An Historically/Medieval/Elizabethan Focused Needlework/Embroidery Blog30 September 2003
Caul Info
For Carole (and anyone else who is interested - yes, the caul I refer to is a hat, well more of a cap. Yes, the piece I am working on is quite large, but once its gathered into the band, it won't be that huge. It sits at the back of the head, sort of like a giant bun cover. Other more formal hats were often worn over it or it was the casual at home ware. I will continure to post progress reports and the finished product when its done.
Blackwork Caul
Well, did some more on the blackwork caul I just started. Adam was a sweetie and went to the craft shop yesterday at lunch time and picked me up 5 packets of Madeira black silk. I got another three hours or so done on it. I have started to properly record how much time I am spending on things. I downloaded a cross-stitchers rotation sheet to keep track of time. The picture to the side shows the caul after about three and a half hours work.
I have just finished cutting out the top for my bridesmaids outfit. So tonight I will do a fitting and it should be done by tonight (with a bit of luck). I am going to start making a corset. Depending on how it goes, I might try and do the rest of the Elizabethan outfit by the weekend. But I don't think I will have time.
29 September 2003
Best Laid Plans...
Well, I spent a few hours on Saturday getting together a blackwork pattern for a caul. I finally got myself motivated. Its quite a nice lattice and flower pattern. Its to be done in black silk. Just as I got myself settled in for a good few hours stitching, I realised that I didn't have any black silk thread (well, not the sort I wanted to use - Madeira. I had plenty of Eterna standed but the Maderia was better suited for what I wanted). So, now I am really annoyed. But I was in a stitching mood, so I picked up some goldwork that I have to get done and managed to do one complete outline on the stag on the pouch I am working on. One more outline and all the embroidery is done on the pouch, I will just have to attach the tassels, cording and do the holes for the drawstring and it will be done (finally!!).
I didn't do any stitching yesterday (Sunday) as I couldn't get any more silk until Monday (today). I also wasn't feeling very well, so no embroidery. I have inserted a picture of the little sample piece I am working on. Just a couple more petals and the centre to go and its done. I will then work on the summer colour ones in browns and greens.
26 September 2003
Dress Update
Only a short one today. I haven't done any embroidery but I am nearly done with the skirt for my bridesmaid outfit. Just finished putting in the zipper, just need to do the waist band and do the hem. Shouldn't take long, then just the top.
25 September 2003
Whale Watching
We were just coming back from shopping when I noticed a heap of people looking out to ocean. When we looked, we saw a whale!! They are quite common up and down the coast at this time of year, but I've never seen one come into our beach before and it was only about 50 feet from shore. Some people said that it was a mother who'd just given birth today. The beach was nice and calm today and I guess it was a good spot to rest. By the time we'd driven home and put aware the frozen stuff, only about 5 mins, they'd moved up the beach and out into deeper water. So no photo. But its so cool to see them, I can only imagine what it must have been like before they were all killed off.
On the stitching front, I'm about half way done with the little sample I am doing. And I've gotten about half the skirt done for my bridesmaid outfit. I made up a test run of the top and it fits fine. Now to make it up in the silk.
On the stitching front, I'm about half way done with the little sample I am doing. And I've gotten about half the skirt done for my bridesmaid outfit. I made up a test run of the top and it fits fine. Now to make it up in the silk.
24 September 2003
Finally - Stitching Again
First off, Dani, I hope you are feeling better! I know what you mean about cats, we have two fur babies and whenever my other half gets a headache or isn't feeling well, he always ends up with a cat or two keeping him company on the bed. We have two, Pharaoh (long haired domestic tabby, male) and Cleopatra (short haired, ginger, girl). They both have personalities, but totally different ones. And she is younger and smaller and picks on the boy something fierce!
As far as stitching goes, I finally did some, the first in a week. I had to put the air con because my hands were sweating so much, I couldn't stitch. I have put a sample swatch of fabric on the hoop. Its called Eureka and its from Spice Blends range from Stitches and Spice. Its a lovely mottled gold colour. Its about a 3" x 4" bit. So I have divided it in half. I am doing the same pattern on both sides, a flower I found at an online shop (in their free pattern section). I am doing it in two completely different sets of colours, the first is a raspberry pink, lime green and deep purple. The other is a rusty red, khaki green and brown. I think both colour ways will go great with the fabric (which is 32 count linen). I am using Eterna stranded silks. I will make something out of it when I am done, a pin cushion or something. Not enough progress yet to post a picture.
