Another example of the sort of sampler I love, which would definitely benefit from a better frame, but I'm very glad it's been kept safe as it is an early and delicate one. Part of what makes it especially special is the passage of flame stitch filling the top quarter, surely faded and clearly showing loss but very beautiful still. Then this verse under the alphabet and numbers, with long "s" 's everywhere, signed by Mary Davis just underneath, and followed by lovely flower and vine border and  larger flower just below. Homespun fabric, hand-dyed thread; I am not an expert, but based on the flame stitch and verse would guess late 1700s. 

Framed: 15 3/4" x 8 3/8". Sampler measures 14 5/8 x 7 1/4.  Losses as evident but all remains completely readable and quite bold.