In July 2005, we took a little trip down the south coast of NSW. While there, we visited Meroogal, a house in Nowra that is administered by the Historic Houses Trust of NSW. The house was built around 1885. The women of the family who lived there, the Thorburns, were accomplished embroiderers. One of the embroidered pieces that caught my eye that day was this collar.
I think the colour is a bit off in this photo, but from memory it was a champagne sort of colour.
The things that really attracted me to this piece were the texture and swirling motifs. Much of the stitching appears to be a padded square chain stitch. The stitching is probably worked in silk (though *may* be rayon) on silk satin fabric. The collar remains in remarkably good condition.
Meroogal is preserved for people to view as a museum. The house was passed down through the Thorburn family, until it was sold in the early 1980s. The final owner of the house generously donated the entire contents of the house to the Historic Houses Trust, who bought the house.
You can read more about Meroogal and the people who lived there at the Sydney Living Museums website.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
At long last during this holiday season I have been watching back-to-back episodes of Miss Fisher’s murder mystery series. It is not easy to obtain in the US but I have discovered that seasons one and two are available on Netflix. I remember that you posted something on your blog about a display of the costumes and I am just so in love with the clothes that Miss Fisher wears in this series.I find myself wanting to be deported to the early 20th century where those fabulous clothes were in fashion. It makes me want to start making garments again. I have spent the last 10 years or so quilting instead of garment making but now the urge to start making clothes again has been resurrected.
Eileen, what a lovely thing to do over the holiday season! Her clothes are so gorgeous, aren’t they? I encourage you to satiate your need to make some more garments. 🙂 The hardest thing is finding nice fabric to use, and the patterns you want to make. Have fun!