Samplers have a long history in Britain, dating from the 16th century. A sampler was originally a collection of patterns gathered together for easy reference to be used in embroidery and needlepoint lace. Later they developed into a schoolgirl's exercise and today are more often used to record stitches than patterns. This book traces the history of samplers in Britain and includes examples of long, darning, map, school, stitch and plain sewing samplers as well as those associated with great events and private griefs and joys. A few samplers are included from other countries for comparison. Some of the stitches which have been most commonly used have been drawn so that interested readers can make a sampler for themselves...