Black Branch Needlework

Susanah Rayment - Learning 1818

2012-02-22T20:03:00.001-05:00

Susanah Rayment - 1818 Learning

(original sampler)

Bulmer School

When I originally shared Susanah's sampler I shared I had a difficult time conducting the genealogical research. Fortunately a member of our guild enjoys conducting the research and has assisted many of the designers in our guild with their research. Cindy Steinhoff was able to provide much more insight into who Susanah may be. Based on the year and school Susanah documented on her sampler she was able to find there were two towns names Bulmer in England - one in North Yorkshire and the other in Essex. The focus was turned to Essex based on the number of individuals listed with the same last name or spelling variations of her last name. Both her first and last name have several spellings and during the early 1800's census takers in many cases wrote down how they thought the name was spelled. There were two ladies that may have potentially stitched the sampler. Not all the details match exactly as result we can not say definitively that one or the other stitched the sampler, but one more is more likely to be the candidate. I have included below a portion of the write-up Cindy provided and is part of the information included with the chart for Susanah's sampler.

"The 1841 and 1861 censuses both list a Susanna Raymond born about 1801/1802 in Belchamp Walter, Essex. In 1841, she lived in the civil parish of Belchamp Walter, Sudbury registration district, and sub-registration district of Bulmer. (All of these are administrative levels used in British counties.) Her birth year would be 1801, based on the age given for her, and the only other resident of the household was Robert Raymond, age 75. Since relationship is not listed in the 1841, we do not know if he is Susanna’s father, grandfather, uncle, or another relative. However, a family tree for Robert in Ancestry shows that he had a daughter named Susanna, though with an earlier birthdate (1796) than would be the case given Susanna’s age reported the 1841 census. However, we do know that the census takers in 1841 were instructed to round to the nearest 5-year increment for age; thus, ages are not always correct in this census. Robert’s occupation in the 1841 census is identified as “Farmer” and Susanna does not have an occupation listed.

The 1851 census lists this Susanna with the earlier birthdate and the last name of “Raymond.” She is the head of the household and a Richard Raymond listed as a farm servant, age 70. Other residents are a general servant named Harriete Nunn, age 19, and a visitor, Esther Hills, age 6. Susanna’s occupation is “Farmer, 66 acres employing [2 words are not clear].”

In the 1861 census, I believe that this same woman is listed as “Susana Raiment,” with a birthdate of 1802, in the same residence in 1841. The only other occupant is Richard Raiment, age 80, identified as her uncle. Susana is listed as the head of household and her occupation is “Farmer, 20 acres.” Richard is listed as a “Stockman.”

The other possibility for the stitcher is in the 1841 census. Her name is listed as “Susannah Raiment.” Her birth location is noted as Essex, England. In 1841, she lived in the civil parish of Alphamstone, Sudbury registration district and Bures sub- registration district. Her birthdate is listed as 1806, which is determined by her age – 35 years - recorded in the census. However, the actual census form contains a line drawn through the first digit of her age, making it nearly impossible to read. The other occupant of the household is Thomas Raiment and his age is clearly listed as 55 years. He, too, is a farmer. From what I can see of the first digit of Susannah’s age, it could easily be a 5, making her the same age as Thomas.

Neither of these Susanahs appears in later census records. I believe that the Susanah who appears in the 1841, 1851, and 1861 censuses is more likely the stitcher of the sampler, but can’t prove it definitively. "

Cindy once again thanks so much for your assistance.

New Market Releases

2012-02-11T07:01:00.006-05:00

I am very excited that my models and charts will be making their way to Nashville for the market the end of February. I will be sending Susanah Rayment and Margaret Morley along with my two new releases.

The first one is an accessory to Susanah's sampler. What young lady is complete without her needlecase? Using elements from Susanah's sampler I designed a needlecase for her. It will allow you to store threads, needle's, scissors and of course a small ruler.

