Ann Ward 1808

ANN WARD 1808

This is a reproduction of a Quaker sampler made in Chester County, Pennsylvania consisting of alphabets, numerals, ligatures* and lineal patterns executed in a variety of stitches.  The uppermost border with the dangling central flower is often seen on American Quaker samplers of this period (see “Rebecca Nut” in The Scarlet Letter collection).

Stitches used include cross, petit point, counted satin, queen, eyelet and four-sided making this a true exercise in needlework skills for a young girl of eleven years old.

On 30/32 count linen the reproduction sampler will most closely approximate the size of the original: 8-1/2″ x 11-1/2″ (the original is 10″ x 12″ stitched on homespun linen with vegetable dyed silk floss).

The project is recommended for any level of skill and is a lovely small way to learn a variety of stitches in an historic context.

*Ligatures are characters consisting of one or more joined letters and are often seen on Quaker samplers.