Jacobean embroidery

I have finished a Jacobean embroidery, stitched in Chameleon threads on silk. I like using space-dyed threads, they give a such nice varied finish.

I always feel a great satisfaction when I get from this,

to this.

Design: from book by Via Laurie "Embroidery Techniques Using Space-Dyed Threads".

Threads: Chameleon hand dyed threads Perle No.8 and Stranded cotton.

Stitched on silk.



In fact I have enjoyed Jacobean embroidery so much, that I am starting another one.

It gives me a welcome break from the Scandianvian Christmas quilt.

I wish you all a very good week!

another Jacobean

I enjoyed my last project so much, that I went back to another embroidery started some time ago, "Floral Delight" in the Jacobean style. This time I am working with space-dyed threads on silk.

"The terms Jacobean and Crewel embroidery can be often confusing. Crewel embroidery refers to any embroidery done using crewel wool - a two-ply worsted wool used for surface stitching.

The term Jacobean embroidery refers more to a style of embroidery.

During the 1600s England imported vast quantities of painted cottons from India, via the East India Company. These cottons featured designs like the Tree of Life, exotic flowers, birds and animals. These designs became very popular and were copied and used in the embroidery of the time. This style of embroidery flourished under the reign of King James 1, from whose full Latin name, Jacobus Brittaniae Rex, the term Jacobean was derived. Beautiful pieces of embroidery were stitched in the Jacobean style using crewel wool."

The above quote is from a book "Embroidery Techniques Using Space-Dyed Threads" by Via Laurie.

As this is the third project I am making from this book, it certainly was a good investment!

Jacobean embroidery

At last I finished a project, started in March workshop with lovely Beppy Berlin, called "Jacobean with a Difference".
Although Jacobean embroidery is traditionally stitched in wool threads, Beppy introduced us to a different interpretation, using a mixture of metallic threads and organza, next to cotton and silk threads, with a touch of goldwork with some kid leather.
Beppy always brings a lot of her own beautiful work to show and inspire us. For most of us it was the first time we used a kid leather and organza in our embroidery, so it was this part we all stitched first, while under Beppy's supervision. The concentration! And yes, this was all I went home with!

But I did enjoy this type of embroidery very much and I was determined to finish it eventually and not just put it in a draw....

Finished "Jacobean with a Difference"

It was also the first time I used lovely Pearsall's silk threads, so lovely to stitch with.

Threads: Pearsall's threads - shades 157, 159, 347, 076

               Anchor stranded cotton - shade 261

                                                       + pale green shade which no longer has a label

               Gutermann metallic - silver

Kid leather from Golden Hinde