Makers: Stephanie De Lacy

Panel number: 520

Petition sheet number: Did not sign 1893 petition

Person honouring: Mary Pettit

Relationship to maker: Grandmother

Mary Napier was just 12 years old at the time of petition signing. She was born on 21 June 1881 in Dunedin. She was the third daughter of James and Margaret Napier, both born in Edinburgh, Scotland. 

I was always of the opinion Margaret had signed the petition but sadly I can’t find her name although it may be on one of the missing lists. Mary’s father and brothers were boot makers in Dunedin. Mary’s much loved musical instrument of choice was a mandolin, which is still in the family to this day.

Mary and my grandfather Samuel Pettit married about 1905 and lived in Mornington until Mary’s death in 1930. The couple were blessed with five children.

Panel materials: Napier family tartan and family crest with a fabric print of Mary’s beloved mandolin, which is still in the family today. Antique french lace and buttons in a sewing box passed down to me. 

The 1930 patches of reproduction fabric are to represent the devastation of the 1930 Depression, which tested the strength of every woman in New Zealand along with two world wars. 

All my supplies for the panel were from my stash.