Sampler (Darning sampler)

Description

This is a darning sampler on plain-woven natural linen with darning stitches in colored cotton yarns. It was worked between 1790 and 1830 by Anna Hofmann, possibly in the United States or England. Darning was among the first plain sewing skills that young girls would be required to learn while at school. Samplers of this nature were intended for practicing different fabric weaves for mending clothing or household linens. In a darning sampler, a girl was able to demonstrate her skill for preserving fabrics. This particular example Anna shows off her proficiency at reproducing a variety of weaves. The inscription on Anna's sampler reads: "Anna Hofmann"