Archive of 18 manuscript weaving pattern drafts by a woman in Texas, ca. 1840-1860s

Eighteen manuscript drafts for weaving on a harness loom, including patterns for dimity and overshot. The average draft measures around 2 x 15 inches; the smallest is 4 inches and the longest is 29 inches. Many of the drafts are stitched or pinned together from thin strips of reused paper and have pinholes from being tacked to the loom. One draft is split in two sections, the others are intact. All are exceedingly delicate and have been irregularly folded (some, more like crumpled). The drafts are housed in an envelope (3.75 x 7.5 inches) with the note, “Drawn by Grandmother Brown in 1841 Given to me by my mother in 1936.” The envelope also contains a calling card signed Miss Annie Crockett and Miss Mary Love (possibly our weaver’s sister), and a small manuscript note: “My coverleat (sic) that Grandma gave me was made in 1861, Dyed with Bramble Brush root. Mamma told me this Christmas 1935.”  The collection comes from Johnson County, Texas, and the drafts are variously signed M.L. Brow