Sampler
Maker
Deborah Craft
Periodca. 1825
MediumPlied silk thread on rough linen
Dimensions8 × 8.5 in. (20.3 × 21.6 cm)
SignedThe sampler is signed "Deborah Craft 16."
ClassificationsNeedlework
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1934
Object number708.14
DescriptionA small square sampler, crudely hemmed along the left, top, and right sides and with the original selvedge edge along the bottom, worked in plied silk thread in black, dark green, medium blue, medium blue-green, red, rose, light pink, and pale yellow. All the embroidery stitching is done in cross stitch. The sampler centers upon a bold stylized floral spray with red and pink buds, set in a small red basket. Below the spray is a two-handled pink basket piled with flowers. Two birds, one pink and one blue, perch alertly on the basket's handles. Smaller floral elements, including a naturalistic rose blossom, a small wavy tulip, a second smaller floral bud and basket, and a small floral bud spray flank the two central motifs. Below the motif grouping is embroidered in black the signature "Deborah Craft 16." Immediately above the signature and number is a broken line of tiny cross stitches in black thread, possibly the remnants of a little border. Two more small black stitched remants, possibly of letters, are visible above the "t" in "Craft." Signature and motifs are enclosed within a square created by a single band of cross stitching. A wide wavy floral and foliate border surrounds the central elements. Along the edges of the sampler is worked a small border of cross stitching. A portion of this edging along the top indicates that the embroidery was done prior to hemming. This suggests that the linen panel was not stretched or mounted prior to embroidery, but the raw edges of the linen were folded and hemmed after completion. A number of loose threads from the simple running stitches along the hems are visible.Curatorial RemarksThe charm of this sampler relies on both its small size and delightful array of motifs. The "16" following the name of the sampler maker, Deborah Craft, is somewhat mysterious. It may be an indication of her birth year, which would make her about ten years old when she attended the Westtown School in 1826. This small linen square is in the nature of a practice piece, allowing the young needleworker a chance to try out her stitching and tackle specific motifs. Deborah arranged her choice of design elements well, and the lovely floral border gives a finished appearance to the work. It is not known whether she worked on this piece while at Westtown, or had sewn it under the tutelage of her mother, relative, or unidentified teacher.NotesThe small sampler owned by the Association since 1934 was made by Deborah Craft. A young Quaker girl by that name attended the Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1826. School records indicate she was from Burlington, New Jersey. A Deborah Craft, quite probably the same person, was disowned on 2 April 1838 by the Burlington Monthly Meeting for disunity. Nothing else is known about her at this time.
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