Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework, 1650-1850

by Betty Ring

Organized by geographic area (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, The District of Columbia, Virginia and the South), the two volumes are illustrated with 606 figures in black and white and in color.

583 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 1993

Reviews

[Annie]

Astounding resource, meticulously researched and referenced. THE go-to book for sampler embroidery. Not a pattern book, but a worthwhile read for anyone interested in historical textile art.

[Connie Ciampanelli]

I happened upon this treasure many years ago while attending a needlework convention in Nashua, N.H., yet just got around to reading Volume 1.

Girlhood Embroidery is not casual reading; this is a serious, in-depth study of American girlhood samplers that utilize a variety of materials (floss, paint, etc.). Renowned sampler expert Betty Ring's follow-up to her seminal work, Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee, an extensive catalogue of the 1983 Rhode Island Historical Society RI sampler exhibition, Girlhood Embroidery is a must read for any student of American samplers.

Chapters are organized geographically. Volume 1 discuss samplers from New England. Both books are replete with both black & white and full colors photos. Ring's work is carefully and meticulously researched.

A highly recommended resource for the serious student or researcher.

[Galina Krasskova]

Stunningly illustrated, meticulously researched. My only complaint: she doesn't discuss which stitches are used in each piece. I really really wish she had. Otherwise, this is an invaluable resource.

[Sophie]

Beautiful pictures. I loved all the information about the crafters.

[Melly]

Very scholarly, not terribly interesting to me.