Dare You Not to Laugh

One of the many things that attract me to childhood samplers is getting an insider peek into that child’s life. For most of my adult life, I have had a side hustle of teaching and designing needlework along with sharing needlework with children. I have regularly gone into kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms to share the history and techniques of needlework. Schoolgirl samplers are the perfect vehicle for engaging the children, especially when they are stitched by a child who is the same age as the students.

This mid-19th century English sampler by Elizabeth Julian Williams is a favorite in my collection. Elizabeth was aged 10 in 1870 when she stitched this Adam and Eve sampler. It is worked in wool on evenweave gauze and is a fairly large sampler, measuring 17" x 26.5" (43.2 x 67.3 cm). It is in very good condition considering that it is more than 100 years old.

Adam and Eve samplers are a standard in the world of schoolgirl samplers. Children would be assigned needlework in their schools and homes. Patterns and supplies would be provided. We have several examples of standard designs where the students have executed their assignments close to perfectly. Those are completely amazing and true treasures. However, my favorites are the ones where the stitcher has completed the assignment but taken liberties with it. I can relate to being obedient and respectful but not wanting to stay within the box of expectations. Elizabeth’s sampler makes me laugh and smile every time I look at it.

The full sized Adam and Eve sampler

“And the serpent said unto the woman ye shall not surely die” is stitched above the central Tree of Knowledge, which is complete with the entwined serpent and Adam and Eve standing beneath the tree’s fruit-laden branches. There are flowers, birds, and stags. There is also a lovely floral border surrounding the whole piece.

Close-ups of the stitching

It appears that Elizabeth spent quite a bit of time stitching the serpent—making sure that it was quite noticeable and a bit scary. The stars of the show are Adam and Eve! I don’t believe any of us has seen a depiction of them quite like this! I have wondered many times just what Elizabeth was thinking when she stitched the couple. I find it interesting that both Adam and Eve look stern with their hands on their hips and grim facial expressions—could this be a nod to a teacher or parents? The very best part is their quirky hair! Of course, this attraction could be because I am a hairdresser. . . but I find it hilarious. It makes me wish I could talk to Elizabeth and get to know her better.

I am so happy that Elizabeth’s sampler has been preserved and is in my collection. It is my pleasure to share it with you.

Sandie Cormaci-Boles hales from Southern California and has worked professionally in some type of creative field for over 30 years. She enjoys every aspect of her work; meeting new people, sharing her love of needlework, and exploring our needlework history.