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Not currently on display at the V&A

Sampler

1661 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Whitework narrow sampler of tightly-woven linen with the top edge formed by the selvedge and the other three edges turned and hemmed. Band sampler embroidered with white linen thread in satin and double running stitches and cut and drawn-threadwork.

Band 1. Narrow band of drawn-thread work with vertical overcast bars.
2. Narrow stepped line of counted satin stitch.
3. 0.75 inches (2cms) band of cut and drawn-thread divided by overcast bars into seven rows of tiny squares. These are partly filled with simple interlace and solid weaving stitch to form the initials 'M M' and the date '1661'.
4. Line of diamonds and crosses worked in counted satin and double running stitches.
5. 1.75 inches (4.5 cms) band of cut and drawn-thread work worked as band 3, zigzag stem pattern with exotic flowers.
6. Zigzag stem pattern with leaves and acorns in counted satin stitch.
7. 1 inch (2.5 cms) band of cutwork divided into small squares with buttonholed bars filled with detached buttonholed bars to form an indistinct zigzag line with flowers.
8. 2.25 inch (5.5 cms) band of cutwork divided into 0.375 inch (1 cm) squares with buttonholed bars and decorated with detached buttonholed loops and bars, interlaced stitches and some solid weaving stitch. Snowflake pattern.
9. Unfinished line of counted satin stitches.

The remaining 13.75 inches (35 cms) are unworked.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen embroidered with linen
Brief description
Linen sampler embroidered with linen, possibly by Margret Mason, England, 1661
Physical description
Whitework narrow sampler of tightly-woven linen with the top edge formed by the selvedge and the other three edges turned and hemmed. Band sampler embroidered with white linen thread in satin and double running stitches and cut and drawn-threadwork.

Band 1. Narrow band of drawn-thread work with vertical overcast bars.
2. Narrow stepped line of counted satin stitch.
3. 0.75 inches (2cms) band of cut and drawn-thread divided by overcast bars into seven rows of tiny squares. These are partly filled with simple interlace and solid weaving stitch to form the initials 'M M' and the date '1661'.
4. Line of diamonds and crosses worked in counted satin and double running stitches.
5. 1.75 inches (4.5 cms) band of cut and drawn-thread work worked as band 3, zigzag stem pattern with exotic flowers.
6. Zigzag stem pattern with leaves and acorns in counted satin stitch.
7. 1 inch (2.5 cms) band of cutwork divided into small squares with buttonholed bars filled with detached buttonholed bars to form an indistinct zigzag line with flowers.
8. 2.25 inch (5.5 cms) band of cutwork divided into 0.375 inch (1 cm) squares with buttonholed bars and decorated with detached buttonholed loops and bars, interlaced stitches and some solid weaving stitch. Snowflake pattern.
9. Unfinished line of counted satin stitches.

The remaining 13.75 inches (35 cms) are unworked.
Dimensions
  • Length: 24.5in
  • Width: 5.75in
  • Length: 62cm
  • Width: 14.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
'M M 1661' (Stitched)
Credit line
Given by Janet Harris, Susan M. Jones and Lynda Smith
Object history
Registered File number 1987/1726.
The sampler is one of a group of six mid-17th century samplers all associated with the Mason family and handled down in the family of the donors. T.182 to 187-1987 in the collection.
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
T.183-1987

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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