Samplers from Friesland, in the northwest of the Netherlands, are characterized chiefly by alphabets and tree of life motifs. The sampler also features pierced and crowned hearts, checkerboards, and brides and grooms- motifs typical of samplers from other regions of the Netherlands as well. The letters VM are most likely the initials of the sampler’s maker. The dates 1667, 1692, 1697, and 1698 usually below images of trees and brides and grooms, perhaps to commemorate the births or marriages of family members.