Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Eveline Frances Nichols
(American, 1830 - 1884)
Date4 August 1840
MediumEmbroidery; silk threads on a plain-woven, undyed linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 8 1/4 x 17 1/2in. (21 x 44.5cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number2006.95.0
DescriptionSampler worked in dark green, dark pink, light brown, medium green, rust, light pink, salmon, cream, and light green silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground using cross and other stitches. The sampler is rectangular, oriented horizontally. It is laid out with four rows of four alphabets and the numbers 1 through 8, over an inscription, over an inscription flanked by two trees. The first inscription is "A Good name is rather to be chosen than/ Silver or Gold Proverbs 22 verse 1". The second inscription is "Eveline Frances Nichols aged 10 years/ Westport Conn August 4th 1840". There are several miscellaneous designs in the bottom section of the sampler. Certain lines of alphabets, numbers, and text are separated by various borders, including straight and meandering lines. There is no border.
The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on top and bottom edges, and a selvedge on the side edges. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are four alphabets plus nine additional letters and one additional number, and the numbers 1-8. The letters are uppercase script in alphabet 1, uppercase block in alphabets 2 and 3, and lowercase block in alphabet 4. The additional letters are ABCD, ABC, and DE; the additional number is 2. The letters J and U are present in all alphabets. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch over two threads; it is also worked in four-sided, Algerian eye, and queen (variation of) stitches.
Condition: The ground is weak, particularly along the center vertical and horizontal folds. There is a mend at X in the second alphabet. There is extensive staining, including water stains. There is evidence at several areas on the edge of the sampler's front side that something was glued to the sampler. The sampler has minimal to severe fading. The sampler is not framed.
NotesHistorical Note: The sampler quotes a bible verse from Proverbs 22:1 (King James Version): "A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." (Hunt 8/28/2007)The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on top and bottom edges, and a selvedge on the side edges. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are four alphabets plus nine additional letters and one additional number, and the numbers 1-8. The letters are uppercase script in alphabet 1, uppercase block in alphabets 2 and 3, and lowercase block in alphabet 4. The additional letters are ABCD, ABC, and DE; the additional number is 2. The letters J and U are present in all alphabets. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch over two threads; it is also worked in four-sided, Algerian eye, and queen (variation of) stitches.
Condition: The ground is weak, particularly along the center vertical and horizontal folds. There is a mend at X in the second alphabet. There is extensive staining, including water stains. There is evidence at several areas on the edge of the sampler's front side that something was glued to the sampler. The sampler has minimal to severe fading. The sampler is not framed.
Historical Note: Eveline's father, Ward Nichols, worked in the hat factories in Bethel as a child. He later moved to Weston to continue the hatmaking business and to establish a large farm. The Nichols family lived at 183 Good Hill Road in Weston, Connecticut; this home is now listed on the State Register of Historic Places. Eveline's husband, Willis S. Burr, and at least two of their children later worked in the hat making factories in Bethel, Connecticut. (Hunt 11/15/2007)
Status
Not on view
