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The Essamplaire is a mail order business specializing in authentic
reproduction sampler kits and charts. We research and study
samplers from some of the world's finest textile collections,
such as The Burrell Collection in Glasgow, Scotland, The Fitzwilliam
Museum in Cambridge, England, The Textile Museum in St. Gallen,
Switzerland and numerous others as well as from private collections.
Many of our customers have asked us about the process involved
in reproducing a sampler from a museum. First of all, a great
deal of time, effort and expense goes into this. We go to the
museum in person to see the actual sampler and in some cases
we go several times. The piece is studied very closely, both
the front and the back are examined. Many notes, diagrams and
measurements are taken. Some charting is done, colors are matched
and numerous photos are taken with many closeups, again of both
the front and the back. The curator is consulted and if there
are any questions we ask an expert. A licensing agreement is
signed with the museum detailing terms and royalties to be paid
to them. Once home again the sampler is charted and a model
is stitched. We try to ensure that everything is as accurate
as possible and that you get the actual historical experience
of stitching the sampler and that you actually have purchased
a reproduction and not an adaptation.
Our aim is to have samplers from as many countries as possible
from which they originated. We strive to find and use materials
which are as close to those used in the original sampler. Our
100% linen fabric is either exclusively dyed for us, hand dyed,
or in it's natural color. The colors of the DMC floss or the
AU VER A SOIE silk floss are matched to the original sampler.
All of our kits include a colored picture, photograph (or both)
of the completed sampler, a chart of the design, embroidery
floss, linen, needle, instructions for working sampler, a stitch
diagram and any historic information we have on the sampler.
Some of the samplers use unusual and sometimes complicated stitches
and complete instructions are given for these. We DO NOT substitute
easier stitches for the difficult ones. About half of our samplers
are available as charts. This includes a chart of the design
and instructions.
We strive to keep the reproductions as accurate as possible
and, therefore, leave in the mistakes made by the makers.
Update information is sent out approximately once a year. Once
you have ordered from us, you will be kept on our mailing list. |
