Samplers with alphabets are often the most charming and captivating. Originally done by children learning to make their letters so they could later mark linens, alphabets on samplers just seem "right". There are many different kinds of alphabets on samplers. We have chosen some of our favorites for these wonderful designs!

To place an order from outside the United States, please contact us!

Thread Palettes

Coordinating with our Quick Start Sets, these pretty thread palettes round out your stitching supplies. Each palette has 12 generous-sized holes to hold a full skein of your floss. The holes are carefully punched and smoothed to take care of your special threads. Made from art board and adorned with a photograph of antique needlework, the palettes are about four inches square, and will fit into your stitching basket or project bag along with your Quick Start Sets!

New!

Our Bookmarks feature high quality photographs of antique samplers and coordinate with our Book Plates. They work with a magnetic closing and slip over the top of your book's page to securely mark your place. A must for your special needlework books, and a wonderful gift to slip inside a greeting card for your stitching friends!

Elizabeth Elliott May 30, 1811. Private Collection.

Now I Know My ABC's Magnetic Bookmark 2.50*

Our bookplates feature high quality photographs of historic samplers. The muted designs are in the soft colors and classic motifs of the antique samplers we love. They make a beautiful statement, and ensure that your books always come home to you. Several of them have coordinating bookmarks, so you can give a "set" to your stitching friends. The pressure-sensitive format means they are easy to apply!

We like to carry the plates with no writing with us to events to get an autograph from the authors we are lucky enough to meet in our travels. It's not always practical to carry your books with you, but a few bookplates don't take up much room at all!

The blank plates suggest so many other uses, too - as a small finishing label with just your name and date, or can't you see your wonderfully-organized stash drawers or baskets each identified with one of these handsome labels? Perhaps a gift tag, or to adorn your project bags...the possible uses are limited only by your imagination! Each package contains ten self-adhesive bookplates.

Elizabeth Elliott May 30, 1811. Private Collection.

Now I Know My ABC's Bookplates $8.50*

Our finishing labels feature high quality photographs of antique samplers.

For the back of your framed pieces - it's not finished until it's identified for posterity! These lovely finishing labels make it easy to be sure all the important information is there for future generations. Each package contains eight self-adhesive labels.

Elizabeth Elliott May 30, 1811. Private Collection.

Now I Know My ABC's Finishing Labels $10.00*

Our pin keeps feature high quality photographs of antique samplers or contemporary pieces with an historic feel. They have 100% wool felt to protect your pins. These pretty pin keeps are the perfect finishing touch for your smalls collection. Actual size 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Elizabeth Elliott May 30, 1811. Private Collection.

Now I Know My ABC's Pin Keep $10.00*

We think these pretty threadwinders look like pieces of a wonderful jig-saw puzzle, so we named them Puzzle Piece Threadwinders. They have a whimsical look to them and are very handy to have to keep your extra threads 'tamed' while you are working. Our threadwinders are made with art board and feature a photograph of antique needlework. They are not only practical - they're gorgeous! They grace your stitching basket or project bag so you can just pick up and go! Three per package - an A, B and C!

A and C - Sara Jones Aged 9 1840 . Private Collection.

B - Elizabeth Elliott May 30, 1811. Private Collection.

Now I Know My ABC's Puzzle Piece Threadwinders $6.00*

There you are at the beginning of a sampler class when the teacher says - "measure in three inches from the side and three inches down from the top to begin your stitching", and pandemonium reigns as everyone looks around for a ruler or measuring tape! While everyone else scrambles, you simply reach into your bag and pull out your Quick Start Set. The three-inch square sits at the top left corner of your linen and you put in your first stitches while your neighbor is still searching for a ruler.

The Quick Start set includes two inch, three inch and four inch squares - just place them on the corner of your linen, and you can put your needle in exactly where you want it. Get a quick start in class or when you're itching to begin that next sampler... The three squares are adorned with high quality photos of antique needlework. They are mounted on artist's board and have a protective coating.

We have a lot of fun shopping for just the right ribbon to enhance your Quick Start set - but sometimes when we go back to buy more, we can't find exactly the same thing - so rest assured the ribbon which adorns your set will have been chosen to complement the designs in the set, even if it's not quite what you see in the pictures here.

Our Quick Start Sets are not only practical - they're gorgeous! They grace your stitching basket and make you look really smart!

2 inches 3 inches 4 inches

2" Elizabeth Elliott May 30, 1811. Private Collection.

3" Sara Jones Aged 9. 1840 . Private Collection.

4" Jessie Brown,13. August 4, 1827. Scottish. Private collection.

Now I Know My ABC's Quick Start Set $8.50*

All images are the property of In the Company of Friends™

*A small handling charge will be added to actual shipping costs at checkout.