Customer embroidery: Portuguese Whitework ornaments

I received a lovely email from a customer, Jane, the other day.

“A few months ago I re-ordered 3 of your books that I lost when a flood hit Dungog. Well, I lost a lot of things but one of the things that I gave to a friend before we went under, was the 38 count linen that I had bought for the Portuguese whitework. I have had limited space to work given that I am still living at the pub. In fact most of the work was done sitting on a fence in the car park of the pub. And since I always had wanted to do the Christmas decorations but previously had too many, I now had the perfect excuse. Here is the photo of the result. Thank you. These are therapeutic. Also, they have been seen by many throughout all stages.”

Jane, they’re gorgeous! I always love red and white together and you’ve done such a lovely job. I particularly love the red and white ribbon you’ve used. I’ve been imagining you sitting on the fence at the pub, stitching these in the sunshine. Best wishes as you continue to rebuild your life following the devastating flood. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Keep stitching!

The designs that Jane has stitched are from Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimarães.