Stitch perfection! Late Regency sleeve sampler with hair initials
You all know how I love 'plain sewing'. Well, this is the ultimate in stitching perfection and to add to the delight, this young lady made her initials with a strand of her own hair!
Young girls were often expected to refine their needlework skills by making miniature samplers of garment pieces. This continued all through to the late 19th Century, but we know the dates when this was made, by the note that came with it. She completed it between 1820-30, so the late Regency period, which makes perfect sense. Sewing attributes slowly declined as the 19th Century progressed.
This is stunningly sewn! We have a fine linen sleeve piece, with minutely stroked gathers at the cuff, and then the box pleated cuff flounce is fine muslin.
The images show the back and face of the work.
Still a child when it was worked, Miss Brandreth should feel very proud that we marvel at it today.
The entire piece is just 5.5" long in total! Adorable, and it seems, exhibited at a later date as an example of fine needlework.
NOTE: If you live in the UK I can send this piece by Recorded Delivery at a lower price than quoted at the checkout. Plese email me for an invoice. Sadly, anywhere outside the UK still needs tracking so the purchase can be made as usual.
CONDITION:
This tiny sampler is gently discoulered with age. It could easily be soaked in cold water to freshen but I like the pleats to be just as they were meant to be and so prefer it just as it is.