A Pennsylvania Christmas Sampler from the Shelburne Museum.

A large shepherd in this sampler bears some resemblance to what Betty Ring calls the Towering Ladies of Lebanon, a small group of samplers made circa 1822-1835, in that county of Pennsylvania, the figures probably inspired by popular engravings depicting larger-than-life figures. There are few actual towering lady samplers in existence, and this shepherd's relationship to their exclusive club is speculative, although the museum believes the sampler is indeed from Pennsylvania. The angel is unfurling a banner that says behold I bring you good tidings. The verse above this is poignant and appropriate to the season:

Fall of the Leaf

See the elaves around us falling,
dry and wither'd to the ground;
Thus to thoughtless mortals calling,
in a sad and solemn sound:
On the tree of life eternal,
Man let all thy hopes be staid;
Which alone forever vernal,
Bears a leaf that shall not fade.

Origin and date: Pennsylvania, 1837

Linen count/finished size: 35 count, 21"x17". Kit contains fabric, cotton or silk thread, needle and instructions.

Stitches: Cross, satin, stem, straight

Source: The Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont