Juliette Lévêque 1913 Reproduction Sampler
REPRODUCTION SAMPLER PATTERN, READY TO DOWNLOAD, BY Couleur Tourterelle

Here is a perfect example of a school sampler as practiced in France at the beginning of the 20th century. It is worked in red woollen yarn on canvas and signed “Juliette Leveque née le 11 décembre 1913”. Based on the date of birth of the stitcher, it was probably completed around 1920. Cross stitch was not taught per se, rather young girls were introduced to stitching initials they would later use to identify items of houselinen that would constitute their "trousseau" once they got married.

Notice that interestingly, and well into the 20th century, the little cross featured in front of the alphabet, named « Croix de par Dieu », is still featured before letter A. The practice goes back several centuries earlier, with the cross always preceding the letters of the alphabet, to remind the child to make a sign of the cross before reciting. 

This sampler is part of the personal collection of Meriem Chauvet of Couleur Tourterelle . The reproduction cross stitch chart strictly reproduces every stitch and matches all colors of the original sampler (see last photo).

Reproduction Sampler stitched using DMC Stranded Cotton, with cross stitches worked over 1 fabric thread on 32ct linen. Size 3.5 x 3.7 inch (9 x 10 cm).
As the design only features full cross stitches, you can stitch it on any fabric of your choice, including over 2 fabric threads, or on Aida fabric.

A cross stitch pattern by Couleur Tourterelle.

>> see more Reproduction Sampler patterns by Couleur Tourterelle
 

Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
Juliette Lévêque 1913 Reproduction Sampler

Chart size in stitches: 111 x 118 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: 32ct Belfast linen from Zweigart ,in color 346
Stitched size: 3.5 x 3.7inch (9 x 10 cm)
Stitches: cross stitch over 1 thread
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: 8

Themes: France, 20th century, school sampler, exercise, cross, alphabet
 

>> see all Reproduction sampler patterns featuring the Linenmaid's alphabet (all designers)
 

All patterns on Creative Poppy's website are printable and available for instant download.