The Britomart Sampler is also defined by materials - beautiful, rich filament silks shining out on bright white linen.

The called for materials, Soie de Paris, Soie Gobelins, and Legacy Linen, were all chosen specifically because they are proximate materials to what would have been used in the 17th century. Filament silks, which have different properties from the spun silks that dominate the needlework market today, were the standard at that time. Satin stitch worked in a filament silk, particularly a low twist filament silk like Soie de Paris, will shine out like nothing else will.

The shining stitches seen above and to the right are the result of the specific materials used, and will produce an effect closer to a 17th century original than any spun silk. It showcases the best in the design, and the best in your stitching.

The Britomart sampler, designed as a companion piece to the Britomart casket, is a reversible band sampler inspired by a variety of 17th century band samplers, reworked in a cohesive, streamlined colorway - meant to pair the best of 17th century inspiration with the design and color skill of a modern professional. It covers a full range of techniques, from the basic reversible cross and double running stitch to Montenegrin stitch and needlelace.

Finished with Spenser’s invocation to ‘be bold, be bold, be not too bold’, the Britomart sampler is both a fabulous, aspirational piece of needlework, and a reminder to attempt the same boldness in stitching that was displayed by 17th century schoolgirls. Showing a child’s creativity, imagination, and fearlessness, young girls created some of the most amazing embroidery that has ever been worked.

Available as a chart, kit, and class, the Britomart sampler will take you on the same learning journey as a 17th century girl, allowing you to get into their mindset while learning, and teach you the language of band samplers.

Kits will continue to be restocked, and class registration is not limited: if you missed the first round of Britomart kits, more will be coming. Please sign up with your email on the listing of your choice to be notified when it is back in stock.

Class begins September 15, 2025 - login information will be sent to all students in early September.