SUSEY OLIVER 1754

At first glance one would assume this sampler was made in Scotland because of the unusual illuminated letters but upon closer inspection Susey has given credit to her teacher "Maryan Robinson of Bradford." Bradford is in North Yorkshire, close to the border with Scotland. Susey's teacher might well have been educated in the needle arts in Scotland.

The moralistic text reads as follows:

Proceed not to speak or to act before thou hast weigh'd thy words and examined the tendancy of every step thou shalt take. The thoughtless man bridleth not his tongue/he speaketh at random and is entangled in the foolishness of his own words. The first step towards being wise is to know that thou art Ignorant. A plain garment best adorneth a beautiful woman and a modest behaviour is the greatest ornament of wisdom. Behold the vain man and observe the arrogant. He cloaketh himself in rich attire he walketh in the publick street he casteth round his eyes and courteth observation.

Origin and date: England 1754
Rated: Intermediate
Linen count: 35 count
Finished size: 10-1/2" x 15-1/2" (very close to the size of the original)
Stitches: Double running, long arm cross, four-sided, eyelet and counted satin
Source: Private collection,The Scarlet Letter

Kit with cotton floss: $50.00
Kit with silk floss: $90.00
Graph only: $15.00
Finished Model: $1400.00

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