Mystery Sampler Revealed

Mary Elizabeth Terrell
February 28, 1836—July 10, 1917
Burwood, Williamson Co.
September 18, 1846
Wool on cotton learning canvas
16" vertical x 17" horizontal
Private Collection
TSS 196



Our most recent documentation is the Mystery Sampler that I referred to in an earlier post (02/19/2008). Our "Little Dog" makes an appearance. The name "Mary de Patterson" appears above the cartouche. Janet's research has revealed that Mary Elizabeth Terrell's family made payment to Mary D. Patterson for embroidery instruction. We have found the elusive teacher for the later samplers in this group.

Upcoming Events

What: lecture, Janet Hasson, "A Beautiful Mourning: Melancholic Sentimentality in Tennessee Samplers"
Where: Biblical Resource Center, 140 E. Mulberry St., Collierville, TN 38017
When: Thursday, April 3, 2008, 2:00 pm
Host: Chief Piomingo Chapter, DAR
Contact: Nancy Bassett, (901) 854-9578
Chapter web site
Biblical Resource Center
Additional information: attendees are invited to bring antique samplers for examination.

What: lecture, Jennifer Core, "Textile Tour of TN with Detours into AL"
Where: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 3775 Crosshaven Drive, Birmingham, AL 35223, (205) 967-8786
map
When: Thursday, May 8, 2008, 7:00 pm
Host: Birmingham Needlearts, EGA chapter
Contact: Karen Taylor
Birmingham Needlearts regional news
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Additional information: attendees are invited to bring antique samplers for examination.

What: lecture, Janet Hasson, "A Beautiful Mourning: Melancholic Sentimentality in Tennessee Samplers"
Where: DAR Museum, 1776 D St., Washington, DC 20006
When: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Host: DAR Museum
DAR calendar
Additional information: this lecture is in conjunction with the exhibit "Telling Their Stories: Samplers and Silk Needlework" from April 11 to August 30, 2008. Exhibit description: "The nineteenth century brought tremendous change to Americans. The country and population expanded greatly. Families were dispersed with the ever-popular westward movement. The industrial revolution changed forever a consumer society. The country survived major and costly wars. The nation grew from a small republic to an international power. Does the handwork of girls and young women relate to such dynamic change? In this exhibition of 19th century needlework, the DAR Museum attempts to tell some of their stories."

Color Palette

The silks from Olde Willow Stitchery arrived today. Robin did a fabulous job of matching the colors to the original 1831 Sarah Harriet Stephenson sampler. The model stitching begins this weekend!

The silks are shown against the ground fabric I have selected, a 28 ct. light sand linen from Zweigart.