On another front, I just go back from Spotlight (our verison of Jo Anns) with all the little bits I need to start making my bridesmaid outfit. I will start early tommorrow. With a bit of luck it will only take me a couple of days to make.
As far as stitching goes, I finally did some, the first in a week. I had to put the air con because my hands were sweating so much, I couldn't stitch. I have put a sample swatch of fabric on the hoop. Its called Eureka and its from Spice Blends range from Stitches and Spice. Its a lovely mottled gold colour. Its about a 3" x 4" bit. So I have divided it in half. I am doing the same pattern on both sides, a flower I found at an online shop (in their free pattern section). I am doing it in two completely different sets of colours, the first is a raspberry pink, lime green and deep purple. The other is a rusty red, khaki green and brown. I think both colour ways will go great with the fabric (which is 32 count linen). I am using Eterna stranded silks. I will make something out of it when I am done, a pin cushion or something. Not enough progress yet to post a picture.
On another front, I just go back from Spotlight (our verison of Jo Anns) with all the little bits I need to start making my bridesmaid outfit. I will start early tommorrow. With a bit of luck it will only take me a couple of days to make.
23 September 2003
Long Hot Summer...Continues
Well, its 8am and still sitting just under 30 degrees. I am a bit more acclimatized this morning, so I am going to go and lay out the blackwork pillow I want to get on the frame. After that, I am going to plug in my graphics tablet and work up the Icelandic hanging design I also want to get on the frame. With a bit of luck, the weather will cool down again and I might actually be able to stitch. If worse comes to worse, I will wack on the air conditioner (as much as I hate to).
22 September 2003
Long Hot Summer
Well, the best laid plans....you know the rest. It is currently 7.30pm and 32 degrees Celsius, ie way too hot to stitch. I didn't get anything stitching related done today. It was the hottest Spring day ever recorded, which means its only going to get hotter. Summer is gonna be a hot one this year. So I am thinking about stitching but not doing any.
Blackwork and Gold Silk and Pink Thread
No stitching yesterday, but I did finalize the pattern for a blackwork pillow case that I am doing. It is based on the one held by the V and A in London. There is a thin out side border, of vine leaves and small buds. The inside is large vine leaves and buds. I have changed the inside pattern to be five petalled rose and the border to leaves. I was going to have the border as roses and leaves, but the roses are two small and won't show off the blackwork very well. Today I have to transfer it to the 32 count linen I am using for the piece.
I have a pile of small kits that come with one of those fortnightly published thingys that is about cross stitch. I have bought a few because there have been some nice designs, including a few blackwork ones. There is also a nice architectural piece that I am going to do.
And I have one unfinished work that I would like to complete. I bought it as a kit (my first) from Inspirations magazine. It was THE most gorgeous Elizabethan inspired sweete bag. As soon as I saw the cover I knew I would buy it. It was actually the first time I had used silk thread in embroidery, I am now hooked. So I am about half way through the embroidery on that, so I might have that as my spare piece to work on when I get sick of everything else.
So I am off to listen to Piaf and do some tracing.
I have a pile of small kits that come with one of those fortnightly published thingys that is about cross stitch. I have bought a few because there have been some nice designs, including a few blackwork ones. There is also a nice architectural piece that I am going to do.
And I have one unfinished work that I would like to complete. I bought it as a kit (my first) from Inspirations magazine. It was THE most gorgeous Elizabethan inspired sweete bag. As soon as I saw the cover I knew I would buy it. It was actually the first time I had used silk thread in embroidery, I am now hooked. So I am about half way through the embroidery on that, so I might have that as my spare piece to work on when I get sick of everything else.
So I am off to listen to Piaf and do some tracing.
19 September 2003
Inspirations
I didn't post yesterday because I had to drive two hours into the bush to help my Dad gyprock the house he is building. We go back early this morning about 9am. I haven't done any stitching but I plan to start doing some tomorrow.
