History of samplers and embroidery stitches used long ago have always been an interest to any needleworker. A Maryland Sampling: Girlhood Embroidery, 1738 – 1860 by Gloria Seaman Allen should definitely be of interest. It is scheduled for release October 2007, below is a quoted description from Amazon.com:
“This is an extraordinary assemblage of Maryland samplers and pictorial embroideries that will appeal to scholars, collectors, antiques dealers, and modern day embroiderers, written by an accomplished textile historian. Students of women’s history and of the decorative arts will discover more about the role of needlework in early female education and in the lives of ordinary women in the changing currents of Chesapeake regional history. Genealogists will gain valuable insights into Maryland families and their migration patterns. The appendices document all known Maryland needlework samplers and embroideries. The samplers presented in this beautifully illustrated, handsome volume will inspire and awe readers with the skill, talent, seriousness, and occasionally irrepressible humor of their young creators.”
There is also a website specifically for A Maryland Sampling: Girlhood Embroidery, 1738 -1860; it goes into great detail about the book, there are tabs to view the contents of the book, a photo gallery of some of the samplers, about the auther and so on. There is also an exhibition going on right now through November 15, 2007 at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore. To view the site, click here.
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