Sunday, July 27, 2008

My Favorite Thing

Cindy, who has the beautiful blog, My Romantic Home, has invited us to share our favorite thing. This sampler, which was stitched in 1840, is definitely it! I collect antique textiles, and especially samplers, and this is the oldest piece I have. Did you know these were stitched as part of a girl or young woman's education? There are certain things sampler collectors look for in a piece and this one has just about every one of them. There are trumpeting angels and a female figure, which are overshadowed by a huge butterfly. This lack of perspective in sampler art is common and gives them a folksy or whimsical feel. There are birds and trees and flowers. There's a verse--it's a version of one which was stitched frequently-- and the sampler is signed and dated by the stitcher. (You can click on the photos for more detail.) There is also a wonderful building with its name stitched underneath. It could be the girl's school, a prominent building in her hometown or possibly even her home. The sampler is probably English, but at this point in time I have been unable to document that. When I purchased this sampler about 10 years ago, I reframed it myself using museum-quality archival materials because I want it to last another 168 years. Thanks for letting me share something so precious to me with you, and I look forward to seeing your favorite thing!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

That is so special and I loved all the details you shared. My heart was warmed. Thank you.

Gone said...

Beautiful and interesting!! Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

~Blessings,
Jan

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful treasure. It's just beautiful.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.com

Unknown said...

I really love your sampler. I love old things. Thank you for sharing.
Take care,
Marianne.

Decor To Adore said...

I love to imagine the life of the girl who created such beauty. What a find!

Unknown said...

What a treasure! I love the meaning and stories behind the stitchery. Can't you just picture a little girl sitting in front of the fire?

Joyce's Journey said...

What a beautiful piece!!! You are fortunate to have such a treasure. I love to do counted cross stitch, though haven't had much time (or patience) for it lately. I can only hope that one of my creations is passed on, such as your beautiful sampler. Thank you so much for sharing!!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

I really like the colors and design of your sampler! What a special find! I read the rest of your blog, and I also really like the vignettes you do under the cloche. Great ideas!

Stacey - The Blessed Nest

Lori said...

I love this and to imagine such a simple time where this was part of a girls education. How cool is that?

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Thank you for sharing . I love your sampler.

And thank you for stopping by my blog.Come again anytime .

Legacies For You said...

A wonderful sampler! As a history major and genealogy buff, I have always loved them because they are such treasures of someone's personal history. I've always had the hope that I might one day stumble upon a sampler from an ancestor of my own or my husband's. Thanks for sharing your beautiful piece.

emily said...

I loved seeing your favorite thing. Great choice! I also love your set ups under your cloches! Just beautiful. Thanks for visiting my blog.
emily
victorianpetals.blogspot.com

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

I think those old samplers are so fascinating, and yours is especially pretty!
Thank you for sharing it with us!
:)

rachel said...

this is really pretty! such a treasure! thank you so very much for the comment on my blog, you have a lovely blog! (:

KarenB said...

I can see why you love your sampler. I could never afford really old ones, so I used to try to make my own. I never got very far with that. . . Well, I'll be darned if you don't live in the same town as my parents. I'm heading there on Saturday to host my daughter's bridal shower and do some wedding "stuff." I'd love to know where your favorite thrift store is. The only one I've gone to there is Goodwill on Sante Fe by Hobby Lobby. My parents are right around the corner. Love your little treasures too. You do a great job with them. I'll be back!

Marilyn said...

Ooooo, I really think this is the most beautiful sampler I've ever seen! The colors are fabulous! Thanks for sharing it with us, Carla:)

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What a wonderful antique sampler! As an avid cross-stitcher & embroidery worker, I can so admire the handiwork & hours that went into this. No wonder it is your favorite!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Anonymous said...

That is one of the most beautiful samplers I've ever seen. Especially the colors!

CathWren said...

Exquisite! I love antique samplers as well. In fact, I have stitched several reproductions myself. Thank you for sharing