Ann's Orchard Counted Cross Stitch Sampler

I love the idea that a sampler often tells a story and for a long time I have wanted to create a traditional sampler to celebrate our home …

Ann’s Orchard is our house and it is also where I design and make all my needlework kits.

Originally the property was known as Oak Cottage but was later named after Anne Boleyn, based on a romantic notion her family owned the land, a cherry orchard, and it formed part of her dowry on marriage to Henry VIII. I have included an acorn, crown and Tudor rose to illustrate the tale.

The trees represent the 104 Evelyn sweet chestnuts, planted in 1714 by William Evelyn to celebrate the crowning of George I and the restoration of the Protestant monarchy. Today almost 40 of these magnificent trees still form an avenue along the road at the front of the house. They are home to our noisiest neighbours, the jackdaws, who seem to enjoy a good squabble at the crack of dawn. Other animal motifs featured include our pet cat, the local squirrels and my neighbour’s chickens.

The kit contains all you need to stitch the sampler: Full colour instructions and charts, 14 count antique white Aida or 28 count antique white Cashel linen, pre-sorted Anchor stranded embroidery threads and John James needles

A blank chart is also included to allow you to personalised the lettering at the bottom of the design.

The finished sampler measures approximately 45cm x 40cm.

The maple picture frame is not included as it is a family heirloom!