Orphanage Sampler & Berry

Stitch count:

92 x 108 (sampler)
106 x 86 (berry)

Fabric:

Picture This Plus: 36 count Tycho linen

Threads:

Access Commodities: Soie Gobelins silk, color #SGS-945

Finishing:

The sampler is hemstitched.
The berry uses wools from Weeks Dye Works (Merlot Glen Plaid and Lancaster Red)

Bristol Squirrel

Stitch count:

205 x 121

Fabric:

Access Commodities: 45 count Jersey Cream Legacy linen

(Comparable to DMC 3865)

Threads:

Access Commodities: Soie 100/3 silk - color #SMS-109

Finishing:

Weeks Dye Works wools: Snow Cream, Merlot GPl

Lady Dot Creates: Vanilla rayon ribbon

Small Bristol Squirrel

Stitch count:

127 x 72

Fabric:

Picture This Plus: 36 count Sand linen

Threads:

Weeks Dye Works: Kris' Bon Bon

Finishing:

Weeks Dye Works wools: Snow Cream, Chestnut HB

Lady Dot Creates: Vanilla rayon ribbon

Bristol Berries I

These berries capture the essence of the beloved Bristol orphanage samplers and pay homage to those children and the Bristol orphanages. This chartpak includes the ever-present Bristol Squirrel shown full size, and another chart with a smaller squirrel sized to fit a typical linen berry.

The orphanage berry and mini sampler are a nod to the mission George Műller and his wife began in 1836. With the exception of the buildings in the designs, all of the motifs come from a sampler stitched by Maria Hancock; her original sampler is in the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Throughout the series, I will use mostly the traditional red color palette, but will switch up the fabric and thread selections a bit. Please feel free to use your favorite fabrics, threads and reds for your pieces. For details on the other berries, visit Bristol Berries II and Bristol Berries III.

Many thanks to Claudia Dutcher Kistler of Dutch Treat Designs who has generously shared her knowledge and resources about these wonderful samplers. Learn more at www.bristolsamplers.com