Sarah Prince Fenn's Sampler

Description
Two block alphabets, no "J," with "V" and "U" reversed. Numbers to 10. Alphabets and numbers colored in groups. These rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. Crown and several simple geometric motifs fill out alphabet lines. At base of sampler, rose, tulip, strawberry plants, and tree climbing one edge. Brown guidelines under tree and flowers. Border of single row of marking cross on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: two-sided cross, marking cross, satin, Algerian eye, stem, outline, queen, straight, tent, crosslet, herringbone, chain, hem. THREAD COUNT: warp 26, weft 31/in.
Inscription:
"Sarah Prince Fenn Aged
12 Year 7 months
1775"
Background:
Sarah was born on February 21, 1763, to Benjamin and Mary Peck Fenn in Milford, Connecticut. She married Theophilus Miles, and they had three children—Mary, Samuel, and Sarah Fenn. Mrs. Miles died in Milford on May 15, 1790, about five months after the birth of their daughter Sarah Fenn Miles. Theophilus married Martha Clark on September 15, 1791.
Object Name
sampler
Date made
1775
maker
Fenn, Sarah Prince
Physical Description
linen ( ground fabric material)
silk (embroidery thread material)
Measurements
overall: 9 7/8 in x 7 5/8 in; 25.0825 cm x 19.3675 cm
Place Made
United States: Connecticut, New Haven
ID Number
TE*T16945
catalog number
T16945
accession number
311079
subject
Textiles
Alphabets
Samplers
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Samplers
Exhibition
Textiles
Data Source
National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Paul S. Conger in memory of Mr. William J. Whitting

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