Sampler

Maker Caroline A. Heywood

Periodca. 1830 - 1835

MediumPlied and flat silk threads on natural linen

Dimensions7.25 × 8.38 in. (18.4 × 21.3 cm)

SignedThe sampler contains the simple name signature "Caroline A. Heywood."

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Julia Hartshorne Trask, 1946

Object number2084.54

DescriptionA small square sampler on a natural unbleached linen with four narrow hemmed edges, worked in both plied and flat silk threads in black, dark blue, medium green, pale green, medium blue, pale tan, and off-white. An examination of the back of the sampler indicates that little fading has transpired, but that the pale tan thread was originally a peach color. Stitches used include cross, chain, satin, straight, and tent. The sampler features three alphabets, beginning with a 3/4 inch upper case italic alphabet running A to J on the first line, K to Q on the second line, and R to X on the third line. On the fourth line, a half-inch upper case alphabet runs from A through O, then P through Z on the fifth line, ending with a single ampersand and a small dot spacer. On the sixth line runs a half-inch lower case alphabet from a through v, ending with a small dot spacer. Below each line is worked a single cross stitch band. On the bottom third of the sampler is worked a lush grape vine with hanging grapes, forming a frame for the central name inscription "Caroline A. Heywood." Below the signature is a central small floral basket flanked by two rose clusters. A narrow dagged edge border encircles all four sides, with an outer border formed by a pulled thread band worked in black silk. Three small unfinished thread fragments are visible, including a short line embroidered in green to the right of the "K" in the first alphabet and a second green line to the right of the "M" in the first alphabet. Below the "C" in "Caroline" is worked an unfinished element in black, perhaps intended to be a letter or a date.
Curatorial RemarksWithin its small borders, this little sampler contains well-worked embroidery in a variety of stitches. Although maker Caroline Heywood did not date her alphabet sampler, she may have been ten or eleven when she completed her stitches. It is unlikely that the sampler was ever framed, as the relatively unfaded tones of the silk thread indicate that it was not exposed to sunlight for any length of time. Smaller alphabet samplers such as this one were not intended to be displayed but rather served as a young girl's practice piece before attempting a finished final sampler, usually much larger and more elaborate, to hang in the family home. Even on such a diminutive piece of linen, Caroline was able to incorporated not only three alphabets and a signature, but a grapevine, floral basket, two floral sprays, and a small decorative border.NotesCaroline Atwood Heywood was born on 20 July 1822, a daughter of Amos Heywood (1792 - 1875) and Lydia Buck (1794 - 1868) of Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Sadly, she died of consumption on 18 February 1843 at the age of twenty. Interment took place in Fairview Cemetery in Westford.

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