Here is the completed embroidery that I have been working on over the last few days. I know that I said that I wasn’t going to show you yet, but I couldn’t wait!
Isn’t it gorgeous? (Not commenting on my stitching here, rather the actual style!) It is Portuguese whitework embroidery.
When I first saw my first photo of this style of embroidery, I was gobsmacked. It was like nothing I had ever seen before, and so stunningly beautiful. I said right there and then, “I have to learn more about that embroidery!” And so I did.
To Terry, who wondered yesterday why I was doing the drawn thread work first (great question!) because to her that would destabilise the fabric, you can now see why I had to do it first. It forms the framework for the rest of the embroidery, not unlike Casalguidi, as Carol so helpfully pointed out in yesterday’s comments.
This is just a very small sample of this style of embroidery. For those of you who want to see more, I am now LETTING THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG: this is what my next book is going to be on. ๐
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.

That’s quite some cat, I have to say! Gorgeous – it will be fascinating to find out more about it!
Lovely Vetty. : )
That’s gorgeous. Can’t wait to see more. Are the leaves and petals bullions?
Yep. Lots of lovely bullions. ๐
that is absolutely stunning ๐
This is awesome.
Well Antonia, you could have one of the first chances to learn it, being where you are… Just let your favourite needlework shop (the one we have previously discussed) know that you’d like to learn it! ๐ I sent them through the picture yesterday, asking for comments.
Hi, Yvette – It’s Beautiful!! I love this style, too. I’ve got a great book on Portuguese embroidery. They work this same style, with the bullions, in red on white, and it’s quite striking! I love the texture.
Looking forward to the Next Book!
Best,
Mary
This is just wonderful Yvette. And even though I’m not overly fond of bullions I think I could get over my fear and get very much immersed in this type of embroidery. I think we are going to have to work out a way of getting you over here to teach ๐
Oh, alright then. If you can get over your irrational fear of bullions, you can also twist my arm into going to the other side of the continent to teach… ! ๐
Beautiful. I too can’t get to grips with bullions. Perhaps a project full of them is what I need ๐
That’s the right way to think! ๐
The piece is lovely Yvette. Will be very interested in your book. SJ
This motif is beautiful and your bullions are perfect. (I enjoy bullions, but I think I need some–that is, lots of– practice to measure up.) It will be very interesting to learn more about Portuguese embroidery.
Its so beautifull Yvette, I will want that book…
Many greetings Hanneke
Meow! That’s great ๐
Just letting you in on a secret… my bullions are not perfect, but there are so many of them that you don’t really notice the wonky ones! ๐
I think I just might have to buy your new book Yvette! When do you think it will be published?
Hi Carol, as I self-publish, I have no deadline. However, as most books take me 1 – 2 years, I think we can probably say 1 – 2 years assuming I am not struck down with CFS again! I hope that you can be patient. ๐