Joining us this week is Theresa Baird of Heart’s Ease Examplar Workes. Theresa designs cross-stitch samplers that are inspired by antique samplers. She had her first rudimentary needlework lessons at the feet of the skilled neighborhood ladies who brought their crocheting, embroidery and stitching projects outside in the summer and let her watch and learn from them. It planted the seed that throughout the years has grown and shaped Theresa into the designer she is today. “I, most humbly, have been blessed with the God-given talent for art, and though I am not formally trained, I’ve expanded that talent through practice, books, classes, exhibitions, sharing and demonstration.” We had a terrific conversation with Theresa and learned a lot about antique samplers and sampler design.
–Christine and Gary
Listen to the podcast:
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Connect with Theresa at her website and on Pinterest and explore various other sampler links she provided:
- Heart’s Ease Examplar Workes website
- Theresa on Pinterest
- Sampler Consortium research site
- Antique Samplers website
- Needlework Antiques website
- Stephen & Carol Huber Antique Samplers website
- M. Finkel & Daughter Antiques Samplers website
Books Theresa recommends:
- Ohio is my Dwelling Place by Sue Studebaker
- Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework, 1650-1850 (Two Volumes) by Betty Ring
- Imitation and Improvement: The Norfolk Sampler Tradition 2013 by Joanne Martin Lukacher
- Samplers Nov 26, 1987 by Averil Colby
- Samplers from the V&A Museum Oct 8, 2003 by Clare Browne and Jennifer Wearden
- A Maryland Sampling: Girlhood Embroidery 1738–1860 Aug 2, 2007; Columbia’s Daughters: Girlhood Embroidery from the District of ColumbiaMay 15, 2013 by Gloria Seaman Allen
- Women’s Work: Embroidery in Colonial Boston by Pamela Parmal
- Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840 by Susan P. Schoelwer
We hope you enjoy this week’s conversation with Theresa Baird. We’re always looking for guests, so let us know if there is someone you’d like us to have on the show.–Gary and Christine
I started listening to your podcast last week when Mary Corbet was your guest and liked it so I thought I’d listen again today. The projects you all talk about take me way back to my own with the Cross-Stitch and Country Craft stockings (I’ve made 8 of them all together) and working my way around to quilting (designed my own) and knitting (working on a design of my own), etc. So fun to listen to! Thanks Gary and Christine!
Glad you found us and enjoy the shows. Thanks for listening.
Gary
Loving your podcasts. I use my hands free blue tooth coonected headset and listen while I stitch needlepoint. Great entertainment on two,levels. Thanks.
Mary, Glad you enjoy the shows and thanks for listening.
Gary
There is much to be said about stitching a true reproduction, taking up the needle and following her journey as she struggled with her stitches. ALL samplers have their place, both modern and antique.
Wonderful episode! I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to Theresa and learning about samplers!