The above images are scans of two snapshots shared by Helen Ruby Light Thomson (1913-2012) at the Light Reunion in 2001. She had the actual sample with her, too, but I didn’t scan it. I should have.
The two images show the same piece of homespun wool coverlet made by my 3rd great-grandmother, Sarah Ann “Sallie Ann” Johnson Light (1832-1902), when she was eighteen years old in 1850.
The following information is from Helen’s notebook:
"She could shear a sheep as quick as a man and carded all her wool. She used a handmade loom to weave and design her own bed clothes. The sample here was woven by her when she was 18 years old for her hope chest."
~ Notes from Uncle Elvin (Light, Sarah Johnson Light's son)
"Piece of homespun coverlet made by Grandmother Sarah Light, who carded the wool and dyed the red and blue yarn with berrie. Many years ago, Uncle Elven Light cut this piece off for me when I was asking about the family. He said there are so many descendants the primitive handiwork should be shared among the grandchildren. ~Helen Light"
"Carded, spun, woven and dyed by Sarah Johnson at 18 years of age in 1850. Design is hand-made by process of weaving."
Helen passed in 2012. I’m sure that the piece of coverlet was passed down to someone. I don’t know who has it now, but I would like to have the information for my records.