Drove down to Market Harborough to Gildings Auction. They are showing four samplers in the on line catalogue-estimate £100-£150. I left without leaving  bid, but I am tempted to ring and do the deed. One is dated 1826-a little girl sewed-by candle light-and I can see her licking the silks as she tried to thread her needle. and I think thimbles were compulsory. I learned to sew at the age of nine-only the girls in those days-we were taught how to hem stitch, how to make a placket and a run and fell seam. we were forces to wear a thimble. The lessons seemed very long. and later, at Bishopshalt school, we made a   paper pattern for knickers and then used it to make blue knickers. They were voluminous, and lasted for several years. The Brownies taught us how to sew on a button, with a proper shank. I discovered recently that there are those who take garments to the dry cleaners to have a button sewn on. Where are you now, Brown Owl?