Sampler by Caryline

Date1801

Maker Caryline or Kirryline (b. ca. 1791)

OriginAmerica, West Virginia, Shepherdstown

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 34 by 46 threads per inch (identification of fibers by eye).

DimensionsOH 14 3/4" x OW 15"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2005-247

DescriptionThis is a square needlework sampler worked in shades of red, green, rust, blue, black, and yellow on a natural color linen ground. The sampler has a 3/16" hem at left side and bottom and raw edges at top and right side.

From the top the sampler consists of a large undulating band of tulips and daisies. The next section consists of two verses. The verse to the left is partially illegible; a decorative band of cross stitch separates this verse from the large undulating band of tulips and daisies while a single band of cross stitch separates it from the verse to the right. The verse to the right reads: "Kirryline is my/ Name virginia is/ My station shiper/Dstown is my/ Dwelling place/ And Christ my/ Salvation." The verses are separated from the third section of the sampler by a zig-zag row of cross stitch. Below verses is an alphabet "A b-y" with a backwards "z" worked in four-sided stitch. A single row of four-sided stitch separates the alphabet from the fourth section which consists of a centered red brick house with two chimneys flanked by trees and birds. At chimney height to the left and right of the house is the signature line: "Caryline worked This in the tenth/ year of hir [sic] age 1801." The signature line is worked in cross stitch except for the year which is worked in four-sided stitch. The house rests on a lawn of green cross stitches.
The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in an outer border of undulating buds and vine and an inner border of long arm cross or herringbone stitches.

Stitches: cross (over 1 and 2), double cross, four-sided, French knot, herringbone or long arm cross, outline, queen, and satin
Label TextThe inscriptions on Caryline's sampler are difficult to read because the tiny cross stitches were worked over one thread of the fine ground fabric. It is clear, however, that spelling was not Caryline's best subject. In addition to stitching her hometown as "shiperDstown," she spelled her own name as "Caryline" and "Kirryline." It is doubtful that Caryline will ever be identified because she did not include her surname on the sampler.

Caryline likely intended the partially-illegible verse to read as follows: "As diamonds rough no lustre can impart/ Till polish'd and improv'd by aiding Art/ So untaught youth we very rarely find/ Display the dazzling Beauties of the mind/ Till art and science are with nature joined."
Inscribed"Kirryline is my/ Name virginia is/ My station shiper/Dstown is my/ Dwelling place/ And Christ my/ Salvation"

Caryline worked This in the tenth/ year of hir [sic] age 1801"
ProvenancePer conversation with Bill Subjack, the sampler was purchased from a Texas estate sale.