Yesterday was dedicated to organizing my dear samplers which were randomly placed in the drawers thus, taking more space than they normally should. Again, it was big pleasure to reunite with my old, my very darling old silent witnesses of many souls bygone now. Gently touching them, feeling their warmth and definitely their strength.

I had not realized I had so many now and have been thinking, will come a time when I shall hand them over to their new home. Yes, I made a decision : they will all serve a good cause. The cause will be for neglected or abused animals ... Or animals in need in general here at home or abroad.

Anybody with ideas, please let me know. I am open to any fundraising that may be allocated to animals generally in need.

Did not know I had so many!

         

Lucile Dupeyrat

 

After seeing this wonderful art, I wonder if I am achieving much!

Heard of this artist through Tempus Fugit where you will see more pictures of Lucile's exhibition on display until May 24th at Montbron Castle, France. Lucile made her patchwork with antique lace, textile and buttons that she has been collecting over the years. Fascinating and exceptional! 

The exhibition is under the auspices of France Patchwork Charente which you may wish to also visit for a feast of patches sewn together :)

        

This is where I spend most of my time if/when at home. Originally it is the dining area but only when we have guests. The patchwork on the wall is an antique piece from India which I had bought twenty years ago. A friend of mine who knows what he's talking about tells me that the patches are from wedding gowns. Whatever they may be, they all are hand-stitched and are very pretty. Here are some close ups ... May be some dear friends will get some kind of inspiration from these :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My dear hand-sewn dress is now complete; laundered and
prêt-à-porter ... This was a first for me and I have no pattern. This dress is all rectangle pieces sewn together by hand!

Needless to say, alternatives are immense and this morning I had fun trying a few and wanted to share them with you :)

With a nice Indian cotton scarf and again a handmade necklace with Ottoman pieces and turquoise;

a beautiful silk scarf, ear-rings and a necklace by a local artist made of glass with patina (these glass beads of the necklace are made from the broken Roman "tear bottles" found in Afghanistan which is a good + 2000 years);

with a handwoven cotton scarf accompanied by silver, needlelace and pearls;

or silk, gold and agate :)

 

1884 Sampler

This sampler is from France. It is sewn on a cardboard. When I received it, I was trying to figure its age and the back rewarded me with the answer. When you carefully look at the centre of the left edge, you also will be delighted as myself :)

Surely, this does not necessarily indicate nor confirm the year of the sampler. The sampler could well be dating pre or post 1884. However, it is indeed a good monitor for an approximate estimate!

I am charting the sampler to soon place it among my other patterns for sale and the proceeds will go to BGD. I now have a list of the wonderful people who already made donations and they will all be getting the pattern for free as an appreciation of their valuable contribution :)

Je prepare la grille et bientot il sera pret a vente et le profit ira a BGD. Recemment, j'ai une liste des merveilleux gens qui ont deja fait des dons et je vais leur faire un petit cadeau; leur precieuse contribution est beaucoup apprecie :)

A small darning sampler ... Came with a tag that reads : Anna Müller - Pansfelde i. H.

Looked for Pansfelde and it is a small village that was first documented in 1276, mentioned under the name "Pamesvelde. The history of the village and its inhabitants are closely connected with the Castle Falkenstein. The ancestors of today's approximately 570 residents served at the castle they were defending, were working as agricultural and forestry workers or in the mills and in the hunt.

Burg Falkestein is said to be one of the most beautiful castles in the Harz region, located high above the Selke valley and nestled in ancient oak forests.

Falkenstein stands above the Selke valley. No other castle in the Harz region is so well preserved. The Konradsburg Counts began construction work in 1120. Eicke von Repgow wrote the "Sachsenspiegel" - the oldest collection of German law - here around 1230.

While searching for Pansfelde, found this picture in one of the links. Considering the low population of the town, Anna Müller most likely lived under one of these roofs in sight.

Almost finished!

I need to stitch the hemline and then shall post one more picture once my hand-sewn dress is completely finished :)