The Wishing Thorn
Eliza Jane Smyth 1840 Sampler Pattern
Eliza Jane Smyth 1840 Sampler Pattern
Eliza Jane was only 12 years old when she created such an elegant sampler with the most unusual rose border. Eliza Jane is from Ireland, and not much is known about her life. She most likely attended Mrs. Leathem's School in Londonderry (called Derry) - a very similar sampler exists stitched by Frances Jane Hill. Jane stitched this at a time when the Poor Law was instated and right before the Great Hunger in 1845, almost 1 million lives were lost to famine. During this period almost 1.5 million Irish sailed for America.
Eliza was baptized Presbyterian, Killinchy, Down, Ireland, and died at age 61 in Coleraine. It is no surprise with all the turmoil during that time. Considering she went to a finishing school and was able to create such a beautiful piece that her parents were not poor. Her father's name was William and I was unable to find anything on her mother.
The model was stitched on 36ct "Wheat" by Fiber on a Whim fabric (FOAW)
Stitched Area
285 wide by 321 high
Below are the measurements of the design, and the cut fabric sizes that allow for finishing
14ct/28ct 20.5" x 23" - cut fabric 26 x 29
16ct/32ct 17.75" x 20" - cut fabric 24 x 26
18ct/36ct 15.75" x 17.75" - cut fabric 22 x 24
***Flower is not recommended for smaller counts than 18/36ct and uses only one strand.
The paper chart is 32 pages.
Thank you and happy stitching!
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