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Embroiderer’s Guild was founded in 1906 by a group of
sixteen women who wanted to break away from patterns and kits.
Their collection of donated items totals over 6000 and contains
many valuable and unique samples of the finest embroidery.
This book focuses on floral themes and shows what can be achieved
with needle and thread.
This is not a book of projects but a book of pictures, suitably
large format and hardback.
Embroiderers
of all levels can gaze at the heights to which their craft
can rise to, and anybody who hasn’t taken up this craft
can see what all the fuss is about. After a brief introduction
to the collection the book is divided into twelve themed sections.
These include monochromatic work, metal thread, machine, needlelace,
samplers and unusual materials. Each section introduces the
theme briefly and then showcases a selection of pieces complete
with short descriptions, details of size, date and place it
was made and technique. There are samples from as early as
the 16th century and cover most types of embroidery including
some no longer (or rarely) done. A collar adorned with flowers
made from fish scales, Berlin work from the mid 19th century,
part of a kimono, evocative samplers stitched by children,
a box made from tree bark adorned with embroidery, Victorian
beadwork evening bags and an early piece of 16th century blackwork
are a few examples. Anybody interested in recycling will love
the flowers made from plastic net bags (the sort fruit is
sold in), and a machine embroidery picture using tiny scraps
of fabric. This is a beautiful book to display on your coffee
table and dip into when you want some inspiration.
If you cannot find a good range of embroidery materials locally
try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
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