Sarah Dale-1693

Sarah stitched a stunning band sampler which she completed on the 8th day of the tenth month in 1693. Several of the bands are found frequently on band samplers, however the band with animals is extraordinary. It shows an archer, birds, lions, a stag, donkey, sheep, crab and a few others of
questionable origin. There are a number of band samplers in existence with this particular band on them, the earliest one as far as we know is from the 1630's. It is believed that these samplers were made in the same area in England but at this point in time we don't know where. A band sampler was a way for a young girl to display her domestic skill. As may other band samplers this one was stitched from both directions. During the 1600's books were published on bestiary and the allegorical meaning of various animals. The lion is a royal symbol as well as a symbol of domestic harmony and the stag is a symbol for Christ. Parts of this sampler are stitched over two threads and parts over three threads. Sarah used two shades of silk for many of the satin stitched areas which gives a lovely effect. This sampler is reversible although Sarahwas not particularly neat on the reverse side.
Stitches used are diagoanl cross, satin, marking stitch, double running, faggot stitch, Algerian eye, Italian cross, herringbone, rice holiepoint and detached buttonhole. Silk used is 100/3silk. From the Textile Museum in St. Gallen, accession no. TM20156

Size: 9.5" x 32" (24cm x 81 cm)
Thread Count: 40 count (16th/cm) linen
Colour:
Recommended Level: Advanced
Cost: DMC $96.00 Silk $132.00 Chart $25.00
Categories: 17th Century English
ID: 194