Ann How 1794

Description

This sampler was originally stitched on a finely woven tammy (wool) cloth with alphabets and three pious verses over a lower pictorial register, illustrating a small flock of stylized sheep. facing stags and a brick or possibly half timbered cottage. Stitches used in this sampler are cross, eyelet, and petit point (cross stitch over one thread of linen).

The verses are as follows:

The date July the 21 is stitched at the end of the second verse, and in the signature cartouche between the facing stags she notes the date as July the 24, which might indicate the speed at which she was stitching. The sampler is signed in four different places. Interestingly, the lettering seems to improve and become more symmetrical as the sampler progresses, indicating that this was truly a learning exercise for Ann.

On 35 count linen the finished sampler will measure approximately 16″ x 13-1/2″. The sampler is recommended for any skill level.