I’m getting itchy feet again. I want to go somewhere and learn about a new-to-me style of historical whitework. And this time, I think I want to look at Eastern Europe – the Baltic states, the Balkans and all the countries in between. With so many different regional styles of costume, there just HAS to be some whitework in amongst all of that!
I know that people from Estonia, Croatia, Slovakia, Poland, Serbia, Czech Republic and even Russian Federation (if we go a little bit further east) visit my website. I think that most of you come here looking for Rakam embroidery magazine from Italy. I mentioned it at least once before and that’s the page most of the visitors from that part of the world seem to hit!
If you are from a country, ethnic grouping, or historical region in Eastern Europe (Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, FIROM/Macedonia and any other ethic groups or regions within those areas), I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you about your embroidered regional dress – particularly if there is whitework involved. I’ve seen some amazing white on white smocking from Croatia, some lovely openwork from Poland, some counted whitework from Estonia and lots more. While there are some absolutely exquisite redwork, blackwork and coloured embroidery styles, you know me, it’s the whitework that REALLY catches my eye!
If you are worried about your English skills, please don’t worry. Most of the time I can get the gist of what people are trying to say. And if you say it in pictures (links to images on the internet?) then there should be even less of a problem! Besides, I don’t speak any language other than English, so I am full of admiration for people who have another language other than their mother tongue.
I look forward to hearing from you!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
I have sent you a letter about different Lithuanian whitework.
Thank you Agne! I’ve read it through very excitedly, and will ask questions when I’ve had the chance to take it all in. Thanks so much!
Have you seen the magazine Piecework? It has many ‘older’ kinds of needlework, some of which I’ve attempted, “just to say I did it!” Cause I enjoy new horizens! I’ll have a look thru mine and see if there is anything in that arena, as I know I’ve seen Baltic forms of ‘something’ in there.
Lynn in Sugar Land, TX
PS: We had a preacher today from Australia, now living in Holland, Michigan. Made me think of you!
Hi Lynn, thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I have seen Piecework. I’ve written for them occasionally, even! They do have some lovely obscure forms of needlework in it sometimes. I’ll have to check some out. Thanks!
A trip to Eastern Europe would be fantastic! So diverse with such great architecture. I think your girls would love it too. Years ago when we went, we both loved Eastern Europe more than Western Europe.