This design is based on an 1866 antique sampler stitched by Elisabeth Vallod. 

The original sampler appears to be stitched on silk gauze with silk threads.  It had damage from mold as can bee seen in this image.  It has since been carefully mini-vacuumed and will be re-framed with the original frame and glass.  I have numerous images (hiding in image files somewhere) of the un-framing process front and back with the help and guidance of members of the Baltimore Chapter of The Embroidery's Guild of America.