Virtue
Mary Ann Hardinge, Her Work
As a result of the crocodile-smuggling incident Mary Ann is earnestly trying to instil the virtuous thirst of doing good in the block twins. She has decided to point out some salutary morals found in Samplers. This one was stitched at the Mountmellick Quaker School in 1828, by a relative of the QH human. The motto is adapted from a play written by Hannah More, an 18th century bluestocking.
Click here for the Wiki entry on Hannah More, a very interesting and forward-thinking lady who lived in England in the 1700’s.
Virtue!
Mary Ann aspires to sweet domesticity, polished by softness and warmed by virtue.
Virtue!
And here is another reference to virtue – a useful guide to follow when trying to avoid the sting of woe!
Sounds Hard
The block twins don’t feel any stings of woe and their passions are not yet corrected, nor subdu’d. In fact they rather thought that the crocodile-rescue WAS virtuous!
Mary Vallance, Her Work
After being abandoned by the twins, Mary Ann felt a bit crestfallen. But in her personal search for goodness, she wants to study the motto on this sampler, which was stitched by a relative of the QH’s favourite photographer.
Darn!
Meanwhile Rose is sorting through the darning wool, trying to match the crocodile’s poor injured foot. She is having trouble making a selection that will blend in…
It is obvious talent runs in QH family! No doubt the block twins will find a way to unleash theirs…superb work! Thank you for sharing!
We were very honoured to be given the Mary Vallance sampler a few days ago, and will give it a good home! The Mary Ann Hardinge Sampler came to me a few years ago, and I love it!
Poor Mary Ann… but, no one could really want the Block Twins to give up their mischief, could they?
And, perhaps Rose could re-consider her decision to try to hide the patch on Croc’s foot, and turn it into a celebration instead? Perhaps a merry color that would be the source of delight and a memento of the kindness that the Croc has known in the Quimper Hitty cupboard?
I think, with their approach to life, that the Block Twins will find themselves in mischief rather more often than not! We are leaving the patching, darning and colour decisions to Rose…
Those twins are destined to be the subject of future tales. They certainly don’t look the least bit contrite.
Well, no, they don’t seem at all regretful….I can see their point though, and I am pretty sure their good intentions will continue to lead them into interesting adventures!
I have to admit sympathy for the block sisters and their need to escape the lectures. I suspect Mary Ann welcomes the challenge as somehow good for her own soul.
All the Quimper Hittys are encouraged to find their own way in their individual searches for truth and meaning – I would hate for the block sisters to live life with less enthusiasm, and also respect Mary Ann’s desire to follow the words and sentiments that make sense to her.
What beautiful samplers! They are real treasures for sure, complete with their wisdom which has been lovingly and carefully sewn. What lovely heirlooms to have.
They are both so different, and so beautifully made. I am happy to be the caretaker of both samplers and their history, until it is the turn of the next generation.
Wowwwwww! Those are Exquisite! I can see why the block sisters would rather think of easier adventures… That stitchery is just daunting!
They are pretty awesome! The block sisters have no interest in sitting down to stitch anything, Mary Ann might give it a go however…
my support is behind the block sisters. “sweet domesticity” now that is something to long for! I think Croc should have a creative patch, something to celebrate his new domestic friends.
The sisters are rather irrepressible! I agree, Sweet domesticity sounds rather delightful to me too! Rose is figuring out the patch situation!
Mary Ann is a breath of fresh air , so sweet and gentle. It is lovely that you have such a variety of personalities. The block heads are a delight…ALL the Quimper HIttys are such fun. and good luck to Rose on her mission of Croc mercy!!
We love Mary Anne too, she does infuse her “angel kindness” into situations of distress, and earnestly wants everyone to avoid the “stings of woe”. Her methods aren’t for everyone however.
Wonder if Min has any influence over the Block Twins…….They seem to be as ‘naughty’ as her
The trouble is multiplied when Min is involved!