1897 schoolhouse samplers
Events & Presentations
near and far
Upcoming Presentations & Events
it is a joy to share the collection with you!
Osgoode Township Museum
Exclusive Zoom Event
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026, 7 p.m.
During her 45-minute Zoom presentation and the 15-minute Q&A period to follow, Lianne will share some of her 420+ piece antique sampler collection which includes dated examples from 1726 to 1978.
She will use her samplers to illustrate what samplers have to teach us about the social history and education of girls and women, the transmission of knowledge and skills in traditional and non-traditional subjects through needlework across time.
Follow the link below to the Osgoode Township Museum website's Events page to register for this session.
ZOOM
Ottawa, ontario
canada
Learn more about the Osgoode Township Museum
Northwest Sampler Guild
Exclusive Zoom Event
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
An hour focusing on Canadian samplers in context, comparing and contrasting them based on materials used, techniques, research availability / lack of, migration patterns, etc., with samplers from New York, Vermont and other nearby US states, in addition to samplers from the UK illustrating the differences and similarities with samplers from other locations around the world (Dutch, French, etc.). Sharing samplers associated with historical events to tie Canada's history to that of the US and the British Empire through the early to mid-1800s.
ZOOM
seattle, washington
united states of america
Learn more about the Northwest Sampler Guild
2026 Stitch North Retreat
Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, 2026
A large cross stitch retreat hosted by Caroline of Off the Grid Needlearts/Evertote.
Presented by Evertote
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
CANADA
near and far
Past Presentations & Events
it is a joy to share the collection with you!
Wool-Tyme
Canada's Largest Yarn Store
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Sampler Talk: An Evening with 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm-9:00pm
Place: Wool-Tyme Address: 2-190 Colonnade Road, South, Ottawa, ON, K2E 7J5 Contact numbers: (613) 225-9665 Cost: $25.00 per person, register with Wool-Tyme
Join us for a very special evening all about antique cross stitch samplers. Lianne van Leyen, the sampler collector and cross stitch designer behind 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers, will captivate you with her immense knowledge of antique schoolgirl samplers whilst giving participants a rare opportunity to get up close an personal with these special pieces of history from her vast collection.
*** Register by clicking the link below or by visiting https://wool-tyme.com/pages/lessons-classes-seminars
IN PERSON
ottawa, ontario
canada
2025 Stitch North Retreat
Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, 2025
A large cross stitch retreat hosted by Caroline of Off the Grid Needlearts/Evertote.
I will be bringing along my patterns, setting up a display of my shop models and selling pattern for the entire weekend.
Presented by Evertote
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
CANADA
Queen City Sampler Guild
Thursday, April 3, 2025
On Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7pm EST, the QCSG will be hosting a lecture by Lianne van Leyen of 1897
Schoolhouse Samplers.
During her 90-minute Zoom presentation, Lianne will share some of her 380+ piece antique sampler collection which includes dated examples from 1726 to 1978. She will use her samplers to illustrate what samplers have to teach us about the social history and education of women and girls, the transmission of knowledge and skills in traditional and nontraditional subjects through needlework across time.
VIRTUAL
cincinnati, ohio
united states of america
The Sampler Guild
Saturday, March 1, 2025
The Study Group Retreat
I am passionate about what antique samplers have to teach us when we explore the role of education in the lives of women and girls, the transmission of knowledge and skills in traditional and nontraditional subjects through needlework in a time when education wasn’t a right and universally accessible.
I joined The Research Group of The Sampler Guild on Saturday, March 1, 2025 to discuss the Canadian sampler making tradition. Placing them in context based on samplers I hold in my collection from around the world, including examples made in Ontario and Québec adjacent US states, the British Isles and Europe. Sharing the local, national and international history that impacted and intersects with the history of Canada and our making of samplers. Examining the impact of the industrial revolution, migration and settlement in the use of materials and the skill level evident in samplers made in long established towns and cities versus rural communities.
