Favourite Things by Betsy Morgan

Originally, embroidery samplers were used as a ‘specimen of achievement’, demonstrating stitching skills. They were most often created by young girls or women while learning different needlework skills. 

Samplers were known to be used in Europe as far back as the 16th century. Printed patterns were not around yet, and stitched samplers were often used for guidance or as models to be copied. 

Traditional samplers usually included the letters of the alphabet, religious references or family history of the stitcher, as well as a range of stitches and techniques mastered by the embroiderer. 

Betsy Morgan’s brand-new project, Favourite Things from Inspirations #120, showcases a variety of her favourite stitch techniques – hence the name!

Betsy’s counted thread embroidery projects are timeless favourites here at Inspirations, as can be attested to by the popularity of her books. Famous for her etuis and other three-dimensional projects, Betsy is changing pace with this sampler, allowing stitchers to create something beautiful and intricate, yet simple and achievable. 

‘I have many, many favourite things – animals, flowers, the beach, the mountains, family, friends and on and on.

At the top of that list are counted thread embroidery and stumpwork, with Elizabethan Era band samplers being my absolute favourite!’

Betsy’s design started with counted thread motifs, stitches and techniques as well as some of her favourite colours. Celtic chains, acorns, berries, flowers, Bargello, whitework, double running, spiral trellis and Assisi work were all on the ‘must include’ list as well as her often used ‘woven ribbons’ motif.

The Assisi rabbit was originally designed by Betsy for an introduction to an Assisi class she was teaching for a guild in Virginia. The Bargello pattern is traditional and the vine and detached blanket stitch flowers were the result of playing around with a slightly different motif to fill that area. 

The idea of combining several motifs in one band came from the 1687 Dorothy Ward sampler, which is included in the second Feller Needlework Collection book.

The sampler is stitched using muted shades of Au Ver à Soie, Soie d’ Alger stranded silk thread on antique white linen, lending this modern interpretation of traditional embroidery a vintage look and feel.

This is the perfect project for those who want to try their hand at new stitches in an achievable way or those who want to create a vintage-looking item while still using contemporary materials and techniques. It really is an all-round winner and future Favourite Thing for us all.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Favourite Things by Betsy Morgan is a counted thread sampler featuring favourite stitches, motifs and colours.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Favourite Things includes everything* you need to re-create this enchanting sampler: Fabrics (unprinted), interfacing, wires, embroidery threads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.