Many Colonial women supported the Revolutionary War effort. Some particularly daring women chose to serve as nurses, attendants, cooks, & even spies on the battlefields. Others, such as the famous “Molly Pitcher” (who fought in her husband’s place) & Deborah Sampson (who disguised herself as a man) saw action in battle. Most women, however, fought the war at home. As husbands & fathers left home to fight, wives & mothers took to managing the farms & businesses. A majority of women helped by making yarn & homespun necessities such as socks & underwear, both to send to militiamen & to support the boycott of British goods.
I like to think that a few also made commemorative samplers, inspired by the spirit of the time, Betsy Ross’s beautiful flag, & revolutionary words being spread like wildfire amongst the colonists.
The English author & philosopher Thomas Paine helped turn Colonial public opinion against Britain & solidify the emerging colonial unity with his January 1776 pamphlet
Common Sense, which denounced King George III as a tyrannical “brute”. Paine, reasoning that it was unnatural for the smaller England to dominate the larger collection of American states, called on Americans to unite & overthrow British rule so that they could usher in an era of freedom for humanity. Inspiring & easy to read,
Common Sense stirred the hearts of thousands & persuaded many would-be Loyalists & fence-sitters to fight for independence. The pamphlet caused a huge sensation throughout the colonies & sold over 100,000 copies within a few months of its first printing.
Sampler model stitched on 28 count even-weave linen
Stitch Count: 140 by 100
Pinkeep model stitched on 28 count even-weave linen
Stitch Count: 70 by 39
Price: $10 for my standard chart pack with color photo on the cover, enclosed in a plastic zip envelope. Cost includes shipping.
You may go to my etsy shop to purchase or contact me directly at: beth@heartstringsamplery.com
