Botanical Alphabet Cross-Stitch

A botanical alphabet blooms on this colorful cross-stitch sampler bordered in green. As early as the fifteenth century, needlework samplers served as ways to teach and practice sewing, an important domestic skill. They often doubled as academic instruction, like this alphabet sampler made by artist Ira Blount (1918-2020). Each letter features a flower that starts with that letter. For example, an iris stitched in purple, light blue, and gold stands next to a purple letter “I”. At the top, an alphabetical list identifies each flower by name in matching thread colors. Though this sampler does not conform to utilitarian purposes of the past, the intricate stitching demonstrates Blount’s command of a traditional sewing technique.

After moving to Washington, DC following World War II, Ira Blount mastered dozens of artisanal crafts. His love for crafting, learning, and community engagement would endure over the course of his long life and career.