Berlinwork Card-Case, 1861

Here's my final contribution to the Fort Nisqually Foundation's fundraiser auction: 

Berlinwork Card Case, 1861 Style

It's a Berlinwork card case, from instructions in Peterson's Magazine in November 1861. A decorative card case, usually carried in the hand, holds a lady's cards when she goes out visiting (see Virginia Mescher's article for more details). For the reenactor, the case will also conveniently hold business cards, a driver's license, bank card, etc.

The embroidery schematic in Peterson's.

Per the magazine instructions, the embroidery is worked in red, black, and two shades of blue wool, with yellow silk floss, and the beading in alternating white and clear glass seed beads. The total design is 4,602 cross stitches, with 348 beads (excluding the edging).

Modern business cards fit neatly inside.

Back of the case, showing the motifs.

I originally made one of these cases back in 2013, using cotton DMC on regular needlepoint canvas. It turned out just fine (and I've been using it ever since), but I think I prefer the warmer look of the wool embroidery. The bead edging went much more smoothly the second time around, too. However, I think the contrast between the two blues is clearer on the cotton case (a benefit of being able to choose the floss in person).

The wool/silk case (left) and my cotton floss prototype (right).