Images(2)

Sewing Case by Magdalena Gros

Date1798

Artist/Maker Magdalena Gros

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Bucks County (probably)

MediumSilk embroidery on linen (40 x 48 threads per inch) with pieced printed cottons and striped cotton backing, bound with silk trim, constructed with linen and cotton threads (fiber identification performed by microscope)

DimensionsOL: 14 3/4"; OW: 3 7/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. Ernest LoNano

Object number1958-181

DescriptionThis is a rectangular thread and needle case consisting of silk embroidery threads on a linen ground with printed cottons, and a striped linen backing. It has five pockets for holding materials. The sewing case is embellished with embroidered, angular motifs similar to those found on Pennsylvania German needlework. The flap has a star design and date of "1798" in cross stitch on natural linen. The bottom pocket has the maker's name, "MAGDAL/ENA GRO/GROS" and a flowering tree motif flanked by birds worked in silk cross stitch embroidery.

Stitches: cross over two threads
Label TextThis thread and needle case has five pockets that would have enabled its user to organize and transport their sewing materials. It is embellished in cross stitch with small, angular motifs similar to those found on Pennsylvania German needlework.
ProvenanceGift of Ernest LoNano of New York. No further provenance is known.

History of Maker:

There are at least two girls with the name Magdalena Gros/Gross from Pennsylvania who could have stitched this sewing case. The first is Maria Magdalena Gross, the daughter of Philip Daniel Gross and Margaret Hertzel, who was born on September 19, 1787 in Pennsylvania. The second is Magdalena Gross, the daughter of Mathias and Catharina Gross, who was born on September 10, 1790 in Hellertown, Pennsylvania.

The name "Magdalena Gross" also appears on a show towel in the collection of the North Museum of Franklin and Marshall College.