{"title":"Couleur Tourterelle","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"louise-julien-1858-couleur-tourterelle-9582043","title":"Louise Julien 1858 - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eBack in 1868, in rural France, imagine what a treat it must have been for a young girl to be handed a whole bunch of silk colors (17 in total) to play with when completing her sampler. Louise proceeded to playfully change thread color for each element of her border, for each letter, and sometimes used two colors for a single letter. The result is a joyful and sparkling \"explosion of color\" and is a real treat to stitch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLetters used for the 3 first lines - a full alphabet and the stitchers signature and date of completion - are all the traditional letters used for marking house-hold linen, therefore excellent practice for young Louise. These letters went unchanged over at least a century as they were taught and transmitted from mother to daughter over generations. These letters virtually unchanged are already cited in the Didierot \u0026amp; D'Alembert's encyclopiedia of 1871 and are known as the linen-maid's alphabet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original sampler is part of \u003cem\u003eMeriem Chauvet\u003c\/em\u003e's collection, she is the designer behind \u003cstrong\u003eCouleur Tourterelle\u003c\/strong\u003e, and likes to reproduce, and painstakingly rechart, some of the samplers of her collection, matching every original color.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile our stitcher left little clue about her place of origin, Meriem Chauvets points to a few clues that could point to the Occitania region, a culturally distinct region of Sourthern France.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt first glance the sampler seems to differ from other French samplers of the time, all with a prediominantly religious theme, but as Meriem Chauvet points out, Louise did also include, among the many floral and animals,  a number of religious symbols. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegarding stitching, there are a couple of  shifted cross stitches, used to provide symetry in flower bouquets. The design should therefore ideally be stitched over 2 threads, except if you accept these 2 motifs to be slightly shifted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReproduction 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 7.7 x 8.1 inch (19,5 x 20,5 cm).\u003c\/p\u003eChart size in stitches: 154 x 162 (wide x high)\u003cbr\u003eNeedlework fabric: 40ct Newcastle linen from Zweigart ,in color 3077\u003cbr\u003eStitched size: 7.7 x 8.1 inch (19,5 x 20,5 cm)\u003cbr\u003eStitches: cross stitch over 2 threads, a couple of cross stitches shifted by 1 fabric thread\u003cbr\u003eThreads: Soie d'Alger silk from Au Ver à soie (AVAS) or DMC\u003cbr\u003eNumber of colors: 17","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727729959127,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87838165.jpg?v=1788475072"},{"product_id":"heloise-duchat-1823-couleur-tourterelle-9582037","title":"Heloise Duchat 1823 - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eNot one, but two twin samplers worked by a little French girl age seven.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy two ? Possibly to offer them to her parents, or to each of her grandmothers, we will never know. What we do is that they are both dated 1823, carry the exact same signature at the base “Héloïse Duchat, de 7. Just the top line differs, \"Je vous l’offre de tout cœur\" (offered to you with all my heart) on the first, and \"Je vous l’offre pour un bouquet\" (offered to you for a bouquet) on the second sampler.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth samplers share a similar layout : a large vase in the center surrounded by small flowers motifs, some common to both samplers, others not. The border motif framing the sampler is the same on both works, a marvel of delicacy, one stitched in pink, the other in blue.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis sampler is part of the personal collection of \u003ci\u003eMeriem Chauvet\u003c\/i\u003e of Couleur Tourterelle. The reproduction cross stitch chart strictly reproduces every stitch and matches all colors of the original samplers (see the last 2 photos).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal Samplers (last 2 photos) worked in cross stitch, over 2 fabric threads. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReproduction 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the design only features full cross stitches, you can stitch it on any fabric of your choice, including over 1 fabric thread, or on Aida fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727730155735,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87838122.jpg?v=1788475073"},{"product_id":"cn-borders-and-motifs-couleur-tourterelle-9582036","title":"CN Borders and Motifs - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe initials C and N are the only clue left by the stitcher. No date, no location, but after all there wasn’t any point in including them, because rather than a sampler intended for needlework practice, this piece was designed to save patterns for a future use, a sort of personal “catalogue” of motifs and borders. Indeed, this small band contains over 40 different designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat makes it particularly pretty and decorative is its wonderful mix of colorful designs, tightly fitted together so as many motifs as possible are included. Many motifs are repeat patterns, with only the strictly necessary elements needed to extend the stitching. Themes include many florals, roses of every size, a large pansy, but also interesting foliage motifs of various sizes, one of them a vine. There are a couple of geometric borders and one striking element in the center is the black lace berribonned rose stem - black lace being a popular element of fashion in the late 19th century when this work was presumably completed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pattern includes a couple of straight stitches, some Smyrna cross stitches and some cross stitches worked over 1 thread. \u003cem\u003eMeriem Chauvet\u003c\/em\u003e's (the collector and designer behind \u003cstrong\u003eCouleur Tourterelle\u003c\/strong\u003e) worked the reproduction sampler in silk thread, matching every color found. Unfortunately some guess work was needed for specific areas of the lace pattern, the only color used that was really damaged over time, but the chart is as close as possible to the original sampler. Photos all show the original in the background, and the reproduction in front.