The Stitchers Merchant - Amy Bishop 1864: A Virtue Sampler for WAO

Model: 36 count Tuscan Path linen by Fox and Rabbit using 1 strand over 2 linen threads.

Stitch count: 149 w x 174

This design is reproduced from an early nineteenth-century English schoolgirl sampler stitched by a young Amy Bishop and dated August 1, 1864.

The original sampler was worked in silk and wool on linen and features traditional moral verses including “Let virtue be a guide to me” and “Be not weary in well doing” — sentiments which felt especially fitting for a charity piece in 2026 and in support of the wonderful work of the Wombat Awareness team.

Thread colours for this chart have been thoughtfully interpreted to reflect the gentle palette of the antique while accounting for the natural fading of early dyes.

The original one-over-one motif has been replaced with a small wombat in support of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat. Proceeds from chart sales will be donated to the Wombat Awareness Organisation.

If you would like to learn more or support their work, please visit the website www.wombatawareness.com