C Boffy 1823
CROSS STITCH REPRODUCTION SAMPLER PATTERN, READY TO DOWNLOAD, BY Couleur Tourterelle

This is quite a unique cross stitch sampler with a poem in verse dedicated to a very special person, the grand mother of the young stitcher.

While many English language samplers include long texts - often scripture or prayers - French samplers rarely include any text beyond a couple of words. When they do, they might include a little compliment to the stitcher’s parents or family.

Here is the translation of the poem

Dear grand-mother,

When my fingers worked this fabric

My eyes were fixed on my work

And while I didn’t notice it,  my heart

Gave me the courage to finish

Accept this as a small tribute

Of my just gratitude

By offering it to you, my only aim

Is love and beneficence

The young stitcher was only nine when she completed her work, however she didn’t make a single mistake when stitching the letters. She found stitching the border much more difficult and there are many errors and irregularities that have been kept in the reproduction chart, so as to retain its childish charm. Each stitcher will make her own decision whether to reproduce the irregularities or to stitch regular borders and stars.

Most of the sampler is cross stitched over two threads. The signature and date however are stitched over 1 thread.

The original sampler (last picture) was cross stitched using silk thread on wool evenweave. It is square with sides measuring 10 ¼ inch wide (26 cm).

Reproduction sampler is worked on 46ct fabric, to stay as close as possible in size to the original, in cross stitch using 1 strand of silk thread over 2 fabric threads. It is also possible to stitch on smaller count fabric. 

A cross stitch pattern by Couleur Tourterelle.

>> see more Reproduction Sampler patterns by Couleur Tourterelle
 

Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
C Boffy 1823 (Reproduction Sampler)

Chart size in stitches: 238x254 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: 46ct Zweigart linen (101) (10 1/2 x 11 inch - 26,5 x 28 cm) or 40ct (12 x 12 1/2 inch - 30 x 31,5 cm)
>> View size in my choice of fabric (fabric calculator)
Stitches: cross stitch,
Chart: Color and B&W, includes overview for Digital stitching
Threads: Soie 1003 from Ver à soie (1 strand) or Soie d'Alger from Ver à soie (1 strand) or DMC (1 strand)
Number of colors: 1

Themes: French, early 19th century
 

>> see all Early 19th century Reproduction samplers (all designers)

>> see all patterns with Poems and sayings (all designers)

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