Look What I got From the Framers Today

I can't remember when I started this, but it was a while ago. Completing an antique sampler has been one of my 'bucket list' projects. The pattern is from Long Dog Samplers and I bought it from Crewel Gobelin. 

It is called 'Bristol Fashion'. The name originates from the 18th century nautical expression "all ship shape and Bristol fashion".Orphanages in Bristol were established in 1836 . Many children were orphaned by a cholera epidemic in the mid 19th century. "Bible readings, prayers and needlework were an everyday staple for the orphans". 

The children in the orphanages stitched samplers in this style in red cotton without wasting a square inch of fabric. The children often went into service in households marking the household linen when they left the orphanage. I guess it was a bit like a resume to show their skills and wide repertoire of lettering styles. 

So that's your history lesson for the day.

As it was stitched with one strand of DMC on very fine linen, I did find it a little challenging and a trip to the optometrist was in order.

As I completed the stitching in 2012, I probably can't count it as an OPAM finish. That's OK, I have something to show you tomorrow to count for my first finish.