Testimony

2015-16
Cloth, thread, ink on paper
25 x 24”

The background piece is a “signature cloth,” most common in the mid-19th to mid-20th century. Women friends would sign their names, and the one or two of the women would embroider them. They were made as quilts, and in smaller formats as pillows, such as this one. I found this cloth piece, with mostly Irish names, in Vergennes, Vermont.

The white cotton cloth sewn on top is a collar, which bears a testimonial to the writer’s mother, who was born in 1800 and who died in 1865 while stitching the collar. I found it in and antique store in Johnson, Vermont.

Transcription of handwritten note:

Abigail Thompson Jones’ last sewing. Age 76 yrs 4 mos.
She had been a beautiful sewer but was struck with death
when these stitches were made.
My mother’s last stitches Dec 28, 1876
died the same day in the eve at 20 m. of 11. p.m.
Cherished by a loving daughter and grand-daughter.