Sampler Practice Piece

Periodca. 1845 - 1855

MediumPlied wool thread on linen

Dimensions12 × 6.5 in. (30.5 × 16.5 cm)

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Howard Braddock, 1938

Object number1142

DescriptionA rectangular needlework practice piece on loosely woven linen worked in bright plied wool thread in dark green, olive green, khaki green, pale green, medium brown, medium blue, light blue, sky blue, pale pumpkin orange, brick red, cerise, pale pink, and bright yellow. The linen retains a selvedge along the right side, while the top, left, and bottom edges have been loosely and crudely whip stitched to reduce fraying. The stitching along the top edge has unraveled and retains portions of the original cotton thread used to bind it. Eight different motifs have been embroidered on the linen using both cross and tent stitch. On the extreme upper left corner is worked a trio of diamond elements in shaded greens. The largest motif, worked in the upper portion of the linen panel, depicts a luxuriant spray of roses, smaller blue flowers, and leaves. Below the rose element, embroidered along the left edge, is a stylized scrolling border worked vertically. On the lower portion of the linen are two wide horizontal border fragments, using similar floral and foliate motifs. Near the bottom edge of the panel are three individual motifs, including a diamond-and-bar border fragment worked vertically as well as two scroll and swag border fragments worked horizontally.
Curatorial RemarksWhen looking at a finished sampler, with its fine needlework, evenly spaced motifs, and well-placed design elements, it is easy to forget that before plying their needles on their formal embroidery pieces, girls often practiced on smaller scraps of linen. These practice fragments provide a wealth of information on the sampler making process, the norms in needlework education, and the development of specific sampler motifs and designs. This particular needlework fragment, with its Berlin work embroidery in brightly colored wool yarns, has been attributed to Hannah D. Jones (1836 - 1921). Hannah was probably between ten and fifteen when she tried out various motifs and borders on this linen panel in preparation, perhaps, for undertaking a finished large-scale sampler. On the other hand, she may have become so discouraged in this first attempt at Berlin work that she never progressed further.NotesThe donor, Mrs. Howard L. Braddock of Haddonfield, Camden County, was born Margaret Smock Jones in Freehold, Monmouth County, in September 1864. She was a daughter of Daniel Jones (1835 - 1911) and Hannah D. Jones (1836 - 1921), who owned a farm near Jerseyville in the east part of Freehold Township. Margaret married in Freehold on 26 April 1900 to Howard L. Braddock (b. 1865) of Haddonfield, and relocated there for the remainder of her adult life. But Margaret, who was known as Maggie, made frequent visits to her friends and relatives in Freehold. Her sister Lizzie had married William M. Moreau, whose family owned and published the Freehold Transcript. So Maggie's comings and goings were duly reported in the newspaper's social columns. The Berlin work sampler practice piece may well have been worked by Margaret's mother, Hannah D. Jones, who was born in 1836. She would have been of school age between 1845 and 1855, about the time that this type of needlework reached its peak of popularity. As part of her gift, Mrs. Braddock also gave the Association a group of nineteenth century paper patterns for crocheting, cross stitch work, etc.

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