Charlotte Mullenger

I love Charlotte’s sampler - the cute houses in each corner, several little dogs, the large cartouche, the accents of blue and coral - it’s definitely one for your collection!

The antique was stitched on very fine linen, perhaps 46-48 count and is beautifully executed. It is not dated, but she notes that she is eight years of age. A bit of research finds a Charlotte Mullenger born in 1828 or 1829 in Norfolk, England, so we might surmise the sampler was stitched in the mid to late 1830’s.

I’ve stitched this reproduction on 37 count linen with silk floss. BUT if you love the sampler motifs, yet are not so sure about the large size - I’ve created a mini sampler adaptation using several of the motifs and the general color palette from the original. Decisions, decisions…

Companion linen berries and smalls are also available.

Looking back, I would have made a different selection for the primary verse on Charlotte's sampler. A darker color choice is more fitting, and notes are in the supply list below.

Reproduction

Mini Sampler Adaptation

Fixes

Stitch Count:

228 x 314

Fabric:

Access Commodities: 37 count "Corn Tassel" linen

Threads:

Au Ver a Soie/Soie d'Alger: 1715, 2633, 3224, 3745, 3832, 3836, 4122, 4534
Two skeins each of: 3735, 4245, 4521***

*** The model was stitched using AVAS 4521 for the 'open-square' symbol. Time has shown that a darker version of this same color is closer to the original and also shows the verse more clearly when stitched. Choices are personal, but you might consider substituting AVAS 4522 or 4523 (DMC 422, 3828, etc.)

Stitch count:

149 x 105

Fabric:

Picture This Plus: 36 count "Wren" linen

Threads:

Weeks Dye Works: Chestnut, Deep Sea, Dirt Road, Dolphin, Fawn, Oilcloth, Palomino, Straw, Tarragon
DMC: 3371
NOTE: The color key symbols are the same as shown in the reproduction if you would like to stitch the larger sampler in this color palette or vice versa.

The model was stitched using AVAS 4521 for the 'open-square' symbol. Time has shown that a darker version of this same color is closer to the original and also shows the verse more clearly when stitched. Choices are personal, but you might consider substituting AVAS 4522 or 4523 (DMC 422, 3828, etc.)