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Alphabet Cross Stitch Sampler

Alphabet Cross Stitch Sampler - Sampler
Accession #: 2962.255
Title: Alphabet Cross Stitch Sampler
Object Type: Sampler
Participants:
Physical Description: This sampler contains eight rows of alphabets and numerals done in various stitches, including cross-stitch. Designs include peacocks, two blue birds in a tree, flowers, and an urn. The border is a decorative floral design. "Jane Riddell T T H M Lilliesleaf School 16 March 1857" is embroidered beneath the alphabets and numerals and above the motifs.
Description: Peacocks were a popular motif in mid-19th century British samplers. Jane Riddell included two when she embroidered her sampler at about age 13 while in school in Lilliesleaf, Roxburghshire, Scotland. Jane apparently treasured her sampler, and her niece, Joanna E. Brunton, brought it with her when she immigrated to Canada in 1925. Making an embroidered sampler was an important part of a girl's education during the 16th through 19th centuries. Originally, the ability to label household linens and clothing with embroidery was an essential skill at a time when all textiles were handwoven, and therefore very valuable. Samplers also provided an introduction to numerals and the alphabet, and they demonstrated a girl's ability to beautify her home with decorative objects. The practice declined during the mid-19th century, but girls continued to make embroidered samplers in some regions.
Category: Textiles
Subjects/Topics/Concepts:
Decorative Arts (Decorative Arts)
Geographical Reference: Scotland (International->Europe)
Dimensions:
Object L x W 13 1/2 x 12 1/2"
Materials/Techniques:
cross stitch (Technique)
cotton (fiber) (Material)
Marks/Inscription:
JANE RIDDELL/LILLIESLEAF SCHOOL/16 MARCH 1857
Related Exhibits:
Credit Line: Museum Transfer, Fort Wright Historical Museum, 1983

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