Named after the tiny hamlet where I live this sampler is based on components from two schools of cross stitch design – the Bristol orphanages and the Friendship sampler patterns. During the mid 19th century Bristol orphanages were noted for their use of red cotton. No corner of the cloth was left unfilled. The children who made the samplers would almost certainly enter domestic service and be expected to produce, amongst other duties, items of linenware featuring alphabet letters and numerals.

The patterns of Friendship samplers were similar to those applied to knitted pincushions produced towards the end of the 18th century. Normally featuring circular or hexagonal designs they probably found their own origins in pocket watch papers

Area in stitches: 364 x 364