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

Eastern Ontario Stitchers - Stitch Day

Saturday, April 18, 2026

I will be attending this event, hope to see you there!  Details about the event are below.  Please use the link below or head over to Eastern Ontario Stitchers page on Facebook to purchase your ticket.

From the organizers:

Eastern Ontario Stitchers will be hosting a Stitch Day on April 18, 2026 at the Joel Steele Community Center in Winchester, Ontario, from 9am to 4pm. Tickets are $25 each. Please "print" your ticket to PDF as you will need it to enter the event.

Remember to Lug-Your-Sealable-Mug for free water, tea, and coffee.

A Tuck Shop will be available for your snacking needs, just like when you were at Camp.

LUNCH will be available to purchase on-site, brought to you by the Camp Sheldrick Volunteers.

Participating vendors will be announced via our Facebook page
with details on what they are offering for this event.

OVERVIEW:
This event is open to any person who creates or designs items using needle and thread.Stitch Day welcomes needleworkers of all backgrounds and skill levels to gather, share their passion for diverse techniques, and spend a day creating and connecting with fellow enthusiasts in a vibrant, supportive community.

Presented by Eastern Ontario Stitchers

winchester, ONTARIO

CANADA

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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

Learn more 

Western Reserve Sampler Guild

Exclusive Zoom Event

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Presentation 1 ~ Threads Across Borders: Canadian Samplers in Context of Materials, Migration and Meaning

Two hours 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. 

Presentation 2 ~ Beyond the Alphabet: Unconventional Samplers and Unique Techniques 

Two hours focusing on samplers that showcase non-traditional academic subjects, themes (map, acrostic, samplers that combine stitching and paper elements) and unique techniques and materials such as surface embroidery, the applications of faces and hands, including of paper hand cut silhouettes and / or related schoolgirl decorative arts, paper piercing, wool work.  Using ephemera, including 19th century school advertisements teaching stitching and other accomplishments and needlework tools to illustrate conditions and limitations in stitching.  

ZOOM 

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Learn more 

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 

Learn more

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

Learn more 

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

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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

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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

Learn more 

SamBrie Stitches

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Flosstube: In Conversation with Becca of SamBrie Stitches

VIRTUAL

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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.

Learn more 

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

Learn more 

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

Learn more 

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

Learn more 

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

Learn more 

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

Learn more 

Needlework Expo

Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, August 29, 2022

A virtual wholesale market for the cross stitch trade

VIRTUAL

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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

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Knowledge & Needles

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Nashville Spring Open House

featured designer

BRIGHTON, ONTARIO

CANADA

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Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild

April 26, 2022

Antique sampler presentation and show via Zoom

cobourg, ontario

CANADA

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Trillium Embroidery Guild

April 20, 2022

Antique sampler presentation and show via Zoom

whitby, ontario

CANADA

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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

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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

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Lakeshore Creative Stitchery Guild

October 5, 2020

Antique sampler presentation and show via Zoom

POINTE-CLAIRE, QUEBEC

CANADA

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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

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Lakeshore Creative Stitchery Guild

March 23, 2020

CANCELLED due to Covid-19

To be rescheduled

Antique sampler presentation and show

POINTE-CLAIRE, QUEBEC

CANADA

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1000 Islands History Museum

March 6, 2020

Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts

Antique sampler presentation and show

Gananoque, Ontario

Canada

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Toronto Guild of Stitchery

January 2, 2020

Antique sampler presentation and show

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

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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

Learn more

2019 Needle Arts Fair

October 5, 2018

Needlecrafts Handed Down

Fair vendor

Presented by the Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts

Kingston, Ontario

Canada

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Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts

June 18, 2018

Antique sampler presentation and show

Kingston, Ontario

Canada

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Knowledge & Needles

May 5, 2018

Launch of 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers during Spring Open House

brighton, Ontario

Canada

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2018 Needle Arts Fair

September 29, 2018

Everybody Stitches

Fair vendor

Presented by the Cataraqui Guild of Needle Arts

Kingston, Ontario

Canada

Learn more

Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery

December 6, 2017

Antique sampler presentation and show

ottawa, Ontario

Canada

Learn more