Monday, April 14, 2014

Frances Emilene McNeely Marking Sampler

I never met my Great Grandma but think I would have been fascinated to hear her talk about her life's story and the times in which she lived. Frances Emilene McNeely was born in 1862 in a little rural community of southwest Missouri. She grew up during our country's Civil War and the Reconstruction years that followed...how exciting and sometimes terrifying those times must have been for a little child to experience.


I created my marking sampler in her memory using antique alphabet charts from the 19th century. She was an expert needlewoman so I like to imagine that she began her sewing skills working on a sampler something like this one.




I unfortunately don't have a photo of my Great Grandma but am lucky to own an old salt cellar that belonged to her. I keep it filled with cinnamon sticks instead of salt but I don't think she'd mind! I also have her English ironstone pitcher which is a real beauty. These are treasured items in my home and are of course very special to me.

I hope you are lucky enough to be stitching on something that makes you smile and is close to your heart!!!

Happy stitching!
Sandy

4 comments:

HomeSpunPrims said...

Sandy,
Love the tribute sampler to your great grandma. The colors are wonderful and it looks great in that old frame. How blessed you are to have two pieces to treasure and remember her by. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Lori

bayrayschild said...

How Beautiful!

Audrey

marly said...

Very nice design and colors. What a lovely tribute to her.

Katken said...

Special treasures indeed!! Looking forward to tomorrow!!!