Page - 115 - in JRFM - Journal Religion Film Media, Volume 07/01

“As i cannot write I put this down simply and freely” | 115www.jrfm.eu 2021, 7/1, 95–122 against temptation and her desire for death and self-destruction. In other words, her sampler does not evince a time-consuming exercise meant to en- gender female virtues. Instead, it reflects her poor condition and mirrors her inner suffering. Elizabeth did not deny the attractions of temptation. Rather, she used needlework as a strategy to gain ground in her life. Her narration seems distinct from 19th-century embroidery ornamentation, texts, and be- Fig. 6: Jane Bailey’s sampler, 1830, England, embroidered wollen canvas with coloured silks, backed with crêpe, height 37.15 cm, width 31.70 cm, V&A T.321-1960. (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London)