What drew me to this sampler at first was the lovely bold rose border. Then, I learned it was stitched by a boy 180 years ago, which made it extremely rare. Most boys, then and now, would rather be off doing other things. The model was stitched for me also by a male stitcher, the incredibly talented Robert Smith who insisted on doing it in the wools just like the first stitcher. Cottons can be used instead of wool. Framing was done by Edie Antl of Art Etc in Cincinnati, OH, who provides service by mail for those interested. Stitch count is 167 x 176.