Fabric:  40 count Lakeside Linen Vintage Sand Dune

Floss: 100/3 silks conversion to DMC provided       

Stitch Count:  142 wide x 153 high

Model Finished Size:  7.10 wide x 7.60 high

Original: 17.5 inches wide x 19 inches high on 16 count open weave canvas over two with wool threads as in the Berlin Woolwork tradition

Stitches: cross stitch over two threads throughout

Provenance: This beautiful colorful memorial Berlin woolwork sampler is from Germany. The German words “Zur Erinnerung” mean “In Memory Of” and were stitched in memory of Louise Teegen in 1874. All we know of Louise is that she must have loved animals as the stitcher included two deer, a swan, two butterflies, two kittens, a tiny dog, and a rooster proudly displaying his wings. Who stitched this in loving memory of Louise, what their relationship was, or anything else is sadly lost to time. However, the cheerfulness of this sampler in its colors, sweet creatures and bursting floral motifs can’t help but makes one’s spirit happy. Perhaps that is what is meant to have been passed down “in memory of Louise”.

 Stitching Note: The model substitutes the English translation – German chart provided – and changed to red to see it better.