After seeing the exhibition of colonial samplers in Boston back in December I was inspired to use one of the quotes I found there in my own work.
I created this piece for Bridget Frankowiak, also known as BeeFranck, over at Mr X Stitch because she is just so awesome! And I know she loves traditional samplers.
The background fabric is the product of one of my painted fabric experiments. I liked that is looks a bit mouldy and gives a sense of age to the piece.
The Profanity Sampler
I wanted to combine a traditional looking border and style with a profane statement. This piece is meant to look harmless from a distance, until you read it! It made me smile every time I looked at it and it made my cast laugh, which is what I was going for!
I incorporated woven roses and a chain stitch and back stitch border to pretty up my profanity. I really like it, I hope you do too :-)
The final exhibition I went to see at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston was in its new Art of the Americas wing. Embroideries of Colonial Boston: Samplers, is the first of three Embroidery exhibitions being held throughout the end of this year and the next. Unfortunately I do not believe I will be able to see the others, but this one was well worth it.
I have read about samplers in The Subversive Stitch, but to be able to see them first hand was breathtaking. The stitches are so tiny and neat, the depictions of bible scenes, animals and motifs intricate.
I was particularly taken by some of the mottos embroidered into the samples, which I will share with you here:
Martha Decosta is my name New England is my nation Boston is my dwelling place and Christ is my Salvation
When I am dead and laid in grave and all my bones are rotten in this you see remember me and let me never be forgotten
Sampler by Martha Decosta 1749, Boston Mass.
In prosperity friends will be plenty : but in adversity not one in twenty
Sampler by Hannah Storer, age 8, 1747 Boston, Mass.
O may I always ready stand with my lamp burning in my hand : May in sight of Heaven rejoice whener I hear the bridegrooms voice
Sampler by Prudence Clarke, 1757
If you are in the Boston area for any of the embroidery exhibitions I urge you to go see them. They are very well presented and the information with them is astounding!
