The original Scottish sampler is in the collection of Threads of Gold. Although the date is unknown, several of the alphabets are typical of the alphabets known to be 18th Century. Given the fact that it contains no "J" or "U" it probably dates in the mid 1700's. Mary obviously removed her age and date, which was not an uncommon thing to do.

The original sampler was stitched with silk and has cross stitch, algerian eye, queen stitch, and alternating double back stitch. The bottom is an arcaded band found often in early samplers. There are also motifs of flowers, crowns and birds.

Our model was stitched on a handdyed linen available from Em-li's. The Stitch count is 248 wide by 212 high. On 32 count linen the design is 16 by 13 1/4 inches.