Red Bull & Odd Bird - Plum Street Samplers

Note from the designer: I've had this antique reproduced since 2015, but I had always wanted to pair it with some little companion pieces before releasing it. I've finally done just that!

What drew me to this sampler was the oversize, unusual bird (I am always drawn to odd birds on samplers!), as well as the little hunter and his English Springer Spaniel (I have two of my own). Ellen must have been a lively little girl, what with her bright color choices and fun motifs. Her sampler was finished in 1852, when she was just 11 years old. You'll notice on the bottom right corner another initial and age, next to some simpler motifs than what are found in the rest of the sampler; the model stitcher (Natalia Canaday) suggested this could have been her little sister's contribution to the piece. I love the thought of that.

The model was stitched over two threads on 40 ct. Paperbark by Fox and Rabbit using Weeks Dye Works, Classic Colorworks, and The Gentle Art floss. Stitch count is 263 x 167 and the finished size is 13.15" x 8.35".

Weeks Dye Works - Glacial Melt #2112 Blue
Weeks Dye Works - Artichoke #1183 Green
Weeks Dye Works - Flatfish #1239 Brown
Weeks Dye Works - Chestnut #1269 Brown
Weeks Dye Works - Williamsburg Red #3850
Weeks Dye Works - Chickpea #1229 Brown
Cherry Cobbler Red - Classic Colorworks Cotton Floss
Brown Sugar - Classic Colorworks Cotton Floss
Deep Fennel Blue - Classic Colorworks Cotton Floss
Green Onion - Classic Colorworks Cotton Floss
Eggshell - Classic Colorworks Cotton Floss
Sampler Threads - Blackboard Gray
Sampler Threads - Aged Pewter Gray
Sampler Threads - Flax Yellow
Sampler Threads - Espresso Bean Brown
Sampler Threads - Holly Berry Red
Sampler Threads - Summer Shower Gray