The Scottish Band Sampler by The Scarlet Letter

Origin and date: Scottish mid-18th century
Rated: Intermediate
Linen count and finished size: 30-count unbleached, 9-1/2″x19″
Stitches: Cross, double running, and eyelet, and Hungarian flamestitch
Source: Collection of The Scarlet Letter

This bold sampler with its deep jewel-like colors was designed after an equally brilliant Scottish band of the mid-18th century. The original was worked with fine, bright, unfaded wool threads on a homespun linen ground. We have never seen such an unusual illuminated alphabet before, and coupled with the solid arcaded daisy border and the eyelet stitched scallops and shimmering flamestitch band below, it makes an impressive statement. It is worked in a color scheme often seen on Scottish samplers; strong reds and greens.