The Fabulous Flame Stitch!

Owner Debra Pook explains what distinguishes an important Chester County, Pennsylvania needlework grouping of sewing articles. Made by Hannah Darlington, ca. 1785, each piece bearing the maker’s name or initials, included are a rollup sampler pinball dated 1785, initialed HD, with potted tulips and flowers, a vibrant flame stitch wallet inscribed HD 1785, an intricate flame stitch rollup pin case inscribed H. Darlington 1787, and a cross stitch silk and wool on linen sampler with floral border inscribed Hannah Darlington work this in 1785. Provenance: Purchased from Vernon Gunnion in 2003 as a Christmas present from Trish to Don. “This is a wonderful example of Chester County needlework. These very early sewing articles are all made by the same hand, by Hannah Darlington, from the well-known, wealthy Quaker Darlington family. She created the fabulous flame stitch wallet in wool in 1785, and rollup pin case in silk in 1787. The rollup pinball is remarkable for being crowned with a stitched sampler. They are beautifully and expertly done and have survived in fine condition.”