Anna Uhlmann 1919 Reproduction Sampler
CROSS STITCHREPRODUCTION SAMPLER PATTERN, READY TO DOWNLOAD, BY Couleur Tourterelle

"Some samplers have an amazing charm, even if you can’t say why. It’s the case of Anna Uhlmann's, completed in 1919. As soon as it joined my collection, I immediately had an irresistible desire to stitch it." So speaks Meriem Chauvet, the collector and designer behind Couleur Tourterelle.

While characteristic of early 20th century French samplers, with four alphabets, two series of numbers, several types of borders and a few small decorative motifs, its special appeal resides in the elongated format and especially its particularly attractive mix of red and blue that makes irresistibly bright and cheerful.

While Anna achieved a perfect balance of colors, the use of the two colors probably wasn't Anna's own idea. She probably found inspiration in the fact that many pattern booklets of the time, including the early ones published by DMC, featured motifs in two contasting colors, creating more depth than regular monochromes. Many were printed in red and blue. 

You will notice our stitcher made several basic mistakes, forgotting to stitch two of the mill’s wings or when stitching the anchor, suggesting that Anna must have been very young.

The chart comes with very detailed explanations of each of the stiches used in the sampler. For instance the slanted herringbone stitch.

Regarding stitching, all cross stitches are regular and stitched over two threads. They could therfore be stitched on any fabric of your choice. However the herringbone stitches would need to be adapted should you wish to stitch over 1 thread.

The reproduction cross stitch chart strictly reproduces every stitch and matches all colors of the original sampler (see last photo).

Original Sampler (last photo) worked in cross stitch, over 2 fabric threads. 

Reproduction Sampler stitched using Soie d'Alger silk from Au Ver à soie (AVAS) or DMC, with cross stitches worked over 2 fabric threads on 40ct linen. Size 15.4’ x 8.6’ inch (38 x 21 cm).

A cross stitch pattern by Couleur Tourterelle.

>> see more Reproduction Sampler patterns by Couleur Tourterelle
 

Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
Anna Uhlmann 1919 Reproduction Sampler

Chart size in stitches: 307 x 171 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: 40ct Newcastle linen from Zweigart, in color Platinum (770)
Stitched size: 15.4 x 8.6 inch (38 x 21 cm)
Stitches: cross stitch over 2 threads, Half stitch, Tent stitch, Smyrna cross stitch, Herringbone stitch, Running stitch
Chart: Color and B&W, includes one-page chart for Digital stitching
Threads: Soie d'Alger silk from Au Ver à soie (AVAS) or DMC
Number of colors: 3

Themes: France, early 20th century, stitched in red and navy blue threads
 

>> see all Early 20th Century Reproduction sampler patterns (all designers)
 

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