I bought this Scarlet Letter sampler kit many years ago and am happy to say that I finally got around to completing it :) The description of the piece as written by the Scarlet Letter reads:The Martha Mortenson Sampler is a simple, early 19th century New England marking sampler, whereby the young girl practiced her lettering and stitches in preparation for marking actual household linens in her career as a maid or housewife. It is worked on 25 count, unbleached, natural linen, in faded hues...
My favorite samplers of all to stitch are those based on antiques. I guess that's mainly because I love to imagine what that first little girl was thinking about when she made the same stitches as me all those years ago. Was she at home or at school? Was she alone or surrounded by her family? Did she enjoy the work or was it more of a chore? I find imagining the answers fascinating.
Here's an illustration from The Workwoman's Guide, first published in 1838 England, of a classroom full of little girls learning to make the stitches they will use for the rest of their lives. Is it just me, or do you wonder too if Martha was in a classroom just like this one...Happy stitching, everyone!!!
Sandy
3 comments:
One of my favorite samplers! I've stitched this one too. I think the simple school girl samplers are my favorite to stitch. Beautiful job on yours!
Thank you, Lori! I appreciate your encouraging words and agree that these school girl samplers are the best to stitch. Their simple charm is what I find so captivating :)
Beautiful work Sandy! I love your lovely stitching.
I wanted to email you a could not find your email on your profile. Thank you for leaving me your sweet, sweet comment on my blog. I always appreciate you visiting me!
Hope you have a great weekend----it's almost Friday.
Carolyn :)
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