Irwin sampler
Samplers were quite common from the late 18th through to the end of the 19th centuries and served a number of purposes. They were primarily a means for teaching young girls the many different needlework stitches, whilst at the same time they acted as a vehicle for teaching and reinforcing Christian values and beliefs.
The verse on the sampler reads:
"All you my friends who now expect to see A piece of work performed by me cast but A smile on this my mean endeavour I'll strive to mend and be obedient forever"
