Class Description: 1812 Mary Wills Sansom Ornament

On Sat., Feb. 26, 2011, join co-curator Jennifer Core for an ornament class. Worked on linen with cotton fibers, the Mary Wills Sansom basket motif can be stitched in the student’s choice of pink-green-blue or pink-green-yellow.

Students will receive a kit containing floss, needle, linen, stitch diagram, ornament chart, finishing fabric, biography of Mary Wills Sansom, and the previously published chart for complete antique sampler. The original 1812 Mary Wills Sansom sampler is included in the exhibit. Students should bring their usual stitching necessities, such as scissors, magnification, lights, and hoops or stretcher bars.

This workshop is offered as part of the Middle Tennessee Sampler Symposium. Cost for both days of activities is $115 per person and includes a tour of the Polk Home with curator Tom Price, a gallery talk with curator Janet Hasson, a miniature needlework workshop with Annelle Ferguson, and a lecture and the ornament class with curator Jennifer Core. To register, contact the James K. Polk Home at (931) 388-2354 or jameskpolk@bellsouth.net.

Gallery Guide Now Available

The gallery guide to the exhibit Middle Tennessee Samplers: "This My Name Shall Ever Have" is now available from the James K. Polk Home gift shop. The full color, eight-page booklet costs $2.50 + $2.50 to cover tax, shipping, and handling for a total of $5.00. Contact the Polk Home at (931) 388-2354 or jameskpolk@bellsouth.net to order. Wholesale inquiries should contact Janet Hasson at janet@tennesseesamplers.com. The exhibit continues through Sun., Apr. 10, 2011.

Class Description: Miniature 1854 Margaret Elizabeth Kirkpatrick Sampler

On Sat., Feb. 26, 2011, join miniaturist Annelle Ferguson for a lecture, instruction in over one stitching techniques, and a practical demonstration of her design process. Students will receive the kit for a miniature 1854 Margaret Elizabeth Kirkpatrick sampler. Annelle will explain her design process, using miniature samplers she has worked as examples. She will demonstrate how to begin designing a 1/12 scale version of the 1831 Mildred A. F. Nelson sampler. Students will be provided with graph paper so they can attempt their own designs. The original 1831 Mildred A. F. Nelson sampler is included in the exhibit. The kit for the mini 1854 Margaret Elizabeth Kirkpatrick sampler contains #48 silk gauze, Splendor silk threads, needle, and all instructions. The original sampler, a full sized reproduction, and the miniature model will all be available for students to examine. Students should bring their usual stitching necessities, such as scissors, magnification, and lights.

Annelle Ferguson is the owner of Mini Stitches, a design company specializing in needlework miniatures. She is the author of Traditional Needlework in Miniature. Annelle has been involved with miniatures since 1978, when she built a doll house for her daughter. Annelle is a member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans, the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, and the Miniature Needlework Society.

This workshop is offered as part of the Middle Tennessee Sampler Symposium. Cost for both days of activities is $115 per person and includes a tour of the Polk Home with curator Tom Price, a gallery talk with curator Janet Hasson, the miniature needlework workshop with Annelle Ferguson, and a lecture and ornament class with curator Jennifer Core. To register, contact the James K. Polk Home at (931) 388-2354 or jameskpolk@bellsouth.net.

Schedule of Events: Middle Tennessee Samplers

The James K. Polk Home, located in Columbia, TN, is pleased to announce the the following events in conjunction with the exhibit Middle Tennessee Samplers: "This My Name Shall Ever Have." All programs will take place at the Polk Presidential Hall. For more information, contact the Polk Home at (931) 388-2354 or jameskpolk@bellsouth.net.

Tues., Jan. 25, 2011, 7:00 pm

Co-curator Janet Hasson will lead a gallery talk as part of the Polk's America Lecture Series.

Sun., Feb. 6, 2011, 2:00 pm

Linda Gupton, director of the Athenaeum Rectory and author of A Southern Saga, will discuss the Columbia Athenaeum and the Columbia Female Institute. Free.

Fri.-Sat., Feb. 25-26, 2011

Middle Tennessee Sampler Symposium

Tour the Polk Home with curator Tom Price, view the exhibit with co-curator Janet Hasson, stitch a miniature sampler with Annelle Ferguson, and attend a lecture and ornament class with co-curator Jennifer Core. Registration is required for this event. Cost is $115 person.

Sun., Mar. 13, 2011, 2:00 pm

Noted historian Rick Warwick will present his research on Williamson County samplers and material culture. Free.

Sat., Mar. 19, 2011, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Parents and children of all ages are invited to a beginning counted needlework class with co-curator Jennifer Core. Registration is required for this event. Cost is $20 for each parent-child pair and $15 for each additional person.

Sun., Apr. 3, 2011, 2:00 pm

Co-curators Jennifer Core and Janet Hasson will speak on Middle Tennessee samplers and female education in the 19^th Century. Free.

Middle Tennessee Sampler Symposium, Feb. 25-26, 2011

The James K. Polk Home and the Tennessee Sampler Survey will host a sampler symposium in conjunction with the exhibit Middle Tennessee Samplers: "This My Name Shall Ever Have".

Cost is $115 per person. Registration deadline is Feb. 15, 2011.

To register, contact the Polk Home at (615) 388-2354 or jameskpolk@bellsouth.net.

Nashville Scene Critics' Picks

A lovely write up in the Nashville Scene of our exhibit. We are the Critics' Pick for today!