VIRTUAL
The sampler guild
Linda hadden
maidenhead, Berkshire
united kingdom
Loudoun Sampler Guild
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Antique sampler presentation via ZOOM focusing on samplers made in Canada and held within the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers collection. This presentation will place Canadian samplers within the context of contemporary samplers made in North America, Europe and the British Isles while comparing and contrasting them based on materials, motifs and techniques, while also sharing Canadian social and domestic history.
VIRTUAL
leesburg, virginia
united states of america
Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Antique sampler and needlework tool and ephemera collection presentation via ZOOM focusing on the sampler making traditions of Canada, the United States and the British Isles. Exploring the connections amongst the tools of women's decorative culture and education, social history, as well as the dated and undated samplers held within the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers collection.
VIRTUAL
Northville, Michigan
united states of america
The Sampler Guild
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
As a collector of antique and vintage needlework, with a particular emphasis on 19th century samplers, I am also fascinated by the tools that underpin the spectrum of what and how handwork was and is practiced. Like my sampler collection, my handwork tool collection spans centuries, bearing witness to changing technology, design aesthetics, innovation, construction and use. I will be joining The Sampler Guild during our regular guild meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 to share favorites from my handwork tool collection.
VIRTUAL
The sampler guild
Linda hadden
maidenhead, Berkshire
united kingdom
2024 Stitch North Retreat
Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27, 2024
A large cross stitch retreat hosted by Caroline of Off the Grid Needlearts/Evertote.
I will be bringing along my patterns, setting up a display of my shop models and selling pattern for the entire weekend.
Presented by Evertote
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
CANADA
Examplary Needle Guild
Friday, April 26, 2024
Antique sampler presentation via ZOOM discussing the sampler making tradition through dated examples from the 1700s to the early 1900s, held within the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers collection.
VIRTUAL
2024 Stitch North Retreat
Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21, 2024
A large cross stitch retreat hosted by Caroline of Off the Grid Needlearts/Evertote.
I will be bringing along my patterns, setting up a display of my shop models and selling pattern for the entire weekend.
Presented by Evertote
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
CANADA
2024 Nashville Needlework Market
Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3, 2024
You will find me sharing suite 328 on the third floor!!
I am so very happy to be returning to the Nashville Needlework Market for my second year and be able to share my newest releases and old favourites from my very own suite!!
Presented by Needlework Retailer
NASHVILLE, TENESSEE
UNITED STATES
Deerely Wrought Sampler Guild
Monday, February 19, 2024
Antique sampler presentation via ZOOM discussing the sampler making tradition through examples held within the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers collection, with special emphasis on Canadian made samplers.
VIRTUAL
CALGARY, ALBERTA
CANADA
Embroiderers' Association of Canada, Inc. / Association canadienne de broderie, Inc.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
What Antique Samplers Have to Teach Us
Needle: first instrument of learning in the hand.
Female education: a privilege, not a right and unequal.
What antique samplers have to teach us when we explore the role of women and girls in education, the transmission of knowledge and skills in traditional and nontraditional subjects through needlework in a time when education wasn’t a right and universally accessible.
Antique sampler and needlework tools presentation via Zoom discussing the sampler-making tradition demonstrated in the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers’ 350+ piece collection of antique schoolgirl samplers from 1726 to 1978.
VIRTUAL
SamBrie Stitches
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Flosstube: In Conversation with Becca of SamBrie Stitches
VIRTUAL
Primitive Needlearts Primer
October 4 - 6, 2023
Celebrating Primitive Style Needlearts
Hosted by Hobby House Needleworks, Hobby House Wool Works, Prims On Greenway, and Under the Woolen Willow.
Celebration of Needlework
Wednesday, May 17 to Sunday, May 21, 2023
Celebration of Needlework is the oldest, continuously running needle art show in the U.S. and Canada, and was inspired by a group of New England shop owners who were anxious to promote the industry. Each year our show brings together hundreds of needle artists, local shops, and nationally known designers.
TRUNK SHOW
united states
2023 Stitch North Retreat
Friday, April 28 to Sunday, April 30, 2023
A large cross stitch retreat hosted by Caroline of Off the Grid Needlearts/Evertote.
