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Die Hausfrau, needlework in Fredericksburg, TX


Day dress for a pioneer hausfrau in early Fredericksburg.


I loved the idea of making my own cross stitch and embroidery samplers in German. I don't speak German, so I photographed what German text I could find to collect phrase ideas.

However, they do still speak German in Fredericksburg. Our museum docent told us that German is spoken in her home as it always has been. As Fredricksburg expands, interest in the German language is waning, but older townspeople are doing what they can to maintain the tradition. 


Hair jewelry made from Fredricksburg women.


Lovely German sampler.


Detail from a very large wreath made of beads and hair behind glass.


I have never seen a cross-stitch like this before. The background is punched paper, which was very interesting to me since I have never seen an old example of cross-stitch on paper. The stitching is laid over in gold thread, fine ivory cutwork and pressed ferns.


Very cute, I would love to make one of him.


I love the year in paper at the bottom of the brown needlepoint bag.


The larger piece was labeled, I think, a caddy or pouch. I was not sure if it was meant to be worn. However I think the design would make a wonderful embroidered girdle. The small pillow or chatelaine was made to match it.

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