Samplers, Sewing & Simplicity in Quaker Ireland, by Clodagh Grubb

Author: Clodagh Grubb. Review by Julianna Minihan

by Julianna Minihan 29th January 2021

This beautifully illustrated, A4-size book is packed with information. It relates to the story of Ireland, the development of education there, and Irish women’s history, together with expert and comprehensive chapters on clothing and costume, household linen and soft furnishing. But the main focus, and final chapter, is on samplers – pieces of embroidery or cross-stitching produced as a demonstration or a test of skill in needlework.