Felicity's Needlework Kit and Frame

Hey guys!

So I have decided recently that I am going put my collecting focus on Felicity's collection. She has been my favorite since I first laid eyes on her. Probably mostly because of my love for Colonial times. So it is a daily ritual for me lately to skim through Ebay and look at the new Felicity lots looking for a good deal. Well I found a great deal on Felicity's Needlework and Frame, Also know as her sampler.

In Colonial times, young girls did not participate in the same schooling as the boys did. Girls were taught skills that were considered "female accomplishments" such as manners, music, painting, comportment (the manner in which you conduct yourself), and of course sewing. Most girls made two samplers in their lifetime. One usually when they were as young as 5 or 6. The first one being called a "marking sampler" which usually consisted of the alphabet and numbers, which doubled as a teaching tool to learn the alphabet and numbers. 

Example of a marking sampler

These were usually made at "schools" called Dame Schools which were typically ran by women who were widowed or unmarried, just like in Felicity's stories, she and Elizabeth were taught by Ms. Manderly. It also was common for some families that the girls mother or grandmother taught them instead of sending them to a Dame School. 

Example of a pictorial sampler

The second sampler that a girl would make is called a "pictorial sampler." This was usually only completed by the higher class young ladies who were sent to fancy boarding schools. These samplers were very detailed and beautiful pieces of art. Many times this work of art was framed and hung in the homes parlor to display their daughters skill, obedience, and patience so they can show off the young lady's value and worth to family and most importantly, potential suitors. 

Now although most women never made another sampler after they were married, their sewing careers were far from over. A wife would have to sew clothing for her household, blankets, etc. You could rarely buy ready made clothing from stores. 

So anyways, now that you have had a history lesson. Let me show you my Ebay find which I am super excited about! I found it for $60 with free shipping. Now I know that sounds expensive but this is hard to find in such good of shape anymore for less than $150. Pretty unfair seeing that the retail cost before they retired Felicity was $22. Oh I wish I could go back in time sometimes... sigh. Anyways.. it arrived yesterday and I am so happy with it! 

     

Tah Dah! Here it is! :)

So the set includes the wooden stand (below) that holds the frame in place. The stand has two compartments that open and that is where the thread, needle, spool, and thimble are kept. 

How friggin cute... doll size thimble! Fits perfectly on Felicity's index finger.

The other main component of the set is the frame with the cloth that shows what Felicity's sampler will look like when it is complete. In the book series, Felicity makes the sampler for her best friend Elizabeth. So her sampler reads, Faithful Friends Forever Be. Yes.. the name of this blog. 

Okay so here is the scoop. I am extremely happy with this purchase. The detail and quality are superb. The historical accuracy is spot on. This is more beautiful in person and I am so excited to have it in my collection! I think Felicity might be too?