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReproduction Sampler stitched using Soie d'Alger silk from Au Ver à soie (AVAS) or DMC, with most cross stitches worked over 2 fabric threads on 40ct linen (some over 1 fabric thread). Size 13.7 x 3.5 inch (34 x 9 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727730385111,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87838113.jpg?v=1788475074"},{"product_id":"create-in-me-a-clean-heart-couleur-tourterelle-9533787","title":"Create in Me a Clean Heart - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe original sampler is of \u003cstrong\u003eEnglish origin\u003c\/strong\u003e and most probably from the 19th century. It includes the text of a psalm:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCreate in me a clean heart, oh God\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd renew a right spirit within me\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(Psalm 51)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen \u003cem\u003eMeriem Chauvet\u003c\/em\u003e of \u003cstrong\u003eCouleur Tourterelle\u003c\/strong\u003e found it, the original sampler (see last photo) was in a pitiful state of preservation, terribly damaged, warped, torn and roughly mended. This reproduction brings the work back to life, allowing us to discover its original freshness, \"a pleasure that I never tire of\" Meriem confides.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile neither dated nor signed, this sampler is remarkable for its unusual elongated vertical format. It is composed of small charming motifs, birds, flowers, crowns, a basket of fruit as well as an intriguing little architectural motif in the top left, with colonnades and a classical pediment, topped with a flag. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the base of the sampler , the stitcher added two small lines \"Love God\" and \"Jesus wept\". The latter is notable for being the shortest verse in the Bible. It is from the Gospel of John, when Jesus weeps upon learning of the death of his friend and follower Lazarus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe piece is mostly stitched over two threads. All letters and one of the motifs however are stitched over 1 thread.\u003c\/p\u003eStitch Count: 123w x 250h\u003cbr\u003eLinen: Permin 40 Count Colour: Lambswool\u003cbr\u003eThread: Au ver a Soie d'Alger Silk Thread or DMC -  9 colours.","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727781109975,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87654886.jpg?v=1788475291"},{"product_id":"mina-nagelhout-1864-couleur-tourterelle-9533783","title":"Mina Nagelhout 1864  - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis small Dutch sampler was originally stitched in wool and measures 12.5’’ \/ 12’’.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMina did not include her age, but judging from the simple, candid motifs, she must have been quite young. You will notice that she had difficulty stitching some letters. Letters V and W, initially stitched with errors, are both repeated. One would assume she was asked to stitch them again.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the alphabet, as was often the practice in the Netherlands, Mina included many initials, probably those of her parents, grandparents and other family members. Motifs included in the sampler such as animals, flowers and fruit baskets, were popular patterns of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is however one fun and specific motif typical of Dutch samplers: the Epiphany Star.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the Netherlands, even today, on the day of Epiphany, children dressed as kings carry a star on the end of a staff, a symbol of the star of Bethlehem which the Three Kings followed to find Jesus. Thus dressed, they go door to door singing and receive candies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original Sampler (last photo) was worked on 40ct fabric, using wool thread, while the reproduction sampler is worked in cotton. If you would rather use wool like the original, a wool color palette is also available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStitch Count: 158w x 147h\u003cbr\u003eLinen: Newcastle 40 Count, Colour: Light Mocha\u003cbr\u003eThread: Charted for Gentle Art\/ Classic Colorworks \u0026amp; DMC - 21 colours.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727781699799,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87654845.jpg?v=1788475294"},{"product_id":"madame-tougas-1904-reproduction-sampler-couleur-tourterelle-9544625","title":"Madame Tougas 1904 Reproduction Sampler - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an exceptional French sampler in part for its unusual lengthwise format – over four feet wide - but above all because it was stitched by 18 different children: Louise, Eglantine, Joséphine, Léonie, Henriette, Rose, Marguerite, Jeanne, Adèle, Marie-Thérèse, Berthe, Germaine, Hortense, Fernande, Elise, Eugénie, Zoé and Julie!