Rose Shenamon Mitchell 1816

Description

A Scottish sampler

Rose’s unusual middle name should have provided some clues about where she was born, and where she lived, but the name “Shenamon” is elusive despite my efforts to discover its origins as well as hers. It is spelled many different ways when researched (including Shinimon and Schinnamon which suggest a Germanic origin, or perhaps even Hebrew). From the stylistic characteristics of her work, she was obviously schooled in Scotland in 1816 when she stitched this sampler.

The “stacked” trees, family names and initials, illuminated letters, the arcaded floral bands across the top, the central motif depicting two birds drinking from the “fountain of eternal life” (so similar to the same motif on Jean Scrimgeowr’s sampler of 1779, also reproduced by THE SCARLET LETTER), and of course the dominant red and green primary color scheme, suggest that this sampler was certainly made in Scotland.

Stitches used in Rose’s sampler include cross over one and two threads of linen, and double running stitch (back stitch). On 40 count linen, the reproduction will most closely approximate the size of the original sampler at 15″ x 20-1/2″. As always, The Scarlet Letter can supply either 30, 35, or 40 thread count linen with your kit order at no extra charge. The project is recommended for any skill level. The chart and instructions are printed in full color.