The Letterndoek by IT in 1697 by The Scarlet Letter

Origin and date: Northern Holland
Rated: Beginning
Linen count and finished size: 35 count, 21-3/4″x9-3/4″
Stitches: Cross, four-sided, back, and double running
Source: The German Sampler Museum in Celle, Germany

This is a very fine example of an early northern Dutch sampler called a letterndoek, or alphabet sampler. The illuminated letters are typical of northern Holland needleworks. Symbolic spot motifs include dogs, a stag, trees of life, and paired birds.