More Information

Maegan tells us "Perforated Paper Portfolios are an interesting form of needlework produced occasionally by avid needleworkers—generally not schoolgirls—in the 19th century. They were typically backed with silk and bound together like a thin book and used to hold letters, sketches and personal papers. Fortunately, Julia D. Brown’s portfolio was framed and preserved at some point in its history.

While studying her unique work of art, we learned that Julia actually drew the pattern on her paper with pencil before stitching. Please note that although the borders and flowers create a harmonious and balanced design, they are not actually symmetrical. Be sure to follow the pattern carefully!"

Stitch count is 174 x 145
 

With a stitch count of 193W x 246/244H, the design (measuring 10.7”W x 13.7”H) fits on a 12” x 18” piece of 18ct perforated paper. When using a 12” x 18” piece of paper, start 5 holes in from each side and as many as 38 holes down from the top or up from the bottom. We have stitched entire samplers on large paper without a frame; but you can always add fabric to each side and mount on a needlework frame if desired. (Size over 2 threads on 40ct linen is 9.7”W x 12.3”H. 

We have suggested 18 count White Perforated Paper as well as 36 and 40 count hand dyed linens to stitch on 
Design can be stitched with Soie 100/3 silks, silks from Needlepoint Inc, Classic Colorworks hand dyed cotton OR DMC cotton floss.  

Although Julia used both half- and full-cross stitches, we charted the portfolio in all cross stitch. Use one strand of floss on 18ct perforated paper or 36ct fabric (over 2 threads) to create a design slightly larger than the original size of 9.75” wide x 12.5” tall for each side."