Art
Betsy P. Cross embroidered this sampler in 1817 as a girl, practicing the needlework skills expected of her. Such samplers were both schoolwork and proof of a young woman's education, discipline, and readiness for domestic life.
Art · Full story
Your fingers are sore. You've been bent over this linen all week, pushing the needle through wool and silk thread, making the same stitch over and over. Each letter, each flower must be perfect—your mother is watching, your teacher is watching. When you finish, everyone will see exactly how well you learned.
Reflect
What skills are young people in your life required to master? How are they shown off?