Open naailap van wit linnen op linnen c. 1880 - 1905

This is an openwork sampler in white linen on linen, created by the Industrieschool De Windroos. These samplers were often made in schools teaching girls and young women needlework. Think about the role of women in society at the time; needlework, sewing, and other domestic crafts were vital skills. They were also a way to create beauty in the everyday. The repetitive, almost meditative, act of stitching could be seen as an expression, a quiet rebellion against the confines of domestic life. Each stitch embodies patience, skill, and a connection to a long history of women's work. The Industrieschool De Windroos provided practical skills, but it also shaped identities and futures. Through their work, women could contribute to their households or even find employment, challenging traditional gender roles. These samplers become testaments to the importance of education and empowerment.