Three block alphabets; no "J" or "U." All alphabet letters and words in inscription done in alternating colors; geometric crossbands (some of them geometric flowering vines) separate all rows. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, two-sided cross, marking cross, satin, straight, fern, Algerian eye, herringbone, long-armed cross. THREAD COUNT: warp 38, weft 39/in.
Inscription:
"ELISABeTH HOLLAND IS MY NA Me ENGLISH IS MY NATION BOST ON IS MY DWeLLING PLACe AND CHRIST IS MY SALVATION WHeN I AM DeAD AND GONE AND ALL MY BONeS ARE ROTeN I LeAVe THIS SAMPLeR BeHIND I MAY NOT Be FORGOTTeN FINIS HeD IN THe 13 YeAR OF HeR AGe OCTOBeR 14 1737"
Background:
Elizabeth was born on June 28, 1725, to Samuel and Elizabeth Holland in Boston, Massachusetts. She married Edward Gyles in Boston on her birthday, June 28, 1743. They had two sons, Edward and Samuel.