If you happen to be in the Netherlands this summer/fall and are driving about the country, don’t miss the small exhibition of Dutch Samplers at the Van Gijn House in Dordrecht.   The museum will be showing a combination of samplers and darning works as well.  The museum is at Nieuwe Haven 29/30, in Dordrecht, Netherlands.  An announcement (you will have to use a web translation) is on this page.  “Met naald en draad – 250 jaar Dordtse merk- en stoplappen” or “With Needle and Thread – 250 years of Dordrecht Samplers and Darning Samplers” is the exhibition title.  Stoplappen is the name of Darning Samplers – something I have a weakness for.  I think it is the shiny silk of the darning.  The exhibition closes on the 28th of November, 2010.  Here is another blog with many cool pictures of pieces in the exhibition.

If you are in the Netherlands for a bit – then use this webpage on museum exhibits of samplers and textiles to help you plot a course (I call them “Embroiderer’s Grand Tours”).  There is one that will end in mid-August that has samplers on show at the Historisch Museum de Bevelanden.  It looks to have a few gems as well.

Tricia