jan2004Issue/cover1.html

Dianne

Lorie wrote:

Does anyone remember the yarn on burlap samplers we did in elementary
school?
As I recall it had cross stitches, chain stitch, back stitches. Also,
I think it included a row of the alphabet, row of numbers and our
names. My 6 year old daughter is expressing an interest in sewing and
I was thinking that a simplistic sampler would be something she might
want to try.

If anyone still has theirs, I'd be interested in what stitches are on
the samplers.

Lorie