Susanah Rayment's Needlecase (Front)

Susanah Rayment's Needlecase (Inside)

Thread Keeps and Ruler are from Kelmscott Designs

Susanah Rayment's Needlecase (Back)

Design is stitched on Lakeside Linen 32ct Buttercream

Using Gloriana Threads (One over Two)

Olive Silk Duponi

Olive Satin Ribbon

Stitch Size 114 x 127

Overall Size of Finished Needlecase

8 1/4" x 4 1/2" (when closed)

I will also be releasing a third sampler from my collection. The original sampler is in very poor condition. As a result I am releasing this as an adaptation since I had to make assumptions in certain areas due to the thread loss. The name on the sampler suffered so much thread loss when I began to stitch I just named it the Mystery Castle Sampler and I contemplated leaving the name off at the bottom. Since I began this one at the top left I had plenty of time to contemplate. Once I did get to the name section I just didn't have it in me to leave her name off. I thought I would take a chance with a fresh set of eyes and look at the original again. It was if she spoke to me. Up until this point I could only make out the age, year and kart. Finally I was able to make out her first name and the beginning of her last and realized she had added a little circle shape between her age and year. It was as if I had just solved a puzzle. Now I am working on the genealogy research and will provide more information on Ann Lockart. The colors of the sampler are vivid to say the least and it definitely has Scottish influence given the reds, greens, initials of family members, castle and of course the two little Scottie dogs. This was a fun sampler to stitch and I really did feel like it continued to reveal itself to me as I was working on it.

Ann Lockart - Age 12 - 1842

Sampler is Stitched on

Lakeside Linen 32 ct Pearled Barley

Silk Threads - Gloriana and Needlepoint Silk

138 x 202 stitches

Framing by Total Framing, Fairfax, VA

Model Stitched by LaDonna Snellbaker

Hope you enjoy my new designs!

Sotheby's Auction Trip

2012-01-23T07:39:00.002-05:00

As most in the sampler world already know Betty Ring's Needlework collection was on the auction block this past Sunday at Sotheby's. Myself along with several ladies from the Loudoun Sampler Guild made the trip to New York on Saturday to view the exhibit. The experience was amazing all of the gorgeous needlework in one room was a sight to behold. The pieces were exquisite and the stitching on some was so well done the stitches were so small in some areas they almost looked as if they were painted.

This sampler is the largest sampler I have ever seen stitched by a school girl. The length was over three feet to give you an idea of the size I included the photo below.

The below is a beautiful sampler stitched by a nine year old.

The photo below is a close up which will allow you to see the stitches a little better than the previous picture just amazing for someone so young.

The one below I included because I love the huge flower border the little girl jumping rope and in person the colors are vibrant and lively.

After lunch a few of us made the trek to a M&J Trimmings in the fashion district - just jaw dropping would love to have a store like this at home. I did pick up some silk ribbon for an upcoming project. It was so inspiring to see all the beautiful colors and textures - could easily spend hours in this store and the staff was very accommodating.

Betty Ring Sotheby's Preview and Auction

2012-01-17T11:03:00.001-05:00

Sampler lovers this week is when Betty Ring's samplers are available for viewing at Sotheby's prior to the auction on January 22nd. Several of my sampler enablers from the Loudoun Sampler Guild will be making the trip early Saturday morning to NYC via Amtrak to view the samplers for more than likely the last time they will all be together. I am really looking forward to seeing all of them in person. I have drooled over her books and at this point I believe I have all of them in my library and I know I refer to them often and always learn something new. If anyone else is making the trip and will happen to be there on Saturday - let me know I would love to meet you and introduce you to my fellow enablers

Margaret Morley Original

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share photos of the original Margaret Morley. Below is a picture of the front of the original sampler. As you can see the colors are very faded which is more apparent in the following two photos. The nails left rust marks along the edges. There are several small tears, but considering when I received the sampler it was attached to the back portion of the frame. I had to carefully remove the wood from behind the sampler. I also found it interesting the paper attached to the back of the wooden frame was dated 1914. The only clue this gives me is it was either framed when it was originally stitched and later the frame was changed, but more than likely this was the first time it had been framed. From my perspective there would have been additional nail holes had the sampler been framed twice.

Below is a photo of the back of the sampler which shows how vibrant the colors once were.