I bought a couple of Billy Bragg CD's that I didn't have yet, and really liked this one song. I thought it would be something that would inspire the designers out there. A bit of background to the lyrics. Billy Bragg usually does his own songs, but was asked to work on a project to add music to the words of Woody Guthrie. So the following words are lyrics written by Woody Guthrie:
They hang like grapes on vines that shine
And warm the lovers glass like friendly wine
So, I'd give this world
just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
From "Mermaid Avenue" Billy Bragg and Wilco (Lyrics by Woodie Guthrie).
I bought a couple of Billy Bragg CD's that I didn't have yet, and really liked this one song. I thought it would be something that would inspire the designers out there. A bit of background to the lyrics. Billy Bragg usually does his own songs, but was asked to work on a project to add music to the words of Woody Guthrie. So the following words are lyrics written by Woody Guthrie:
They hang like grapes on vines that shine
And warm the lovers glass like friendly wine
So, I'd give this world
just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
From "Mermaid Avenue" Billy Bragg and Wilco (Lyrics by Woodie Guthrie).
Patterns?
As I was reading through the growing list of blogs this morning, I was struck by the number of references to designers and patterns and kits. As someone whose embroidery interest ISN'T cross stitch, I suppose I wonder, why? Now, to confess, my other big craft hobbies are patchwork and scrapbooking. With patchwork, I have ever only made one quilt to a pattern designed by somone else, (bought as a BOM), Moonglow by Jinny Beyer. I always found that the commerical patterns never quite used the right colours or right patterns or styles for me to make a quilt using them. I always tend to use the magazines and books more for inspiration, a starting point and I think this practice has brought itself over to my embroidery. Even when not working on an historically inspired piece, I always make up my own designs.
So I suppose my question to all those cross stitchers out there is, do you ever design your own designs? Why do you think cross stitchers rely so heavily on other people to design patterns to use? Am I wrong? Do lots of cross stitchers design their own works but are too modest to talk about it? Do designers give people a common frame of reference? A common language?
So I suppose my question to all those cross stitchers out there is, do you ever design your own designs? Why do you think cross stitchers rely so heavily on other people to design patterns to use? Am I wrong? Do lots of cross stitchers design their own works but are too modest to talk about it? Do designers give people a common frame of reference? A common language?
18 September 2003
Waste Not, Want Not
I get the feeling that I won't be getting any stitching done until next week. I don't have any projects on the frame at the moment and I don't see myself having the time to put any on between now and next week. Bummer.
On a side note, there is a relatively new hand-dyed fabric company just started up called Stitches and Spice. My favourite range is Spice Sensations! I was at the Maitland Craft Show in March (this is a really big regional show) this year and this was the first show they did. Even though I don't do any cross stitch and had no use for it at the time (and still don't) I bought a couple of pieces of their dyed linen, because it was just so gorgeous. Anyway, I signed up for their newsletter, which has been arriving regularly ever since. Every now and then when a new colour or range is introduced, they include a generous swatch of about 3". So I have a couple of these now, including a pale yellow/sand coloured one. Instead of just sitting there doing nothing, I was thinking I should stitch a small motif into it and make it into a pin cushion or scent bag? Only problem is, not being a cross stitcher, I don't have any idea where to look for patterns. I was thinking of a small tree or flower design. If you know of any free patterns, why not drop the URL into the comment box below and I will check it out.
On a side note, there is a relatively new hand-dyed fabric company just started up called Stitches and Spice. My favourite range is Spice Sensations! I was at the Maitland Craft Show in March (this is a really big regional show) this year and this was the first show they did. Even though I don't do any cross stitch and had no use for it at the time (and still don't) I bought a couple of pieces of their dyed linen, because it was just so gorgeous. Anyway, I signed up for their newsletter, which has been arriving regularly ever since. Every now and then when a new colour or range is introduced, they include a generous swatch of about 3". So I have a couple of these now, including a pale yellow/sand coloured one. Instead of just sitting there doing nothing, I was thinking I should stitch a small motif into it and make it into a pin cushion or scent bag? Only problem is, not being a cross stitcher, I don't have any idea where to look for patterns. I was thinking of a small tree or flower design. If you know of any free patterns, why not drop the URL into the comment box below and I will check it out.
17 September 2003
German Wool Embroidery
First off, I just to say a big "THANK YOU" to Christine from Blogger!!
