Tuesday 6 April 2010

Embroidery from the past and all mine!

On my recent visit to Berrima I had the privilege of being taken to the most amazing treasure house of antiques, Peppergreen - http://www.peppergreenantiques.com.au/
Their collection includes vintage textiles, embroidery threads and embroidered textiles. Two hours passed in a blink of an eye on my first visit and nearly two hours on my second. My heart was all a flutter when I came across some William Morris vintage textiles and even three sets of William Morris curtains.........BUT wait............it was these two tablecloths that entranced me and became my purchases over the Morris pieces!!
Click on the image above - I've kept it at a high resolution so you can share in the luxurious stitching
The embroidery intrigues me and is just what I have been searching for. I have tried crewel work classes in the past but do not have the patience for it. These cloths are embroidered in a very heavy thread called Cordonnet and I even managed to buy some vintage thread to give it a go. This style appeals to me as it will compliment my applique - not too intricate. So in true William Morris style I will examine it closely and give it a go - not sure I am ready to unpick the work like he would have though!
If any of you in blogland can enlighten me I would be most grateful as I cannot find any sources apart from these old books which I also purchased. I am trying to see if we can still get the thread as well - it is like a cord - not stranded at all and not like the ecru and cream cordonnet crochet threads that I've seen. Might be another reason to visit the V&A in August!
But how sad there are no labels like on our quilts. It would be so nice to know who embroidered these works of art - I will certainly treasure and enjoy them

8 comments:

  1. your work will be gorgeous I'm sure. I love embroidery although I do very little of it. I use to do it more now I just use it to add to applique.
    Karen
    http://karensquilting.com/blog/

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  2. Oh you lucky girl! those are beautiful pics. Sorry I can't answer your question, but I think you won "she with the most". If I found any of those linens, I would die and go to heaven!

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  3. These are stunning. I can see why you had to have them. You can buy vintage threads on e-bay from the U.S. and U.K. I don't know about in your area. Check out this article from Threads magazine: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/7596/french-and-colonial-knots-for-embroidery

    It's gorgeous and could be done in colors or in all white.

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  4. Michele, I have used a single ply thread called 'flower thread' before. Can't remember where I got it from but will check it out. It's a pure cotton thread and looks very similar. I can bring what I have left when I come to your workshop at FoQ in August.

    Lorchen

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  5. michelle i use
    Gum nuts Daisies - 1 Ply Fine Wool

    · Poppies - Silk/Wool

    · Stars - Stranded Silk


    from the crewl goblin,

    i love crewel emboridery and also thread painting on baby blankes.

    lorraine

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  6. Thankyou so much girls for your help with the threads

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  8. Sounds like you've stumbled upon some real gems at Pepper green! It's amazing how vintage textiles can capture our hearts. For those intricate designs you're admiring, have you considered digitizing the embroidery patterns? It could be a great way to preserve the designs and maybe even recreate them with modern techniques. Plus, it’s a perfect blend of honoring tradition while embracing technology!

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