Many stitcher's believe the sampler is based on the alphabet. Well, yes, we do consider the alphabet part of the modern sampler but the definition was much different in the 16th century.
In that time, needlework was an integral part of a woman's life. She was taught by the older women around her and she kept a sampler going as a diary of sorts. It was often a diary of stitches. The stitches she learned from others were put on the sampler as a long term reference. Samplers were also used to track significant events such as birth, marriages, and deaths.
I just finished this little gem. I love the color combination.