Secondly, I am really getting hooked in middle period German wool designs. I think I am going to have to make something up. I just love the narrative quality of these types of hangings and the very bold use of colour and strong, simple design. They also seem to incorporate an inordinate amount of heraldic display as well (which is always a bonus for me). While reading Schuette and Christensen last night, I noticed on particularly striking German shirt. Not sure if its wool or silk, but it looks great. I might have to make that a long term goal. I would so love for this book to be republished with all colour plates. I know it would be expensive but it would be worth every cent.
I think I really am hooked on stitching at the moment. I was getting so twitchy last night, not having anything to sew. I might have to do some more transfers for the scent bags, just to have something small and quick on hand to do between projects.
16 September 2003
Books
Well, I am just this minute back from the library. I now hold in my hot little hands a copy of Schuette and Christensen! Yah. I've only had a quick look, but there are a heap of works that I have never seen before. And the other good thing is I have it for 2 months! Yah again.
Guild Night - The Sequal
I went to Guild last night. We go straight after work, head down to Wests for dinner at the Bistro and then back to Guild for stitiching time. I go with Karen and her daughter, Christie. Christie is a bit mad at me because she didn't get a mention yesterday, so I'm talking about her today! She is feeling a bit put out as she has a bruise. Hopefully, it will get better soon. Feel free to leave sympathy comments for Christie!
On the stitching front, I finished the last star on my pouch. Christie was working on a very nice dragonfly cross stitch and Karen is doing a nice banksia cross stitch.
On the stitching front, I finished the last star on my pouch. Christie was working on a very nice dragonfly cross stitch and Karen is doing a nice banksia cross stitch.
15 September 2003
Guild Night
The internet can be a really small place. I was hanging out on R.C.T.N one day and noticed another poster from my neck of the woods. It's nice seeing another Aussie, even better seeing one from the same city. So I thought I would introduce myself. I emailed and the world got even smaller. Not only was she in the same city, we worked at the same place, the local Uni and even weiderer than that, we were only a couple of buildings away from each other! So we met for lunch one day. This person is a member of our local branch of the State Embroiderers Guild, and she offered to give me a lift there if I wanted to go. This was a good chance for me because I don't drive and alot of these things are too hard to get to. So having someone who could give me a lift and who was close by was great and for the sprinkles on top, Karen lived in the suburb a couple after mine, so she was able to drop me home afterwards. Bonus.
So no stitching at the moment, since I am at work, but I will be going to the Guild tonight. It is nice to be able to share in person my obsession for embroidery and hang out with people who actually want to see what I am working on.
So no stitching at the moment, since I am at work, but I will be going to the Guild tonight. It is nice to be able to share in person my obsession for embroidery and hang out with people who actually want to see what I am working on.
14 September 2003
Research Brickwalls
Sometimes, I really wish I was rich. Yeah, I know, most people do. But all I want is to be able to buy books (and articles) whenever I want. At the moment I am working on research for my next big project. An Icelandic laid and couched work design. Now, I thought I had it all worked out, colours, materials etc. But I have just run across what I think is most likely a better source that contradicts some of the things that the first souce told me. Nothing major, but enough to be annoying. Annoying for two reasons, one I just bought the thread yesterday, now I find out its the wrong colour and two, because I will probably never be able to get my hands on the more authorative source and get a definitive answer one way or the other. Hence, wanting to be rich and buy books whenever I want.
Lazy Sunday Afternoon....
Well, a pretty lazy day today. I did a few loads of washing, a good drying day, warm and very, very windy.
I went to our weekly Baronial meeting today. I did a bit of stitching, easy stuff, little ensign that I am going to make into pin cushions which I will give away as gifts. Doing it in tapestry wool on 12 count mono canvas. I did a bit more of the goldwork outlining last night.
13 September 2003
Retail Therapy
Well, I finally got started last night on the last bit of my LoG pouch. The only embroidery that remains to be done is to put the gold thread around the tent stitch slips that have been attached the red velvet ground. It took me about an hour to do one star, so two more stars to do and the big stag in the middle and it will be done. All I have to do is put the pouch together.
This morning I got in a bit of retail therapy. I went to Spotlight and picked up some yellow felt for my goldwork course. Some white felt for the album cover I have to do, some black wool for the voided Scandinavian hanging I am planning, also got some red drill for my banner. Picked up some Medici wool for the hanging and some just to play around with. Got the tassels for the pouch and some new needles. That should give me enough supplies to keep me going for a while (or at least my holidays!!)
