Berlin Pattern Handbag

This is a unique treasure and is definitely the only one of its kind! I stitched this pattern from an original hand-painted Berlin chart and then made up the bag with a 1950’s faux ivory bag clasp. This was one of the cover projects for my book Victorian Cross Stitch published by David and Charles in 1991, which became one of my best-selling titles. I have kept it all these years, but I think the time has come…

The design is worked on Cashel 28-count linen in stranded cottons (floss) and is hand finished with a fine cotton lining and a twisted cord in matching colours.

The complete handbag measures 8.5 x 7.5in (21.5 19cm).

Over the years I have collected a few hand-painted Victorian charts which have become known as Berlin Patterns because they are associated with the wool dying processes in Germany in the mid 1800s. Whilst visiting Vienna some years ago, I found a glorious needlework shop in the city centre and bought a set of little Victorian posy charts, and this flower spray was one of these. I added in the little sprays, also from early Victorian charts, and it was just perfect for the bag clasp that I had been keeping for something special.