Martje Klaassens Boerema, 1833 and 1841 – A Groningen Sampler

Description

This listing is for a digital PDF file. Immediately after purchase you can download your file, in either Letter format (used mainly in Canada, the US, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and the Philippines) or A4 (rest of the world). A Pattern-Keeper compatible file is also included.

This is a reproduction of Martje Klaassens Boerema’s sampler which she worked in Groningen in the 19th century. The sampler features a fantastic selection of motifs, including a very special windmill.

As the original sampler was worked on very uneven linen, I had to make some creative decisions to be able to chart this for you. Borders for instance did not line up because Martje worked some crosses over 1 (on thick linen threads). This meant that the total of crosses on the left and right would not be the same. It is therefor not a fully true reproduction sampler but it is loyal to the spirit of the original design.

Also included in the booklet are a bonus alphabet chart which will allow you to further personalise your work. I have also included an alternative version of the heart on this sampler as Martje made many mistakes on her original sampler. Not everyone will enjoy stitching all the errors Martje made. If you want, you can choose to stitch a “perfect” version, or stitch how Martje stitcher her heart on the original sampler.

I’m really excited to share this PDF-booklet with you as it gives a lot of background behind the motifs found on this sampler. I really enjoyed researching this project and I hope you will enjoy reading through the booklet and looking at the many illustrations I gathered for this 20-page booklet.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

This design measures 271 crosses in width and 222 in height and has 14954 crosses. Please see the chart below for size- and floss estimates. Floss estimates are based on working with two pulled strands (14 – 18-count aida or 28 – 36-count linen) or 1 strand (20-count aida / 40-count linen and higher). It is, of course, up to you how many strands you want to use for your project. Don’t feel limited to stitching the design entirely monochrome – use as many or as little colour as you wish. You can utilise the bonus alphabet chart to further personalise your design.

Check out the beautiful flosses of Roxy Floss Co. – these hand-overdyed 6-stranded threads (sold in 8-yard skeins) are my favourite colours to work with. Their colour “Charcoal” is very close to the original black found on this sampler. Roxy Floss is sold exclusively through Evertote in Canada (www.evertote.com).