What a beautiful sampler that boasts delightful fancy stitching done in turkey red thread against an eggshell white linen ground…..perfect colors for holiday decorating. The name of the maker with her signature (though hard to make out) done on paper located at the top was preserved so she will still be honored for her hand wrought work.
This piece is dated “1902” as referenced at the bottom surrounded by a scroll design. The bold capital letters are very stylized lending a fanciful design to each letter that surely impresses the viewer. Each defined border is comprised of intricate scrolls located at the bottom, a repetitive pattern of geometric leaves on the sides and a mimicked chain design located at the top. This border is not only an impressive feature but also lends style and a sense of importance to the overall look.
Two tiny stains the size of a pinhead are located near the bottom, right hand corner in the middle where the letters are not present as referenced in images 14 & 15. The numbers are omitted in this particular sampler as the lower and upper case letters of the alphabet seem to “rule the day” and are separated by a mimicked heavy feather stitch design portrayed in a single horizontal row. The letter “p” located on the top (lower case theme) cannot entirely be deciphered as it appears she was having trouble completing this letter which is an indication of the naïve and endearing characteristics all children possess.
Pretty paper was used to cover the back and a wire hanger was attached so this sampler can be hung on the wall. When I received this sampler in after sending it out to be famed requesting a gain painted feature, I noticed the hanger was on backwards. Harry redid the position of the hanger and all is well. There are two holes located on the right and left hand side near the edge due to the repositioning of the hanger. Two small rips in the paper are also present near the top and the bottom as shown.
This sampler is in very good condition without any holes, fading or thread loss to report. The frame as stated above is grain painted and the colors lending soft mustard's and browns really enhance this work of art held under glass. What a beautiful presentation this would make to enhance any wall of your choosing! Don’t forget to tuck greens in at the top to add extra holiday magic! Enjoy!
Sampler measures 13 ½” tall by 14 ½” across (right to left).
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