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs indicated in the text, these are all students of Madame Tougas's class, at the local school of Chavigny-Bailleul, in Normandy. Aurélie Tougas* was in fact the teacher's wife, and she had no doubt been put in charge - as was current at the time – of teaching needlework to her husband's girl pupils. This unique sampler shows that she had original ideas and a very good sense of organization to carry out this collective work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sampler is very interesting design-wise, with 8 alphabets of varied style, including two, all curves and arabesques, showing Art Nouveau influence - let's not forget that this is 1904.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe smaller generic letters, used for names and school, are derived from the 18th century Linenmaid’s Alphabet, designed for marking laundry and still in use at the time. Note that all complete alphabets include letter W, a modern feature, perhaps the influence of her husband as a teacher?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was quite a feat organizing a work stitched by 18 pairs of little hands ...\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI imagine Madame Tougas decided to start each alphabet on a single line, even if that meant it might be truncated. She then filled in her pupils’ names, managing to fit in all the information without the slightest gap and perfectly balancing the sampler. There is only one single error in the girls’ stitching, the repetition of letters P and Q in the 2nd row.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original sampler (last image) measures 53” x 16” (135 x 41 cm), it is stitched in cotton on rustic canvas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReproduction sampler measures 33 x 12.4 inches (82,5 x 31 cm) and is stitched on 16ct linen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStitch Count: 659W x 247H\u003cbr\u003eLinen: Newcastle 40 count - colour 222 Cream\u003cbr\u003eThreads: Au ver a Soie or DMC\u003cbr\u003eColours: 2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727788024023,"sku":null,"price":41.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87686932.jpg?v=1788475315"},{"product_id":"marie-rousselet-reproduction-sampler-couleur-tourterelle-9544624","title":"Marie Rousselet Reproduction Sampler - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis sampler of French origin, probably from the 19th century, is part of the personal collection of Meriem Chauvet of Couleur Tourterelle . A reproduction is now available in the form of a cross stitch chart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original sampler (see last photo) is stitched on rustic fabric and features religious motifs such as the heart of Jesus on the left and the cross on the right, as well as more fanciful and childlike motifs such as the pot of pansies or the little dog.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat “J8” means remains a mystery. The letter J is missing in the alphabet (and was missing from alphabet models of the time). Did she add it as an afterthought? And does the digit 8 indicate she was 8 years old at the time?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarie could have been quite young. She made a couple of mistakes in the letters and digits, as well as in the border and ran out of space at times, spacing letters irregularly. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginal Sampler worked in cross stitch, over 2 fabric threads. Size 10.4' x 7.6'. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReproduction Sampler stitched using Soie d’Alger silk from Au Ver à Soie, with cross stitches worked over 2 fabric threads on 40ct linen. Size 5.3 x 3.8 inch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStitch Count: 106W x 76H\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727788187863,"sku":null,"price":19.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87686988.jpg?v=1788475316"},{"product_id":"e-loir-reproduction-sampler-couleur-tourterelle-9544623","title":"E Loir Reproduction Sampler - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhile the stitcher only signed her work with a initial and her family name : « FAIT PAR E. LOIR » (Made by E. Loir) - no first name, no date, no location - several elements help date the it back to early French 19th century, around 1830.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndeed the sampler features a classical religious motif featuring a catholic church altar, with a discreet border. The letters of the single alphabet are the characters from the « Linen maid’s alphabet*»  reproduced in Diderot \u0026amp; d’Alembert’s Encyclopaedia and used by linen maids for identifying pieces of household linen. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is no monumental altar, as featured in many South of France samplers of the time. Instead, the altar is simply suggested by the position of the central monstrance and two church candles and flower bouquets on either side. Below is a large cross. The sampler could therefore have come from northern France and possibly Normandy where the name is most frequently found.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou will notice the alphabet includes the Ampersand character « \u0026amp; », considered up to the 19th century to be the last letter of the alphabet, just after letter “Z”. There is no letter “W” however as this letter was only introduced officially in the French alphabet much later in 1936.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinally the « Croix de par Dieu » cross is another feature of French Samplers. Placed just before letter A, it was a reminder for children to cross themselves before reciting the alphabet. