This antique sampler could be Welsh. It has been stitched on linen using silk and fine wool threads with a beautiful cut and drawn work outer border. The next four sided border consists of stylized roses surrounding horizontal rows of alphabet and numeric tests executed in a variety of stitches including cross, eyelet, and four sided. Curiously she spells her name “Holmes” near the top and “Holms” toward the bottom in two separate attributions. A magnificent sailing ship finishes the sampler. The verses:

Lord thou art my hope no trouble ear shall move
my heart from thee how boundless is thy love
Lord take my spirit thou canst it ever guard
And give me Heaven at the last for my reward
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This work in hand my friends may have
When I am dead and laid in grave

While the sampler has had losses to some areas of wool, and ground, it has been stabilized and professionally cleaned, conserved and mounted by Frances Faile and is now behind ultra violet filtering glass with acid free spacers. It measures 21″ x 12″.

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