Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Ada Maria Woodford
American, born about 1839
Date1847
MediumSampler: Hand-stitched silk on cotton
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of frame): 8 7/8 x 9 7/8in. (22.5 x 25.1cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of visible ground): 7 1/4 x 8 3/8in. (18.4 x 21.3cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of visible ground): 7 1/4 x 8 3/8in. (18.4 x 21.3cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of George J. and Mary C. Leger
DescriptionSampler worked in light green, light brown, and cream silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground using cross stitches (over one and two threads). The sampler is squarish, oriented horizontally. It is laid out with six rows of three alphabets and the numbers 1 through 10, over an inscription. The inscription is "Ada Maria Woodford. Hartford/ Oct 13th 1847. In the 9th year of her age". The lines of alphabets and numbers are separated by various straight borders. There is a four-sided wavy border.
The sampler has a 18/ inch double-turned hem on all four sides.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets and the numbers 1-10. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, and lowercase block in alphabets 2 and 3. The letters J and U are present in all alphabets. The embroiderer uses a long 's'.
Stitches: The sampler is worked in cross stitches over two threads; it is also worked in cross stitches over one thread.
Condition: The sampler probably has moderate to severe fading, depending on color. A tan stain is located to the left of center.
The sampler has a 18/ inch double-turned hem on all four sides.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets and the numbers 1-10. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, and lowercase block in alphabets 2 and 3. The letters J and U are present in all alphabets. The embroiderer uses a long 's'.
Stitches: The sampler is worked in cross stitches over two threads; it is also worked in cross stitches over one thread.
Condition: The sampler probably has moderate to severe fading, depending on color. A tan stain is located to the left of center.
Object number2001.113.4
MarkingsTranscription of text lines:"ABCDEFGHIJKL/ MNOPQRSTUVW/ XYZ& 12345678910/ abcdefghijklmnopqr/ stuvwxyz abcdefghij/ klmnopqrstuvwxyz/ "Ada Maria Woodford. Hartford/ Oct 13th 1847. In the 9th year of her age".
Typed label pasted on back: "437-24 SAMPLER, reads: ADA MARIA WOODFORD, HARTFORD (Conn)/ Oct 13th 1847, in the 9th year of her age./ blue and yellow cross stitich on refined canvas; 3 alphabets;/ numeralse[sic] simple cross stitch borders; elaborate Greek fret edge/ border; border on lower edge. Size: framed, 8 3/4" x 9 7/8"/ Lacing thread mounted (and matted) with museum board"
Subject Terms
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