Reproducing An Old Sampler...

Well...it's been a while since I last posted!  I picked up my Ann Merchant from the framer a couple of days ago and the frame I chose was even better than I expected!  Of course, it didn't hurt that the owner of the frame store has a wonderful eye and knows exactly what you want!  It took just a couple of tries and we both agreed that the final selection was the best.  My framer did a wonderful job and I plan to take the original and have it framed in the same style.

This has been a process and since it was my first reproduction....I wanted to get it as close to the original as I possibly could....also Ann Merchant was a member of my family so I wanted to give her...her due respect!

I purchased this sampler back about 2 years ago.  She laid waiting patiently for at least a year...then I began the process of charting her.  I had to decide if she was going to be reproduced exactly...or respectfully reproduced...meaning a little change here and there while keeping the idea of the original sampler.  Of course, I chose....to chart her to the best of my ability....just as I saw the sampler.  I'm glad I did...when you put them side by side....it is a wonderful sight to see old and new!

I was lucky in a way, that the back side was not completely covered.  The sampler was not given it's due respect over the years and came to me in a very bad way...she is nailed to a wooden frame!  Well, she will be given the royal treatment now and framed properly to preserve her for another hundred fifty years!  Anyway, because the back was open, I could see the original color of the linen and silks!
I took her to my local needlework store and with the help of another lover of samplers, we chose the silks and linen by pulling and matching to the closest possible color...it was great fun and very exciting!  We were on a mission to do right by Ann! 

Now chart is complete...silk and linen chosen, time to start stitching!  Again, I lucked out...my friend, Lenore Ramos lovingly stitched her for me.  She is a beautiful stitcher, loves samplers, and I think a speed stitcher...she puts me to shame!  Anyway, the end result is something I am very proud of...the new Ann Merchant looks like an old sampler...mission accomplished!  I have added a sneek peek for you.  She will be released in about 2 weeks.  I am now preparing her for her release.  She has had her picture taken ( a hundred times...to get the best photos), and I have almost completed her instructions, working on her DMC conversion and putting together her family tree information.  I had a great time and I feel like I saved another one of our American Samplers!  If you are a sampler stitcher, I hope you will enjoy this one!