The Dutch Steps of Life 1790
The front cover sampler features the steps of life. Mostly found in Dutch samplers, Levenstrap symbolize the various stages of human life. Each step represents 10 years. The steps go up then come down with a person of a different age sitting or standing on each step. Sometimes the steps start with an infant in a cradle on the far left, moving upward through early childhood and the teenage years, on to adulthood, middle age and eventually declining through the later years of life. A box or coffin is sometimes found at the end

Sara Wise
1797
With a stitch-count of 122W x 158H, the antique measures 7.5” W x 10.5”H, making the linen count about 30-32 threads to the inch. Linen colors approximating the antique are Vintage Buttercream by Lakeside Linens and Dubloom (for an antique look) by Picture This Plus. On 28ct the stitched area would measure 8.7”W x 11.3”H and on 32ct, 7.6”W x 9.9”H. Remember to add at least 2” on each side when cutting linen.
CLASSIC COLORWORKS DMC APPROX
Fresh Brew 938
Black Coffee 310
Little House Brown 407
Tennessee Red Clay 356
Pea Pod 730
Four Leaf Clover 989
Weeping Willow 523
Old Marigold 402
Old Blue Jeans** 931
Sunkissed 948
Finley Gold 3822