P.O. Box 4204
Crofton, MD 21114
Phone: 410-721-3245

E-mail Us


Maison SAJOU got its start in France in the 1830’s by Jacques-Simon Sajou as a purveyor of supplies for embroidery, tapestry, guipure, bobbin lace, crochet, weaving and other needle arts. Recently resurrected by Frédérique Crestin-Billet, Maison SAJOU is once again providing us with exquisite quality supplies befitting our passion for needlework.

Classic Creations is pleased to offer this section of books, scissors, embroiderers' knives and postcards from Maison SAJOU.

[Note--Prices are subject to change based on Euro to dollar exchange rate.]

Now TWO ways to order:
1. VISA and Mastercard orders accepted by telephone, 1-410-721-3245, Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).
2. Send check or money order ($US, please) payable to CLASSIC CREATIONS, P. O. Box 4204, Crofton, MD 21114. Don’t forget to include shipping as noted at the bottom of this page.
"POINT DE CROIX et autre secrets de broderie" -- $110.00
or
Cross Stitch and Other Embroidery Secrets by Ecole Lesage

Don’t be fooled by the title of this exquisite presentation book/box from the prestigious LESAGE embroidery school! For more than a century, the House of Lesage has been an essential force in the world of fashion. Their embroidery has decorated all the great couture names: Saint Laurent, Dior, Lacroix, Chanel, etc. The Lesage School was set up over 15 years ago, François Lesage wishing to transmit the secrets of his know-how.

The boxed set contains an explanatory booklet of 32 pages, 40 pattern design cards (25 from the Lesage archives and 15 created especially for this publication) as well as 40 iron-on transfers. There is something for all levels of competence in the different projects proposed and the transfers make everything much easier. Projects include golden roses on white organza, pearl mosaic on raw cotton, notebook cover in pale pink leather, sequined purse or haute couture style necklace and bracelet.

Author: Lesage School
Format : 6¼" x 8½"
Tana Editions.
First printing, May 2003

This book belongs in the library of every serious student of embroidery. The text is in French, but the detailed drawings and photographs transcend any language.

"Les Folies des CISEAUX" -- $50.00
or
Mad About Scissors

We love scissors, and this charming little book by Frédérique Crestin-Billet (owner of Maison Sajou) is sure to inspire you to acquire another pair or two! It retraces the history of scissors with descriptions and detailed photos of every type. Two large chapters are dedicated just to embroidery scissors. Gold, silver, steel, mother of pearl--fans and collectors will be delighted on each page and learn much about the subject, the craft of scissor making, the uses and traditions relating to embroidery and needlework.

Published in 2003, 384 pages, format 5½" x 5½", paperback.
Author: Frédérique Crestin-Billet
Flammarion Editions

Text is in French; however 75% of the book is in the form of photographic illustration. A translation sheet with key words is included, courtesy of Classic Creations.

EIFFEL TOWER Scissors -- $70.00 ea.

This pair of 4" embroidery scissors is a re-issue of a 19th century model. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the Universal Exhibition in 1889 where Jacques-Simon Sajou was awarded a silver medal.

No less than 15 operations (most of them by hand) are involved in the production of these scissors. Notice the detail of the grid pattern, simulating the metallic girders of the Tower, as well as the quality of the screw. The blades are very pointed for precision work. An important detail enables us to judge the quality of a pair of scissors: the pairing marks - matching numbers imprinted on the interior of each of the blades. This indicates that the two blades have been perfectly adjusted to form a pair.

These scissors come with a sky blue Eiffel Tower charm, made specially for this model, plus an orange and blue braid pompom--signature colors of the Maison Sajou.

TORTOISESHELL STYLE Scissors -- $88.00 ea.

These 4½" embroidery scissors are inspired by the Charles X era (1820-1830)--famous for the sophistication and quality of its objects. The handles have tortoiseshell effect handles, a very popular material of the time, and the blades are fine and delicate. Together they make a very light pair of scissors that are a delight to use.

Quality scissors can be recognized by, among other things, their pairing marks; these are the signs that the blades have been perfectly adjusted from the start of their fabrication. Note that it takes a dozen qualified people to make each pair of these scissors. These scissors, including the pompom, are made entirely in France.

HARE Scissors -- $90.00 ea.

This 4" pair of embroidery scissors is a reissue of a 19th century model and is produced by a small family-based workshop. They have an exquisitely delicate design and are of a life-long quality. No less than 20 operations are involved in their production, most of them by hand. An important detail enables us to judge the quality of a pair of scissors; the pairing marks – this indicates that the two blades have been perfectly adjusted to form a pair.

Notice the detail of the animals' fur, its' eyes, its' ears.... as well as the quality of the screw. The blades are very pointed for precision work.

EMBROIDERERERS’ FOLDING Knives -- $90.00 ea.

These 2¾" bright blue and gold enameled pocket folding knives are in the spirit of the fashionable models found in France at the turn of the 20th century. They contain an excellent pair of 2¼" scissors and a knife and are ultra flat (3 mm thick). Extremely feminine, they will easily find a place in an embroiderer’s handbag.

Enamelled knives are a traditional Swedish production from the town of Eskilstuna--Swedish steelwork being reputed as the best in the world. Respectful of their technical know-how, SAJOU entrusted the production of its models to the Swedish company, EKA.

Choice of two motifs: daisy (below left) or floral (belowright).

COLLECTOR’S POSTCARDS -- $10.00 set

These sets of six collector’s postcards are a reflection of the items and the spirit of haberdashers of yesteryear. Gloss color print; black and white miniature reproductions on the back of each card represent the other cards in the same series. Format: approx. 4" x 6"

These cards are perfect to send to your sewing friends or, if you can’t bear to part with them, would be lovely framed and hung in your sewing room.

Series #1: thread card, thread winders, monograms, little girls sewing, scissors, buttons (below left)

Series #4: vintage advertisements, thread spools (2), tools, thimbles, needle packets (below right)
Shipping charges:
$4.50 for orders up to $19.99
$6.00 for orders $20.00 to $49.99
$7.50 for orders over $50.00
Don't forget to include your e-mail and snail addresses and phone number!
Thank you!