Operation Super Soaker continues, I got the cat again last night. I have now put food dye in the water. With a bit of luck the owners might decide to not let the cat wander the streets at night when it comes home with rose pink stripes.
12 September 2003
Gold Thread and Software
Well, last night I spent a couple of hours (well, it seemed like that), unwinding a couple of skeins of Krenik Jap Gold thread. That stuff is murder. No matter how much I tried, I still managed to put some kinks in it as I was winding it onto the felt rolls. I wish it came on a roll.
I have signed up to do the NSW Embroiderers Guild Goldwork course. I am doing year one. It is 4 lessons by correspondance. I found the instructions informative, but boy, do they need some reworking and DTP (hey, I can't help it, I look after the development of distance learning materials for a living!!). I haven't done anything yet. I am going to get the basic lessons done while I am on holidays. Only one more week to go.
Meri Wanderer - I downloaded the XPRO software. It is very good. I tried both the basic version and the Pro. I think the Pro has the features I am after but $300 is just out of my budget and the basic one doesn't really do what I need. I don't really want all the fabric features etc but I think I would prefer more stitches. I want to make charts, so that is the most important thing for me, rather than seeing what it will look like on certain fabrics etc. I do have to say though that of all the software I have tried, this one definately had the best import feature. I pulled in a couple of images and it really converted them well. Thanks for the help.
I have signed up to do the NSW Embroiderers Guild Goldwork course. I am doing year one. It is 4 lessons by correspondance. I found the instructions informative, but boy, do they need some reworking and DTP (hey, I can't help it, I look after the development of distance learning materials for a living!!). I haven't done anything yet. I am going to get the basic lessons done while I am on holidays. Only one more week to go.
Meri Wanderer - I downloaded the XPRO software. It is very good. I tried both the basic version and the Pro. I think the Pro has the features I am after but $300 is just out of my budget and the basic one doesn't really do what I need. I don't really want all the fabric features etc but I think I would prefer more stitches. I want to make charts, so that is the most important thing for me, rather than seeing what it will look like on certain fabrics etc. I do have to say though that of all the software I have tried, this one definately had the best import feature. I pulled in a couple of images and it really converted them well. Thanks for the help.
11 September 2003
Looking for Inspiration
If you are ever looking for inspiration, a great place to look is the Textiles Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. They have recently developed an online image gallery of some of the Museums unsurpassed collection (not just the textiles either, their whole collection). They are always adding to the online image database, so its worth checking it every couple of months.
Click on the link and type in "embroidery": http://images.vam.ac.uk/
Click on the link and type in "embroidery": http://images.vam.ac.uk/
Operation Super Soaker
As you may know, my cat Pharaoh, had to go the vet on the weekend. The vet said his eye was acting up because of stress. We think its because of a new cat in the neighbourhood. So we invested in a new anti-cat weapon, a big super soaker. Last night we went outside and there it was, on top of the cat run. This huge, fluffy white Persian cat, sitting there like it owned the world. I didn't want to shot it with the super soaker, but this thing was scaring my cats and invading their little bit of the outside world, so it had to be done. You should've heard the racket, you'd think we really shot the thing. It jumped down into next doors yard, so I leaned over the fence and had another go at it. It didn't like that one bit. You could hear it howling from about 2 blocks away. I think it will take a couple of goes but with a bit of luck it will get the message!!
10 September 2003
Charting Software?
Meri Wanderer (or anyone else) - what software do you use to design you charts? I am looking at buying some design software, are there any that people would recommend? What are the pros/cons? I am only looking at basic design, but I would like something that allows me to chart tent stitch.
Burst Water Main
Well, it seems that there was a burst water main last night. It was on the island that connects where I live to most of our services. So that means the whole suburb would've been out. It is supposed to be back on now, but we are going to have dirty water for a while. Yuck.
Water, Water Everywhere......
The above image is of my suburb taken from the main part of town.
Got up for work this morning, went to have a shower. Nothing. Not a drop. Our tap was dripping last night, now no water. We think that that main was under pressure (hence the dripping) and must have failed over night. We checked with our neighbours, they didn't have water either. Just to make things clear, I am a shower person, and I have one in the morning. Always. So we had to raid the drinking water in the water filter to have enough for a quick sponge bath, then off to work. I feel so gungy. BTW, I live on a peninsula, ocean on one side, river on the other.
