Yesterday I spent some time planning a project for a class next year. The class is possibly going to be on a type of Portuguese embroidery, but to get the shop to agree, I need to show them an example of what I mean. In this case, that means stitching it. How sad, to have to do some stitching… 😉
I’m working with a gorgeous fabric: 38 count white Nuovo Ricamo linen. Its so yummy! Its beautifully woven, with a heavy weight, and little space between threads, so it doesn’t look gossamer thin like some linens do these days.
The embroidery has drawn thread work and surface embroidery. At this stage I’m only up to the drawn thread work. The surface embroidery will come later.
What fun!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Oh dear, what a tragedy, fancy having to do some embroidery!
Do enjoy it!
I was surprised that you were doing the drawn thread work first. I’ve always been concerned about maintaining the stability of the fabric, so start with the surface work,leaving the drawn thread work until last. I’m curious why you begin with the drawn work.
Hi Terry, Great question!
With this type of embroidery (its an historical style), the drawn thread work forms a framework for all the rest of the embroidery to be worked within. The drawn thread work is very firm, so stability is not a problem in this instance.
Just trying to think through whether you could do it the other way around… No, it would probably be nightmarish as the surface embroidery might end up in even in slightly the wrong place and encroach on areas that need to either be cut or drawn together.
I think it will make more sense when you see it… which is not yet!
This sounds as if it’s like Casalguidi, are there any similarities?
Similarities in that it has a drawn thread framework. Looks very different though. But a great parallel to draw!