Description and Details
A beautiful, large Sajou cross stitch kit showing scenes of the printing stage of producing the colours of Toile du Jouy in Jouy-en-Josas.
The scene in the chart shows the men using a plank of engraved wood, a technique that was used from the start of the production of 'Les Indiennes' (Chintz) in France. Printing on copper sheets was possible from 1770 and this technique was further enhanced with the use of copper rollers, a technique imported from Great Britain.
Prior to printing, the cloth is prepared in different stages. Each stage is essential. The fabric is washed several times to remove all traces of any primers. The washing took place in the small Bievre River, which was known for the pureness of the water (and was also one of the criteria for for the choice of factory site). The washing was followed by singeing the fabric with a sheet of red hot copper to remove any fluff from the cotton. The fabric was then washed again and passed through a mangle to flatten the fibers. Following this, the mordants can be printed, a process that requires several operations.
The kit includes;
A full-colour pattern chart printed on an A3 sheet of paper
Another sheet “interpreting the stitches”. To get as close as possible to a “fabric effect”, you should follow certain instructions.
35 x 26 cm piece of off-white 32 Count linen,
six cards of Retors de Nord embroidery floss: 2033 x 2, 2447 x 2, 2469 x 2
The size of the chart is 161 x 127 points, giving a finished size of 30.8 x 25.2 cm.
The embroidery looks wonderful worked in reds or blues.
This design is taken from the larger Toile du Jouy chart, which features all of the scenes of production along with swatches of Toile du Jouy fabrics. I also have charts and kits that show each stage of the production of Toile du Jouy.
Some of you will already be collectors of Sajou and be more than aware of this extraordinary French brand. Sajou produce haberdashery items made in France to the highest standards (in some cases even produced on the original old machinery). Perfect for gifts and collectors, and for those of you unable to resist a quality that is seldom found in today's mass produced haberdashery products.
Sajou was created in 1828 by Jaques- Simon Sajou, selling haberdashery for embroidery, tapestry, lace, crochet and weaving. His pattern albums are sought after to this day by collectors worldwide. In 2005 the Sajou brand was purchased and revived by avid collector; Frederique Crestin- Billet. Many of the old designs have been faithfully reproduced and there are some new designs that have been added in the Sajou style.
Materials: A3 Cross Stitch Chart, Sajou 32 Count Linen, Six Cards Retours du Nord Embroidery Thread.