09 September 2003
Ooww, There Are Titles!
Did a bit of needlepoint last night. Little Lochac ensigns on 12 count mono canvas using DMC Tapestry wool. I really need to get the gold couching done on my tent stitch slip bag.
The good news is that my leave is confirmed! Yeah! Last two weeks of Sept and first two of October. This should give me enough time to finish off a few straggling projects and get a few of the bigger ones set up ready for stitching. I also have to make my bridesmaid outfit for my sisters wedding. Not really looking forward to that.
The good news is that my leave is confirmed! Yeah! Last two weeks of Sept and first two of October. This should give me enough time to finish off a few straggling projects and get a few of the bigger ones set up ready for stitching. I also have to make my bridesmaid outfit for my sisters wedding. Not really looking forward to that.
08 September 2003
Well, no stitching last night. Pharaoh still had a sore eye, so we left the lights off all night.
On the stitching front, I found out the dimensions of the Malterer Hanging - 2'3" by 16' 1" boy, is that big!! I think I will do a wall hanging in that style, but I might put some people from my Barony in the panels instead of the ones that are there now.
On the stitching front, I found out the dimensions of the Malterer Hanging - 2'3" by 16' 1" boy, is that big!! I think I will do a wall hanging in that style, but I might put some people from my Barony in the panels instead of the ones that are there now.
07 September 2003
Above is an image of the complete voided work design I am doing. There is one panel at each end. When I finished putting it together, I will post a picture, I thought people might like to see the completed needlework design though.
Well, it was a pretty full Sunday. I didn't get much needlework done. We went over to my other half's sister new house for Father's Day. We had a BBQ lunch. The weather was pretty nice. Summer seems to be on the way. I did a little bit of needlepoint. I am making up these little pin cushions in tent stitch. Just something quick to work on when I don't have anything else on the go.
I have a few projects on the books. I have to finish off a pouch I am making. Its red velvet with tent stitched dear on it. All the hard part is done, I just have to couch some gold cord around the slips and then make up the pouch. Its been at this stage for months. I really have to get it done. Then my next thing is a wedding album cover. I think I will do that in applique for the petals (the wedding flowers are lilies), and then do details in silk thread. Then couch all the edges in gold and maybe have pearls in the border. Then once that is finished I can get started on my next major project, which is a blackwork pillow cover. It will be in scrolling vines with roses. Then a boarder of leaves and roses. I'm not sure how long it will take me. I've never done any blackwork before.
I tried posting this last night but blogspot.com was down. Pharaoh is home from the vet. He was a bit groggy but was much happier once we got home. We got a cuddle this morning so I think we are forgiven.
On the needlework front, I have finished the embroidery on my voided work piece. All I have to do now is finish of the edges. Its going to be a table cloth/runner type thing. I'm not sure how the edging would've been done in period, I might have to wait until I get Schuette via inter library loan. I know it wasn't done like modern Assisi work. Problem is there arn't many extant pieces and what photos there are, I don't have access to.
On the needlework front, I have finished the embroidery on my voided work piece. All I have to do now is finish of the edges. Its going to be a table cloth/runner type thing. I'm not sure how the edging would've been done in period, I might have to wait until I get Schuette via inter library loan. I know it wasn't done like modern Assisi work. Problem is there arn't many extant pieces and what photos there are, I don't have access to.
06 September 2003
Just rang the vet. Pharaoh is OK, but the vet isn't in until 5.45pm, so we can't pick him up til then. Bugger.
Back to stitching. This is the voided piece I am working on at the moment. It is from the Bassee pattern book. I would classify it as a kicking bird pattern (or rampant posture if you are into heraldry). I am working it on 28 count linen, in two strands of Eterna stranded silk in long armed cross stitch. This is a flat spun silk, fairly close to what would've been used in the pre-1600 period. This is the first time I've worked in long armed cross stitch. I like the good solid covering it gives, particularly effective for voided work. Also my first time using the flat spun silk, it does take a bit of getting used to but not as hard to work with as I've been told.
