CHART PACK: 16 color pages
Thérèse Barral 1843
CROSS STITCH REPRODUCTION SAMPLER PATTERN BY Couleur Tourterelle
Stitched in 1843 by Thérèse Barral, aged 10, the sampler is dedicated to Jesus and Mary “all my life, with all my heart”.
What is remarkable about this sampler is that at first view, it follows the codes and classic early 19th century composition of religious samplers of the south of France, around a large central altar. Take a close look however and you will notice that motifs have been freely substituted, such as the central altar surrounded by two large crosses which has been replaced with a monumental basket of flowers. The geometric frame has also been replaced with a rare and elegant floral border.
The letters stitched are those from the « Linen maid’s alphabet*» reproduced in Diderot & d’Alembert’s Encyclopaedia. In Catholic samplers of France, Italy and sometimes the Netherlands, letters of the alphabet were always preceded with a cross. In this particular case, the cross is prominent and bears an Italian influence. While Thérèse did not include her location, this hints to a South of France origin.
* used by linen maids for identifying pieces of household linen
The original sampler measures 20 x 16 inches (50 cm x 41 cm). It was stitched using wool which was quite innovative for 1843, as wool only started to be used for needlework samplers at the time. It is however still stitched on linen fabric. Later wool would be worked on more open canvas.
The reproduction sampler is worked using silk on 40ct fabric, over two threads. Alternatives are provided should you prefer to use embroidery floss or wool, like the original.
A cross stitch pattern by Couleur Tourterelle.
>> see more Reproduction Sampler patterns by Couleur Tourterelle
Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
Thérèse Barral 1843 (Reproduction Sampler)
Chart size in stitches: 304x271 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: 40ct Zweigart linen (3009) (15 x 13 1/2 - 38 x 34 cm) or 36ct (17 x 15 1/2 inch - 43,5 x 39 cm)
Stitches: cross stitch,
Chart: Color
Threads: Soie d'Alger from Ver à soie (1 strand) ou DMC (1 strand) ou Lana Aurifil (1 strand)
Number of colors: 20
Themes: French, 19th century
