Sotheby's Auction Trip

As most in the sampler world already know Betty Ring's Needlework collection was on the auction block this past Sunday at Sotheby's.  Myself along with several ladies from the Loudoun Sampler Guild made the trip to New York on Saturday to view the exhibit.  The experience was amazing all of the gorgeous needlework in one room was a sight to behold.  The pieces were exquisite and the stitching on some was so well done the stitches were so small in some areas they almost looked as if they were painted.

This sampler is the largest sampler I have ever seen stitched by a school girl.  The length was over three feet to give you an idea of the size I included the photo below.

The below is a beautiful sampler stitched by a nine year old.  

The photo below is a close up which will allow you to see the stitches a little better than the previous picture just amazing for someone so young.

The one below I included because I love the huge flower border the little girl jumping rope and in person the colors are vibrant and lively.

After lunch a few of us made the trek to a M&J Trimmings in the fashion district - just jaw dropping would love to have a store like this at home.  I did pick up some silk ribbon for an upcoming project.  It was so inspiring to see all the beautiful colors and textures - could easily spend hours in this store and the staff was very accommodating.

Betty Ring Sotheby's Preview and Auction

Sampler lovers this week is when Betty Ring's samplers are available for viewing at Sotheby's prior to the auction on January 22nd.  Several of my sampler enablers from the Loudoun Sampler Guild will be making the trip early Saturday morning to NYC via Amtrak to view the samplers for more than likely the last time they will all be together.  I am really looking forward to seeing all of them in person.  I have drooled over her books and at this point I believe I have all of them in my library and I know I refer to them often and always learn something new.  If anyone else is making the trip and will happen to be there on Saturday - let me know I would love to meet you and introduce you to my fellow enablers

Margaret Morley Original

Thought I would share photos of the original Margaret Morley.   Below is a picture of the front of the original sampler.  As you can see the colors are very faded which is more apparent in the following two photos.  The nails left rust marks along the edges.  There are several small tears, but considering when I received the sampler it was attached to the back portion of the frame.  I had to carefully remove the wood from behind the sampler.  I also found it interesting the paper attached to the back of the wooden frame was dated 1914.  The only clue this gives me is it was either framed when it was originally stitched and later the frame was changed, but more than likely this was the first time it had been framed.  From my perspective there would have been additional nail holes had the sampler been framed twice.

Below is a photo of the back of the sampler which shows how vibrant the colors once were.

The  following photo shows how Margaret carried her threads and also a hole on the left hand side is obvious as well.

When the sampler arrived it was attached to a frame that had newspaper attached around the back of the perimeter. The paper was dated 1914 unfortunately the front of the original frame did not arrive with the sampler. When picking out the frame for the reproduction I choose one based on the information I did have from the research I had completed and felt would compliment the sampler.

Betty Ring Sotheby's Catalogue

Thought I would share I received my pre-ordered Betty Ring Sotheby's Auction Catalogue in the mail today. It is a must for all sampler lovers.  So sad her collection is up for auction, but a wonderful opportunity for the sampler collectors in our midst.  If you are interested in purchasing your own visit Sotheby's to order one for yourself.  It is definitely worth it the catalogue is beautifully compiled, photos are exquisite as well as the information included with each sampler, estimated values as well as several lovely letters included by those well known in the sampler world sharing their experiences with everyone that they had with Betty.  I am actually considering ordering a spare.

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