Presented by Evertote
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
CANADA
Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Antique sampler presentation via ZOOM discussing the sampler making tradition through dated examples from the 1700s to the early 1900s, held within the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers collection.
Virtual
2023 Nashville Needlework Market
Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 5, 2023
You will find me sharing suite 425 on the fourth floor with Barbara Hutson of Queenstown Sampler Designs!!
I am so happy and extend my sincere thanks to Barbara for her generous support and offer to share her suite for my first market!!
Presented by Needlework Retailer
NASHVILLE, TENESSEE
UNITED STATES
Lake Michigan Sampler Guild
January 15, 2023
Antique sampler presentation via ZOOM discussing the sampler making tradition through dated examples from the 1700s to the early 1900s, held within the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers collection.
VIRTUAL
Needlework Expo
Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, August 29, 2022
A virtual wholesale market for the cross stitch trade
VIRTUAL
Glengarry Pioneer Museum
Stitch in Time
Saturday, July 23, 2022
Enjoy special exhibits of clothing, quilts, and other textiles from the museum collection, as well as see demonstrators and textile vendors. Spinning, weaving, knitting, quilting, rug hooking, rug braiding, clothing and professional costuming will all be represented.
Demonstrations, Guest Speakers, Textile Vendors, Children's activity - felting wool and scavenger hunt, Drop Spindle competition, Food available onsite
Click on learn more below to find additional event and museum details including hours, location and admission fees
DUNVEGAN, ONTARIO
CANADA
Knowledge & Needles
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Nashville Spring Open House
featured designer
BRIGHTON, ONTARIO
CANADA
Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild
April 26, 2022
Antique sampler presentation and show via Zoom
cobourg, ontario
CANADA
Trillium Embroidery Guild
April 20, 2022
Antique sampler presentation and show via Zoom
whitby, ontario
CANADA
Sampler Guild of the Rockies
April 8 to 10, 2022
2022 Seminar
presenting designer featuring two bespoke sampler reproduction patterns
Antique sampler and antique needlework tools presentations and show via Zoom
denver, colorado
usa
Sampler Guild of the Rockies
June 26, 2021
The Blooms, bees and berries retreat
PRESENTING DESIGNER FEATURING one BESPOKE SAMPLER REPRODUCTION PATTERN
Antique sampler presentation and show via Zoom
denver, colorado
usa
Lakeshore Creative Stitchery Guild
October 5, 2020
Antique sampler presentation and show via Zoom
POINTE-CLAIRE, QUEBEC
CANADA
2019 Needle Arts Fair
October 5, 2020
CANCELLED due to Covid-19
Needlecrafts Handed Down
Antique sampler presentation and show
Presented by the Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts
KINGSTON, ONTARIO
CANADA
Lakeshore Creative Stitchery Guild
March 23, 2020
CANCELLED due to Covid-19
To be rescheduled
Antique sampler presentation and show
POINTE-CLAIRE, QUEBEC
CANADA
1000 Islands History Museum
March 6, 2020
Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts
Antique sampler presentation and show
Gananoque, Ontario
Canada
Toronto Guild of Stitchery
January 2, 2020
Antique sampler presentation and show
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
2019 Needle Arts Fair
October 5, 2019
Needlecrafts Handed Down
Antique sampler presentation and show
Presented by the Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts
Kingston, Ontario
Canada
2019 Needle Arts Fair
October 5, 2018
Needlecrafts Handed Down
Fair vendor
Presented by the Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts
Kingston, Ontario
Canada
Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts
June 18, 2018
Antique sampler presentation and show
Kingston, Ontario
Canada
Knowledge & Needles
May 5, 2018
Launch of 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers during Spring Open House
brighton, Ontario
Canada
2018 Needle Arts Fair
September 29, 2018
Everybody Stitches
Fair vendor
Presented by the Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts
Kingston, Ontario
Canada
Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery
December 6, 2017
Antique sampler presentation and show
ottawa, Ontario
Canada
