This Scottish Sampler was stitched by Margret Begbie, a 10 year old girl from Scotland. The Australian Colony established in 1788 stopped being referred to as Botany Bay around 1830, so this sampler most likely dates from the late 1700’s to early 1800’s.
The sampler was probably inspired by her geography lessons and based off a painting or illustration. A “Margaret Begbie” was sentenced to transportation to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) for 7 years by Edinburgh Court of Justiciary and arrived on the ship, Lloyds on 7th November 1845 with 169 other female convicts. So, there is a chance that this was the same Margret and she eventually saw Botany Bay.
The design is stitched on 36 count Legacy linen by Picture This Plus, with a selection of Weeks Dye Works, Classic Colorworks & Gentle Arts Threads.
Stitch Count 286w x 323h
Threads Used
Classic Colorworks - Gingersnap, Hazelnut, Eggshell
Gentle Art Sampler - Cornflower, Burnt Orange, Aged Pewter, Black Licorice, Apple Cider
WDW - Whitewash, Cattail, Honeysuckle, Chablis, Schneckley, Dirt Road, Chestnut, Americana, Oscar, Cinnabar, Cayenne, Blue Bonnet.
DMC Alternatives - 422, 3045, Ecru, 799, 720, 169, 310, 869, Blanc, 3072, 3855, 3689, 781, 612, 938, 824, 3011, 3773, 816, 798
Soie d'Alger Alternatives - 3822, 3823, Creme, 4922, 634, 3224, Noir, 526, Blanc, 111, 2611, 3011, 2516, 3833, 4124, 1446, 3724, 921, 945, 4923