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original sampler (last photo) is square  (\u003cem\u003e10 x 10 inch - 25 cm x 25 cm)\u003c\/em\u003e. As the charted design (181 x 201 stitches) is slightly rectangular, the reproduction sampler was stitched on unevenweave linen in order for the sampler to be square, like the original. You can however stitch on regular (evenweave) linen and the stitched piece will be slightly rectangular (\u003cem\u003e9 x 10 inch - 22,6 cm x 25 cm)\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStitch Count: 181W x 201H\u003cbr\u003eColours: 13\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727788417239,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87686986.jpg?v=1788475317"},{"product_id":"anais-hermite-1856-reproduction-sampler-couleur-tourterelle-9544621","title":"Anais Hermite 1856 Reproduction Sampler - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"There are so many flowers and colors in this sampler. it is what makes it so attractive. Charming also are the haphazard size and placement of the letters of the alphabet and the signature squeezed up and down where space remained available. This brings back to mind the fact that samplers were used for learning and practice.\u003cp\u003eThe sampler dated 1856 and signed « Anaïs Hermitte âgée de dix ans » is of French origin. The little girl who had so much difficulty stitching these letters was 10 years old and was named Anaïs Hermitte. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA notable feature of this sampler is the borders. Many French samplers show different border motifs on each side. Notice how Anaïs manages to fit not only four but six different motifs thanks to the plants, growing from the vases on both sides, and which change at mid height. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original sampler is part of the personal collection of \u003cem\u003eMeriem Chauvet\u003c\/em\u003e of \u003cstrong\u003eCouleur Tourterelle. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe reproduction cross stitch chart strictly reproduces every stitch of the original sampler (see last photo). While some colors have faded and others have been eaten away by moths, with hardly any fiber left (it's strange how moths find certain colors appetizing), the reproduction chart closely follows the original colors seen on the wrong side.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sampler is stitched over 2, with the single exception of the double dot on the letter \"ï\". The original was worked using woolen yarn on canvas. The reproduction was stitched using wool on 36 ct linen, using a mix of Lana Aurifil  \u0026amp; Saint Pierre. Substitutes are provided should you want to stitch using silk (Soie d'alger - AVAS) or cotton (DMC).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStitch Count: 213W x 126H\u003cbr\u003eLinen: 36ct Edinburgh Cream 222\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727788646615,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87686984.jpg?v=1788475317"},{"product_id":"marie-cantais-1877-reproduction-sampler-couleur-tourterelle-9544620","title":"Marie Cantais 1877 Reproduction Sampler - Couleur Tourterelle","description":"\u003cp\u003eStitched in 1877, this sampler stands at the threshold of a new area in needlework, featuring two very different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn France by 1877, many samplers are now worked in woollen yarn on canvas, as is the case here, and new printed color designs known as “Berlin motifs” have become popular, such as the little dog motif picked from a chart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany other elements however still have traditional features found in samplers of the first half of the nineteenth century, and probably reproduced from or inspired by an existing stitched model.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe letters stitched in red are from the traditional \u003cem\u003eLinenmaid’s alphabet\u003c\/em\u003e already in use in France for over a century, generation after generation, for initiating young girls to embroidery and for identifying household linen. Preceding letter « A » is a cross, the « croix de par Dieu », reminding children to cross themselves before reciting the alphabet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther motifs such as the little citrus tree in its planter – with the charming detail of the fallen lemon – as well as the tree on the right and the geometric borders reflect the simpler style of earlier samplers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 7-year-old stitcher signs her work in quite a discreet manner, « Marie Cantais âgée de 7 ans », no doubt as a final touch, using a more sophisticated alphabet, silk thread and working her cross stitches over a single fabric thread.   \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe stitcher's family origins have been traced to Lillebonne, a small town in Normandy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sampler is part of the personal collection of \u003cem\u003eMeriem Chauvet\u003c\/em\u003e of \u003cstrong\u003eCouleur Tourterelle\u003c\/strong\u003e. The reproduction cross stitch chart strictly reproduces every stitch of the original sampler (see last photo).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStitch Count: 140W x 128H\u003cbr\u003eLinen: 36 Count Edinburgh Linen, colour 770 Platinum.\u003cbr\u003eStitches: One over two linen threads\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Couleur Tourterelle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49727788843223,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/files\/87686922.jpg?v=1788475318"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/7094\/0375\/collections\/87686922.jpg?v=1788822289","url":"https:\/\/thecrewelgobelin.com.au\/collections\/couleur-tourterelle.oembed","provider":"The Crewel Gobelin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}