Sampler Practice Piece

MediumPlied silk thread on linen

Dimensions5 × 10.13 in. (12.7 × 25.7 cm)

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1934

Object number708.13

DescriptionA small rectangular open weave linen panel with the selvedge along the bottom edge and narrow hemmed edges along the left, top, and right sides. Both Queen stitch and cross stitch embroidery are worked in dark green, apple green, coral pink, rose, and pale pink. Four distinct stylized strawberry vine bands are embroidered vertically. The motif at left includes three Queen stitched strawberries dangling from cross stitched vines and leaves. A second similar vine appears next, worked entirely in cross stitch. A third vine, less stylized and more naturalistic, includes three smaller strawberry fruits. The top two strawberries were never completed. The fourth vine at right is widely spaced, and includes three of six fruits originally planned.
Curatorial RemarksWhile the maker of this small practice piece is not known, the quality of her stitches indicates she was an accomplished needleworker. It is possible that the anonymous embroiderer was a young girl, perhaps between fourteen and sixteen, trying out variations of a strawberry vine border to include in her final sampler.

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