. . . "The earliest samplers were reference works for embroiderers. They showed 'samples' of patterns and stitches and recorded how to achieve particular effects. In Europe in the 17th century samplers provided instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. Making a sampler was part of a girl's school education throughout the 18th century and into the early 1800s. By this time embroidered samplers were very often a simple and undemanding exercise. This French example has a detailed inscription. It reads: 'Faite par Miete Cheilan agee de 8 ans dans la classe des soeurs des Saints Noms de Jesus et de Marie Lancon 1847'. (Made by Miete Cheilan aged 8 years in the class of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and of Marie Lancon 1847.)"@en .