An Anonymous Woman by Kathleen Epstein

An Anonymous Woman: Her Work Wrought in the 17th Century by Kathleen Epstein

The subject of this highly informative book is an unsigned and undated 17th-century English band sampler. Nothing is known about its maker except that she was skilled with a needle and thread. Ms. Epstein demonstrates that one can learn something about this anonymous needleworker by looking at both her handiwork and the circumstances and activities of some of her contemporaries. Drawing on writings of the period, the author paints a rich picture of Stuart sampler-making. Two sections illuminate the nature of female education and the importance of needlework in that schooling. A third section examines some of the 17th-century sources for sampler materials. Color photographs of the sampler, stitch and pattern diagrams and other technical information enable the modern embroiderer to recreate the 36 reversible patterns which constitute this remarkable embroidery.

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