Just an aside about Eterna. I can't say enough about how good there service is. I sent a couple of emails asking questions. There were replys within half an hour. I put my order in on the website, and then I had to ask another question by email. When I got the reply 15 minutes later, they said my order had already been packed and shipped!! The postage was via air mail and I was only charged the exact shipping, and it arrived within 7 days to Australia. I was and am totally impressed. Because I wasn't sure of the exact colours I needed (and this is my only suggestion, that they get a sample card with real thread on it), I had to put another order in and the service was just as good the second time. Added to which, the colours and sheen of the silk is just beautiful. No affliations etc etc, just a very satisfied customer.
Well, no stitching news. But bad news on the cat front. Pharaoh has had a sore eye for a few days now. It hasn't been getting better, so this morning, we took him to the vets. Since he's had this problem before, we thought it would just be a quick check up and get some ointment. But no, the vet tried looking and Pharaoh chucked a hissy fit, so now he has to stay there and get sedated so they can have a proper look. We can pick him up after 3pm. Only another 3 and half hours to go. 05 September 2003
Firstly, thanks Linn for updating the blog name on your list!
Secondly, I remember seeing a documentary on the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. It's hard to imagine how something like that could happen and how it must have affected those who lost someone. Two things in particular from that program stick in my mind, that when the debris was cleared, they found 11 engagement rings in the ash and an all too vivid description of the fire by a newspaper journalist of the time. What is even more frightening is that similar things still happen today, all around the world.
It makes me grateful that my stitching is for pleasure and not necessity.
Secondly, I remember seeing a documentary on the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. It's hard to imagine how something like that could happen and how it must have affected those who lost someone. Two things in particular from that program stick in my mind, that when the debris was cleared, they found 11 engagement rings in the ash and an all too vivid description of the fire by a newspaper journalist of the time. What is even more frightening is that similar things still happen today, all around the world.
It makes me grateful that my stitching is for pleasure and not necessity.
Good news!! Just got a call from the Uni Library, I might be finally getting my hands on a copy of A Pictorical History of Embroidery by Schuette and Christansen! It's gonna cost me a few dollars but considering how good everybody says it is, I think it will be worth it.
I've just found a Canadian website that has "Of houshold stuff: The 1601 inventories of Bess of Hardwick" in stock. If there shipping isn't too bad I will order it. I hope that its better than the Elizabethan Treasures: The Hardwick Hall Textiles, a good book but I have to say I expected a few more pictures of the textiles. If only I could get there in person.
I've decided to make a small name change to the blog. The old one was just a fill in the blank name. I like this one better. My apologies to the other embroidery bloggers who put me on their site with the old name.
Did a fair bit on my Assisi work piece last night. It's amazing how when you are trying to get alot of stitching done, you never seem to get anywhere, but when you just pick it up absently, you seem to wiz through it?? BTW, it's based on a nice floral and bird pattern in "German Renaissance Patterns for Embroidery: A Facsimile Copy of Nicolas Bassée's New Modelbuch of 1568, with an introduction by Kathleen Epstein". Austin: Curious Works Press. It's turning out quite nicely.
04 September 2003
I've added a fair bit of info into the Med Embroid Wiki about the Malterer Hanging - info about construction and links to images of just about all the panels. Still nothing on the dimensions though.
03 September 2003
Well, pretty slow at work today. A nice change since its been so flat out.
On the needlework front, I've managed to track down colour images of just about all of the Malterer Hanging. An interesting piece. The floral border is a simple, very modern design, striking in such an old work. I still need to track down the dimesions of the thing though. I'm thinking its about 7 ft by 1ft. I am going to email a couple of people who may know a bit more about it.
Didn't do anything on my Assisi piece last night. Needed a break, well my eyes did anyway. I went through some books, just looking at old embroideries. So much I want to have a go at but no time!!
On the needlework front, I've managed to track down colour images of just about all of the Malterer Hanging. An interesting piece. The floral border is a simple, very modern design, striking in such an old work. I still need to track down the dimesions of the thing though. I'm thinking its about 7 ft by 1ft. I am going to email a couple of people who may know a bit more about it.
Didn't do anything on my Assisi piece last night. Needed a break, well my eyes did anyway. I went through some books, just looking at old embroideries. So much I want to have a go at but no time!!
01 September 2003
Working on Assisi table cloth for WCoB competition. Getting very bored with doing counted thread work. Need to do some freestyle stuff. I am thinking about doing a cushion based on T.262-1968 from the V and A. Also got to finish designing and marking out a blackwork pillow bere as well.
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