Years ago Chicago had some great used books stores and we spent our weekends browsing in them. I ended up with some great books. But this is one I went hunting for--and it took quite a while to find.
I first saw this book in a local library and I was just blown away. I completely fell in love with the samplers. This was probably in the early 90s and the book was reprinted around then--a huge disappointment, all the charm was gone. I hunted until I found a copy for myself. Mine is a newer edition than the library's copy and not quite as nice, but it's mine!
My edition is from the late 30s; the library book I had found was from the 20s (I'm sure it's been pulled from the shelves by now--I wonder what happened to it). Mrs Christie described stitches I'd never heard of, like the braid above. There are sweet little illustrations and great descriptions.
I'm not sure why, but I just loved her samplers, especially all of the raised and braided stitches.
This is before I learned about stumpwork or casalguidi and I was in awe. I have found several books from this era with designs I find very appealing. The front piece is a sampler that I saw "in person" at the V&A museum in London in the 1997. 
Here's a spread. Mary over at Needle 'n Thread recently pointed out that it's available online here.
