When I went over to the Hali site to follow the link on my previous post, I noticed that a record auction price was recently reached for an antique sampler. The piece was created in 1797 by Betsy Wardwell and sold at Christie’s New York textile sale for $329,600! It got me thinking – I wonder what antique auctions will include in another 210 years? Maybe a vintage Raspberry felt piece, a much-loved Molly Chicken bear, an antique Flibbertygibbet quilt? Well, you never know. You can bet your lucky pants that Betsy Wardwell never imagined that her beautifully fine stitching would ever become so sought after. She created her work with humility and grace:

"May spotles inocence & truth my every action guide and guard my unexperienced youth from arrogance & pride”, “BETSY WARDWELLS WORK PROVIDENCE 1797”.

I wonder what she’d make of it all?

I’ve written up a little free pattern for knitted flowers – same as my cake toppers (it’s over on the side bar). These could be used for decorating any number of objects. I’m making a little hair thingy for Amy with 3 contrasting flowers on – will post pictures when it’s finished.