Joyce Leedes 1675

Description

Joyce Leedes’ spot sampler has had considerable attention paid to it by sampler scholars over the years. It combines the random spot motifs above and below a more formally arranged band section consisting of alphabets and numerals, and features two unusual mounted figures, densely surrounded by other figural motifs including a buxom mermaid, a boxer, paired human figures, a snail, a rather futuristic looking frog, numerous birds of various species, dogs, cats, fish, insects, and even a goat. Probably intended more as a pattern record than a display piece, spot samplers were generally rolled up and tucked away for future reference. There has been some discussion of the evolution of spot-to-band samplers throughout the seventeenth century. It is generally believed that the more repetitive pattern bands were adopted for use in teaching sewing skills to younger women at school later in the century, while spot samplers such as this one were more suited to the needs and skills of an advanced needleworker.