From the collection of Old Sturbridge Village , this pair of early American marking samplers are somewhat similar in colour scheme and linen type, but they differ considerably in what is known of their background.

Lydia Hinckley's sampler came to the museum from Rhode Island, and little else is known of it. It was worked on a darkened homespun linen in 1774, in cross and eyelet stitches. Frances Bliss, on the other hand, was was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on May 10, 1772, to the Hon. Moses and Abigail (Metcalf) Bliss, the fifth of nine children. Her rather eccentric and patriotic father was a preacher for a while, then abandoned the ministry to become a barrister. Frances married the Rev. Henry Rowland of Windsor, CT, when she was 27 years old. They had eight children. She died on January 18th, 1833, at the age of sixty.

Both samplers are included in the kit. Frances Bliss' sampler measures 4-3/4"x7-1/4", and Lydia Hinckley's is 3-1/4"x7-1/4".

Origin and date: Rhode Island 1774, unknown, 1778

Suitable for all levels. Kit contains fabric, silk or cotton thread, needle and instructions.

Linen count: 25 count unbleached (The Scarlet Letter's exclusive weave)

Stitches: Cross, eyelet