AGNES BINNIE, 1824

Agnes Binnie was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, on March 22, 1808, to Robert Binnie and Mary Addie.  She married James Barclay on March 16, 1832, in Falkirk, Stirlingshire.  The couple had at least six sons and three daughters.  Around 1870 they emigrated to Scotland Township in McDonough, Illinois.  She died February 6, 1899, and is buried in Macomb, Illinois.

Her sampler, made when she was sixteen years old, has a simple color scheme and features many traditional Scottish needlework motifs, such as peacocks and thistles.

Stitches used in the sampler are cross, Algerian eyelet, back, queen, four-sided and double running.  On 35-count linen, the reproduction sampler will be approximately the same size as the original: 10-1/2″ x 16″. 

The project is recommended for any skill level.