History of the Maison Sajou embroidery in cross stitch - Second part
Second part of the discovery of Maison Sajou 10th anniversary pattern chart.
To read the first part: Sajou history embroidery - First part.
To read the first part: Sajou history embroidery - First part.
The Sajou embroiderer
This embroider is not the original “Sajou embroiderer” (who you can find in our series of small historical projects – Sajou charts n°s 11 to 16). This one is inspired by a very old watercolour card that a friend lent me years ago. This embroiderer was very popular when we sold it in kit form and can be found, along with the original embroiderer, in our red album n°915.
The Sajou embroidery scissors
Our embroidery scissors, entirely made in France, are one of my proudest products. The Eiffel Tower model is a re-edition: the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition, during which Monsieur Sajou won a silver medal. The Private Collection is made up of models which I designed, inspired by vintage models. The handles are made from cellulose acetate, a mixture of cotton and wood. The Little Monsters, so called because of the disproportion between the handles and the blades, are the sort of scissors found in miniature sewing sets, often placed in a large nut. Small and practical, they were often used for cutwork (Richelieu) embroidery or broderie anglaise.
The Sajou thimbles
Made from the same material as our Private Collection scissors, our thimbles present ten facets and are made out of four assembled pieces. A technical prowess. They imitate tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, onyx or ivory. The tartan model has actual fabric trapped under a coat of crystal.
The Sajou embroidery albums
Among all the Sajou albums, I chose this one from the miniature series as it was with this album that I started my collection almost 30 years ago.
I have re-edited eight albums from the miniature series (n°s 1 to 8), eight from the mauve series (n°s 101 to 108 and eight from the green series (n°s 651 à 658).
The red series never existed, but is the presentation I chose as my contribution to propose my own creations.
The numbers given to the red album series are also an invention of mine.
I have re-edited eight albums from the miniature series (n°s 1 to 8), eight from the mauve series (n°s 101 to 108 and eight from the green series (n°s 651 à 658).
The red series never existed, but is the presentation I chose as my contribution to propose my own creations.
The numbers given to the red album series are also an invention of mine.
The Sajou thread cards
Along with the Sajou albums, thread cards were among the first vintage haberdashery items to catch my eye. They reflect a whole period when linen threads were used for domestic sewing, a time when ready to wear didn’t exist. In a world much less saturated by imaged than today, these thread cards were an amusement, the customers (already) encouraged to use more to discover the pretty picture hidden by the thread. They were among the first products that I re-edited when I re-launched Maison Sajou. I have been credited with a revival in the interest of these modest little objects.
The Sajou thread cards bear the names of Normandy towns, in memory of the time when this region was devoted to growing flax.
The Sajou thread cards bear the names of Normandy towns, in memory of the time when this region was devoted to growing flax.
The Sajou products made in France
When I re-launched Sajou, my project was to only offer products made in France. In 2005 the concept was not as well received as nowadays. The first round Sajou label did not have the red, white and blue strip, which I added in 2013.
The Sajou glass headed pin discs
In my collection of antique objects, I have pin discs made of paper and card. I would have loved to re-edit them but it proved technically impossible. With hindsight, I have no regrets: at least plastic has the advantage of withstanding the test of time, even with intensive use.
The Fil Au Chinois sewing threads
My encounter with Ets Toulemonde dates from autumn 2007, just after they had taken over the venerable Fil Au Chinois brand just after it had been placed in liquidation. I used my archives to redraw the packaging to resemble the marvels of their prestigious past. Many new products have been added and our association has got stronger.
The Retors du Nord embroidery thread
The Retors du Nord embroidery floss is produced by Ets Toulemonde, the name a tribute to the French region where it is made. In French, “Retors” is a synonym for “twisted”. Since we released this thread in 2010, it has slowly but surely won over embroiderers from all over the world who claim “to try it is to love it”. Made up of four separable strands, this is the best quality Egyptian long fibre cotton and comes in a range of 96 colours.
The signature
I highly encourage you to sign your project in simple letters next to the Maison Sajou signature. All works of art deserve to be signed by the author!
See all the History of Maison Sajou kits and pattern charts in the Museum and Heritage Collection.
Discover our Sajou embroidery girls products.
