Ann Braham Sampler
Location: Sharon - Sharon Museum and Gardens, Ontario
Estimated Date Stitched:
June 30, 1818
Estimated Age of Stitcher:
9
School and/or Teacher:
Name of Stitcher:
Ann Braham
Type of Sampler:
alphabet, numbers
Size of Sampler:
Width: 11.75in
Height: 8in
Description:
Neither mounted or framed but in a Mylar casing.
Finishing – Hemmed stitched using the Antique Hem Stitch with a double folded hem. Hem stitch is done in the green taupe colour used in the main body of the sampler.
The back can be seen and there are threads trailing from one letter to another and in the motifs, but not from motif to motif. These can be seen from the front due to the light colour of the fabric.
Borders
Separator rows are between each row.
Row 1 is 2 rows of cross stitch alternating.
Row 2 is 2 rows of cross stitch alternating but in groups of 2 stitches.
Row 3 is 3 rows of cross stitch alternating but in groups of 3 stitches.
Row 4 is 2 rows of cross stitch alternating but in a group of 3 stitches.
Row 5 is 3 rows of cross stitch with the middle stitched from fully from one side to the other. The top and bottom row misses 3 stitches and then has 3 stitches stitched. The top and bottom rows are not alternating but all parallel to each other.
Row 6 is a straight row of cross stitch.
Row 7 is 3 rows of cross stitch alternating in groups of 3. The top row however appears very inconsistent with some groups completed in 3 but others in 4.
Row 8 is a scroll or wave pattern.
Motifs
Middle is a windmill and then order going out on either side (meaning the motifs duplicate on either side of the middle one) are 3 different plants/flowers, birds and ships. To fill in space it appears that a heart was added to the far left. There are 2 spots where a nondescript cross like motif has been placed. One is above a smaller flower on the left and the other in the far bottom corner.
There are some diamond small motifs between all the words.
This sampler was donated to the museum by Miss Bertha Shunk. How she had the sampler to donate is unknown.
Condition: Excellent
Description of condition:
No fabric or thread deterioration except likely thread colour fading.
Fabric Type:
Linen
Approximate thread count:
32
Embroidery thread type:
cotton
Number of letters: Number of Alphabets: 3
Case: Upper Case, Lower Case
Description of alphabets:
Upper case is completed with duplicates of each letter and counting for 2 alphabets. There is an error in the alphabet with 3 “V” being embroidered. The 3rd alphabet is lower case. The “i” and the “ have been capitalized in error. The “v” looks more like a lower case “w” than a “v”.
Number of sets of numerals: Number of sets of numerals: 1
Description of numerals:
1-10 are after the upper case alphabets.
11-14 are after the lower case alphabet.
Borders: other – Just the Antique Hem Stitch
Motifs: plants, other
Type of stitches: cross
Name or initials on sampler: Ann Braham
Verse or Inscription:
All in upper case – God save the king peace and plenty crown the year
”Year” was squished in on its own down in the motif section.
Owner / Donor Story:
Other Information:
Photographs
No. of photographs: Number of photographs: 3
Description of photographs:
1 Full sampler
2 Bottom motifs
3 Back of sampler
Reference numbers: (Museum, archive or other references associated with sampler)
963.16.1
If you have more info about this sampler, please contact us at samplers@eac-acb.ca