I should explain that there will be more - far more! - than one sampler worked for the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Design and Stitched Textiles. This is the first many assignments.The requirements for this sampler were to work a traditional sampler using the required stitches on a plain fabric using stranded cotton threads or similar. The stitches (to remind you) are straight, cross, French knots,Bullion knots, detached chain, seeding and both woven and whipped wheels.There was no proscribed design for the sampler, which gave me the freedom to experiment with using the stitches in different ways and arranging them as I pleased on the fabric. This freedom was what I enjoyed most!Below are close up photos of each section the sampler. They are in the order that I worked the sampler from the top to the bottom.Above are the first rows which included straight stitches, vertical, horizontal and diagonal cross stitches and French knots.Below the top rows of stitches I decided to embroider the whipped and woven wheels to create a focal point in the centre. While I was working the whipped wheel I noticed how similar the whipped spokes looked to bullion knots so I added this in the centre area as well.Following on with the spoked motifs, I decided on star shaped seeding on either side of the centre area. The white thread gives the areas on either side of the centre a snowy, wintery feeling which I'm really pleased with!Below the centre area I decided on half flower shapes done in detached chain stitch with bullion knots centers. Below those are more straight stitch designs, French knots and individual detached chain stitch. There are also areas of teeny, tiny seeding using a mix of simple single seed stitches and "V" shaped seeding stitches.The very bottom rows are more cross and straight stitch patterns.I'm really pleased with the finished piece. The balance of colours is good, the patterns created by the textured stitches interesting and the centre area gives the piece a focal point.Next time, my first foray into contemporary embroidery using cork fabric and synthetic threads but the very same stitches you've seen here!