Sunday, October 9, 2011

Library gold and a kitten update

On a recent trip to the library I found this wonderful book.  It gives the history of many samplers along with detailed descriptions of motifs and verse.  The back of the book has common verse used in samplers and explains some of the reasons why they were used.  In further research, I found that some girls went to school to learn stitching techniques.  I had no idea.  That is completely fascinating as I thought most samplers were created by young girls practicing their sewing skills.  But I suppose there were some mothers who didn't stitch but wanted their children to learn the skills.  As I was thumbing through the pictures and reading details I came across this picture.  It immediately resounded with me and I said " I have seen this one recently!"  Does it ring a bell with anyone else??  You can click on the picture to make it larger but I found it fascinatitng that so many of us as stitchers still crave the motifs and symbols used from so many years ago. If you recognize it, leave a comment and I will put you in a drawing for a little treat.

On the kitten front, I wanted to let all of you know that DeeDee has found her forever home.  I snapped this photo before she left and love it.  She is a special kitty and I know she will make her new family quite happy.

Well, that is it for now.  I must get back to my retreat duties.  I will post pics and updates when I can.  As always, Happy Stitching everyone.

32 comments:

Chris said...

Looks like the with thy needle mystery sampler:)
I love DeeDee's pic!

cucki said...

yup..it is looks like with thy needle mystery sampler to me too..
i really love little deedee..she is so sweet :)i hope she loves her new home..
hugs cucki xx

Carol said...

What a great find at the library, Nataly! Yep, that old sampler must have been the basis for the lovely With Thy Needle and Thread "Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler."

How nice that Deedee has been officially adopted--I'll bet you'll miss her though :)

Koala said...

How interesting! Of course it is With Thy Needle and Thread "Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler" :-))Amazing :-) DeeDee is gorgeous, Nataly!

Jackie's Stitches said...

It's almost exactly like the Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler. Great library find!

I'm glad that Deedee found the perfect forever home. I'm sure she misses you!

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

This book is one of many in my collection with so many interesting articles of young stitchers in the past. Nothing like solving a mystery!
Be always in stitches.

Jennifer said...

I agree with everyone else....it has to be the Mystery Sampler that was released earlier this year.

(Thanks for reminding me that I really need to work on that one!)

Lisa V said...

I agree with the others too, its With Thy Needle and Threads "Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler".
I have this one on my wishlist too.
I love your kitty pic, such a lovely photo to treasure.

diamondc said...

I am working on this Sampler now it is With Thy Needle and Thread Mystery Sampler, I love this pattern , how lovely you shared this informstion with us.
Catherine
diamondc

Anonymous said...

I recognized it also. I have not stitched the Mystery Sampler myself but seen it around plenty.

Maggee said...

I know! I know!! It is the Summer Mystery SAL by With Thy Needle,"Birds of a Feather!" YEt another reminder that I need to work on it and get it done--maybe by next summer! Great reading,huh? I love the library! Hugs!

Penny said...

That sounds like an interesting book. What a sweet, sweet kitty. :)

CalamityJr said...

Oooh, I know this one! It's the basis of the Birds of a Feather Mystery sampler! What a great book; glad you enjoyed it so much; thanks for sharing some of what you learned!

Nancy said...

With Thy Needle Mystery Sampler! Great find at the library.

butterfly said...

Great book you found, what a beautiful little kitten.

Anonymous said...

I had no idea and me being curious, it seems everyone has been right so far.

Isn't it wild when things like this happen? What a coincidence.

Have you been stitching this design? Are you thinking it was meant to be stitched by you?

I have to say it is a very beautiful sampler.

Thank you for sharing.

Peggy Lee said...

Yes that is the Mystery Sampler alright! I've been drooling over everyone's progress on this one and want stitch this one myself.
Thanks for sharing the library find with us.
Such an adorable little kitty. Glad she's found her forever home.

Myra said...

I recognized it right away! That had to be the basis of the Birds of A Feather Mystery Sampler. What a neat book - I will have to see if our library system has it.

robindefender said...

Yep! I haven't stitched With Thy Needle's mystery sampler myself, but I've seen on enough blogs that I recognized it immediately. How cool! And I'm glad you found the little sweetie a forever home. I've got two here at my house that I'm struggling to find a home for.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

I thought "Bords of a Feather" before I even looked at the comments!
I recently saw a lovely old sampler motif in a book about the V&A and thought "I could chart that and stitch it", about a week later I found the reproduction on a freebie site! How great that the old designs are still popular.

pam said...

I am in agreement with the rest. The With thy Needle mystery sampler- which I have yet to start- see ya Tuesday!

Catherine said...

Seems like I'm a little late on this one!! Before reading everyone's comments, I knew my answer was going to be the Mystery Sampler!!

What a neat book you found!!

Cute kitty! So glad a home was found!

Sarah said...

I'm in agreement with everyone else, it's the Birds of a Feather mystery sampler by With thy needle and thread - love this pattern, Gabi finished it just the other day here: http://ladyofthefloss.blogspot.com/2011/10/finally-back-picture-heavy. What an interesting find!

Kathy Ellen said...

Oh my goodness, the picture looks like the "Mystery Sampler" by With Thy Needle & Thread!

Love your adorable sweet little kitten. Those eyes are so beautiful!

valerie said...

What a great find at the library. It looks like a wonderful book and that sampler definitely looks like the inspiration behind With My Needle and Thread Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler.

So happy DeeDee found a home. Have fun at the retreat!

Teresa said...

Dee Dee looks so cute. Get back to your duties. I am having fun in your beautiful state. See you tomorrow night.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Berit said...

That sampler puts me in mind of the recent With Thy Needle and Thread Mystery Sampler. :)

What a sweet kitty shot; best wishes to her in her new home. :)

Edgar said...

VERY similar to the WTNaT Mystery Sampler. Love the kitty snap.

Kim Reid said...

Very similiar to With Thy Needle and Threads "Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler.
I'd love to enter - Thanks!
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com

Mouse said...

well I may be a bit late commenting on this for some reason I've missed a lot of posts :(
it is the mystery sampler from birds of a feather :)
and awwww DeeDee is gorgeous and glad you have found her a forever home too :) take care :) love mouse xxxx

Lynn said...

I recognized that sampler right away. It's With Thy Needle and Thread's Mystery Sampler. One of the ladies who attends our church is from Ireland and has talked to me about her schooling for stitching particularily drawn thread. She has offered to teach me!
I'm glad DeeDee has found a forever home. She's such a cutie!

Marjorie said...

Well I agree with the other commenters, it definitely resemblese the Birds of a Feather mystery sampler. Congrats to the little girl on her adoption! I hope the other kitties get good homes as well.