Mitts
Date1780-1810
MediumLinen, Silk
DimensionsOL: 14 in.; OW: 4 1/2 in.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2018-255,1&2
DescriptionCream linen hand knit linen mitts with blue cross stitched initials on each upper edge A S for Abigail Steere (1775-1860). The mitts were knitted without a seam stitch running along the length as the decreases are done through the body of the mitt. The mitts have about 22 rows to the inch.Label TextStitched in Time:
Since long sleeves were largely out of fashion for women until the end of the 18th century, mitts protected the forearm from summer sun and cold winters. The tops of the mitts were left open, allowing women use of their fingers. Knitted mitts ranged from plain, like this pair, to decorative, including expensive fabric, bright colors, and decorative stitching.
These mitts combine knitting with the use of cross-stitch at the hem. The initials refer to Abigail Steere, born in Providence County, Rhode Island in 1775.
InscribedNote attached to the mitt reads: A pair of hand knit linen mitts belonging to Abagail Steere grandmother of Abagail ("Abby") White
MarkingsEach mitt is marked in silk "AS" worked in cross stitch.
Provenance1780-1810, made, likely for Abigail Steere Fowler (Northbridge, MA); 1860, passed by descent to Abagail Mowry White (Grafton, MA); West Historical Sales [Najlaa West] (Swanville, ME); 2018, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
