Sampler by Catherine Blair

DateDated 1831

Maker Catherine Blair

MediumWorsted wool and silk threads on a linen ground of 32 x 31 threads per inch (fiber identification by textile lab)

DimensionsOW: 12 1/2"; OL: 17 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1983-226

DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler in red, green, blue, brown, black, and pink worsted and silk threads on natural color linen mainly worked in cross stitch with some eyelet and other sampler stitches. The top of the sampler features bands of alphabets, numerals, and initials. The first two bands feature an upper case alphabet and numerals 1 through 12. The two bands below this feature another alphabet, as well as the initials BM, TM, JM, and GM. There is a set of initials before BM which is no longer visible. The band below this features a set of large, upper case letters, A through K. Below this is a band with an alphabet of lower case letters, A through H. Next to this are the initials TM, JT, WB, MN, and JB. Below this are three bands of initials. They read WB, JB, DQB, TB, AB, JB, WB, MB/MM, RM, HB, JB, JC, JA, JH, JM, JB/[??], JB, WB, JB, JS, MS, B[?], and CM.

Bottom half of the sampler consists of a large space in which individual motifs and an inscription are stitched. At the top of this section is "Catherine Blair 1831," stitched in white thread. Below this is a group of flowers in a pot. Flanking this is "AB" and "MB," each with a crown above it. There is a flower in a pot on each side. Below this are two bouquets of flowers in urns. At the bottom is a house flanked by two small deer and two trees. On the left side is a peacock. On the right side is a black dog and a flowering bush. Above the house, near the right corner, is an incomplete letter, likely a "B" or "R."

The sampler is enclosed with a geometric border with roses. There is a selvedge on the top and bottom, and turned hems on the sides.

Stitches: chain, cross, double running and eyelet
Label TextThis sampler, made by Catherine Blair in 1831, is an example of Scottish sampler making. It can be identified as Scottish because, like other surviving Scottish samplers, it uses red and green threads, includes peacocks, and features many sets of initials, likely those belonging to Catherine Blair's friends and family.
InscribedNone
MarkingsTwo full alphabets, two half alphabets (one through "K," the other through "H"), and numerals.
Rows of initials:
[??] BM TM JM GM
TM JT WB MN JB
WB JB DQB TB AB JB WB MB
MM RM HB JB JC JA JH JM JB
[??] JB WB JB JS MS B[?] CM

Catherine Blair 1831

Below Catherine Blair 1831:
AB MB, half completed "B" or "R"