The following photo shows how Margaret carried her threads and also a hole on the left hand side is obvious as well.

When the sampler arrived it was attached to a frame that had newspaper attached around the back of the perimeter. The paper was dated 1914 unfortunately the front of the original frame did not arrive with the sampler. When picking out the frame for the reproduction I choose one based on the information I did have from the research I had completed and felt would compliment the sampler.

Betty Ring Sotheby's Catalogue

2012-01-03T18:18:00.001-05:00

Thought I would share I received my pre-ordered Betty Ring Sotheby's Auction Catalogue in the mail today. It is a must for all sampler lovers. So sad her collection is up for auction, but a wonderful opportunity for the sampler collectors in our midst. If you are interested in purchasing your own visit Sotheby's to order one for yourself. It is definitely worth it the catalogue is beautifully compiled, photos are exquisite as well as the information included with each sampler, estimated values as well as several lovely letters included by those well known in the sampler world sharing their experiences with everyone that they had with Betty. I am actually considering ordering a spare.

2012-01-01T06:00:00.009-05:00

This free invitation card personalized with Smilebox

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

This digital ecard generated with Smilebox

Margaret Morley

2011-12-22T19:57:00.011-05:00

Margaret was added to my collection not to long after my purchase of Susanah Rayment.

The flowers are what intrigued me. I think they are beautiful and very unique. When she arrived the first thing I did was remove her from the wooden frame she was attached to on the back.

The original had quite a bit of damage in regards to holes and tears but when turned over the vibrancy of the colors I found amazing.

I am pretty confident I have found a young lady in Whitby UK who I believe may have stitched this sampler.

Based on what I can find in my research efforts Margaret was born September 22nd, 1828 to Mary Ferguson and William Morley who were married on November 21st, 1825. William's profession was listed as a Sailor and passed away in 1833 when Margaret was five years old.

Margaret grew up in Whitby, Yorkshire, England a town along the coast and was a known seafarer's town. When Magaret first appears on the census in 1841 she was approximately 11/12 years old. The household members listed were Mary and Margaret and they were living on Church Street in Whitby. Based on the ages provided Mary was an older mother, there is no mention of any siblings at home at the time. Mary's profession in 1841 was listed as a Dreft Maker. During the 1851 Census Margaraet is still living with her mother at the approximate age of 22 and they are still residing in Whitby. Margaret is now a Dreft Maker like Mary was during the 1841 Census. At this point Mary is no longer a Dreft Maker but is now a Family Servant. Unlike the 1841 Census, which did not list marital status for Mary the 1851 Census includes this information and Mary's status is documented as a Widow. By this time Margaret and Mary are now residing at the Seamen's Hospital. The Seamen's Hospital is a home for former seamen and their families to live in.

Margaret is stitched on

Lakeside Linen 36 count Maritime White

Needlepoint Silks

Framing by Total Framing, Fairfax, VA

Susanah Rayment - Learning 1818

2011-12-17T17:31:00.005-05:00

I purchased Susanah Rayment about two years ago to add to my collection. What I found so charming about the sampler is how she was forced to squeeze the "G" in Learning in as well as the "er" in Sampler. It reminded me of when I first learned to write and always running out

of room on the line because I hadn't planned ahead.

Plus what geese don't need a pair of boots?

And what woman doesn't need to be reminded that vanity may not be a good thing.

Unfortunately, due to the number of Susanah Rayment's that come up when I have tried to search for her I can't say for certainty which one may be her. My quest continues though.

The reproduction is stitched with Gloriana Silk Threads

on Lakeside Linen - 32 count Buttercream

Framing by Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia

A new beginning

2011-12-14T19:39:00.000-05:00

I am finally ready to launch my antique sampler reproduction adventure. I am very excited to be distributed exclusively by Kelmscott Designs. You can see my designs by visiting their site.

Those of you that know me are already aware my true passion is antique samplers. I am enthralled by the story each design shares with us left on linen with thread many years ago. It amazes me that many of these samplers are stitched by young ladies in most cases under the age of 12. What I also find fascinating are the verses many of them selected to stitch.