Cross stitch pattern from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. Helen Kedslie 1815 is an impressive and exquisitely stitched example of samplers worked in Scotland during this period. The sampler's colorful, trailing rose vine border contains several motifs associated with Scottish school girl samplers. The large building featured is found on many Scottish samplers and it is possible that it is a school. The two story pediment building has a lawn in front stitched in varying shades of green together with an imposing set of gates, stone wall and picket fence. Other motifs on the sampler include two six tailed peacocks, a lion with his tail curved over his back in an "S" shape; a pyramid of strawberries; a beautiful basket filled with flowers and a basket of fruit; numerous birds, including eagles or phoenixes and a stylised swan; deer, rabbits, cat and dog. A beautiful moss rose and Scotland's national floral emblem, the thistle, are also featured. Stitch count is 326W x 491H.
