Jane Howell 1835

Description

This very finely stitched English sampler has a multifloral border centering an alphabet and numerals in a pyramidal configuration, a verse, and a scene executed in petit point, featuring a cozy cottage flanked by trees and oversized, robust blooms. The verse was written by a very anonymous woman named Mrs. Mary Masters in 1755:

Tis religion that can give
Sweetest Pleasures while we live
Tis religion must supply
Solid comfort when we die
After death its joys will be
Lasting as eternity
Be the living God my friend
Then my bliss will never end

The format of the sampler is unusual: symmetrical in some ways, with flights of needle fancy. Stitches used are cross, tent (cross stitch over one thread) and counted satin. The original sampler measures 13″x 161/2″. On 35-count linen, the reproduction sampler will measure 13 1/2″ x 16″. The project is recommended for intermediate skill levels.