I completed my first sampler in 1981 using threads given to me by a friend, in colours I didn’t choose. The border was in the middle surrounding a poem. The motifs are around the sides. I didn’t like it but I had learned that “Great peace is found in little busy-ness” Chaucer 1340-1400
I didn’t give up stitching and went on to make large samplers for my three small children who are now grown up.

As I gained experience, I saw there was a gap in the market for samplers of a more historic style. I had previously worked as a graphic designer and felt able to design the samplers and produce the kits myself, which I still do.
My sampler designs have now been much admired near and far and from the beginning I have found inspiration and pleasure from studying old samplers which influence my style.

I want to thank my loyal customers who have followed me through three house moves and those who have struggled to find me.
With much help from my son Kim, I am now very pleased to have my own website.
I hope that through this website my sampler designs will continue to be discovered by new stitchers for the first time.

The entire Moira Blackburn Samplers range can be seen here, and you can buy online.
Alternatively, you can request a brochure and order by mail, using a cheque, if you prefer to do it that way.

I am also offering designs as Chart-Only, as so many stitchers have their own supplies and want to choose their own fabrics and colours.
My charts have almost all been re-drawn on the computer by Kim with symbols chosen to create a crisp and clear result.

Since I first started to make sampler kits in 1989, I have made a lot of friends whom I have never met. Words of praise and the rare words of complaint are always received warmly and I have been encouraged and improved by both.

If you want to contact me by email, I will try to get back to you A.S.A.P.

shop@moirablackburn.com