Jenning Band Sampler circa 1690

Description

This abbreviated (due to some past misadventure) 17th century band sampler still retains much of its former glory. It is very closely related to two examples pictured in Antique Needlework by Lanto Synge, figures 47a and 47b, described as “a very rare pair of late 17th century samplers by Alice and Margrett Jennings,” dated 1692 and 1695, from the Goodhart Collection, now housed at Montacute House, near Yeovil in Somerset (England). The motifs and verses on the attributable Jennings samplers are practically identical to what remains of this sampler. A further related example is housed in the Dorset County Museum, pictured and discussed in The Pointe of the Needle by Dorothy Bromiley Phelan, fig. 26. Stitches used include cross, double running, fishbone, counted satin, Montenegrin cross, running, back and eyelet. This is an excellent project for persons admiring the work of the 17th century, with the time constraints of the 21st century!