When I was away in Ethiopia, my colleague Belinda sent me on an email that she had received in my absence. It was an enquiry from a publisher in France who wanted to know if I could supply them with any images for an article that they were writing on Mountmellick embroidery.
On my return home, I was able to scour through my hard drive and send them suitable images.
The resulting article has recently been published in Mains & Merveilles No 79. I have no idea what the article says – I didn’t write it, and I don’t read French other than a word or two here or there – but the photos are very nice! (Yes, I am somewhat biased…)
In terms of words though, both my husband and colleague Belinda (who are both somewhat able in French language) were baffled by the word “époustouflante”. My husband looked it up, and according to his dictionary it means “mind-boggling”. I can’t believe that in all her time living and working in France, Belinda never came across that one! 😉 I’m not sure what, in the article, is referred to as mind-boggling… Ok, I just looked it up with Google Language tools, and it comes up with “stunning”. That’s probably a better translation, as I can much more imagine Mountmellick embroidery being referred to as “stunning” rather than “mind-boggling”!
The magazine itself is quite lovely, with many attractive projects. If you are in France, you might enjoy a copy of the magazine.
And if you are wanting to learn more about Mountmellick embroidery, or try it for yourself, why not join our Mountmellick stitch along, starting 20th July? We’d love to have you along for the ride!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
I lived and worked in France for over a year and never came across “époustouflante” either, although I can remember a few occasions which merited its use. What a lovely word!
Yes, Belinda asked me today to send her the spelling, because she thinks it will be her new favourite word!
I bought the magazine this morning ! Of course, I read the article explaining the history of Mountmellick, where the town is located in Ireland, Ireland and its “époustouflants” landscapes. “époustouflant” meaning amazing, leaving you out of breathe.
The author, Olivia THIZY, speaks of the embroidery itself and mentions that you represent the new wave of embroiders who respect the tradition, bringing also modernity. Your talent and the transmission of your expertise ensure the future of this technique and the Mountmellick Museum guarantees the preservation of its past.
I learnt first steps in Mountmellick embroidery this year in the club I am part of. As it is impossible in France to find the right thread and the right fabric, I wrote to the Mountmellick Museum and they sent me thread and fabric. I tried to order on your website with no success ( I don’t want to have a paypal account !)
And I did my first Mountmellick embroidery from the Pat TROTT’s book (the only one I found in france). I really love Mountmellick embroidery.
Since, I got your book “inspired by nature” from Ireland and I must say that it is wonderful, really ! And I ordered 3 others for my friends ! Your explanations are really excellent and all the stitches so marvellous !
At the end of June, we had an exhibition of our embroideries and I prepared a special table about Ireland, Mountmellick and its embroideries. Of course, your book was exhibit too !
Thank you once again for your very interesting posts I have pleasure to read every day !
(sorry for my bad English !)
Dear Lou, How wonderful to hear from you! Your English is excellent – there is no need to apologise. Thank you for your very kind comments on my book. I am glad that you like it so much and have found it so useful. It is great to hear of your journey into learning Mountmellick embroidery. It seems that it is being learnt all around the world this year!
I hope that you join us for the Mountmellick stitch along – even if you don’t stitch with us, just to join in with comments would be great!