Description
Hannah is most certainly a “bobby dazzler” of a sampler. The sampler catches and holds the eye. The young girl covered every inch of her linen, filling her sampler with carefully stitched motifs. The intricate outer border is one that we have not seen on a sampler before.
Hannah divided her sampler into three sections. The top section dominates with a stunning lozenge- shaped cartouche within which she has worked two alphabets and a set of numerals. The larger font appears on several Quaker samplers. We particularly like how Hannah worked her name in the centre of the sampler; she was proud to take ownership of her work.
The middle section features the verse:
“Sweet courtesy and winning smiles
Manners mild and void of art
These are loves engaging wiles
These are those which win the heart”
The verse is taken from the poem “Mary” that was published in 1796 and was “recommended to the attention of the Ladies”.
Hannah records on her sampler that she was from Ballypallady (sic). In Ireland counties are divided into civil parishes and parishes are further divided into townlands. Ballypalady Townland can be found in Ballymartin in the county of Antrim, Northern Ireland.
In historical records. we have found reference to a Hugh Campbell of Ballypalady but Hannah has remained elusive. We dearly wished that we could have unearthed Hannah’s story.
Her sampler is a tangible and palpable link to her life. Through her needlework, Hannah has stitched her name into history.
Hannah used small blue beads to work the glass panes in the house and on one flower head. We could not source beads that were small enough to work on 46ct linen. After some thought and experimentation, we decided to use Accentuate MMA in place of the beaded areas. We believe that Hannah intended the glass panes to shimmer in the sunlight, and the metallic thread gives this effect.
Hannah’s sampler has been reproduced using a palette of 18 colours carefully matched to the colours found on the front of the sampler. The model was stitched using Soie 100.3 from Au Ver a Soie together with one spool of Accentuate MMA. We have included conversions for Soie d’Alger and DMC.
Hannah executed her sampler predominantly with cross stitches laid over one and two threads of linen. Hannah also used Algerian eyelets and rice stitch. The sampler is suitable for intermediate through to advanced needleworkers. However, it is not beyond a determined beginner.
Hannah’s sampler has been lovingly stitched by Melissa Coyle.
