Mary E. Allen 1836: a reproduction sampler
The model was stitched on 26ct raw linen. It is stitched on plain, even-weave linen with 2 ply silk floss. We have charted it to use Needlepoint silks or Gentle Art floss. The Sampler incorporates cross stitch, satin stitch, rice stitch, Algerian and Smyrna stitches. The original sampler's linen is made of 2 pieces of linen that are spliced together under the satin stitch grass. The verse is first documented in use about 1809.
This sampler was obtained in Georgia from the descendants of Mary E. Allen. The family stated that they had come originally from the North Carolina-Virginia line near the Granville County(NC) area in the early to mid 1800's and later migrated to Georgia. The exact details about the family history were lost
"In the soft scenes of life when cares are small and few, I show to others of my age what busy hands can do. Mary E. Allen 1836"
