12/10/04: The pattern
This is one repeat of the embroidery pattern I plan to use. It is from Modelbuch aller Art originally published in 1527 by Christian Egenolf and reprinted in 1880 by prof. Melchior zur Straffen. This e-book can be downloaded from On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics, books section.
True, it was published in Germany, but I have found embroideries very similar to the patterns in the book from England and Italy during the 16th century. So I think it is feasible to use these patterns. Though, I'm beginning to think that this particular pattern was meant for couching. I was thinking to use back- or stem stitch to embroider the lines.
I will be using DMC cotton floss, because that's what I have and I'm too broke to buy proper silks. I haven't decided on a color yet: black or red?
26 days until A&S competition.
12/19/04: The pattern, change of plans
After mulling things over for a while I've decided to use this pattern instead. It can be stitched with more than one color and I think it's more appropriate that way. I need to decide which colors to use and then I can start stitching.
This pattern is from the same book as the above one.
17 days until A&S competition.
12/23/04: The embroidery
I could not transfer the pattern to the fabric directly because all my carbon papers had expired and lack of coal prevented me using the authentic method (pouncing). I copied the pattern to a trasparent paper instead and basted that to the fabric. It's in no way authentic, but then again, I'm not using authentic thread either. This is a practice project to make my fingers remember embroidery again.
I had planned to use emb- roidery floss, but I saw a picture of early 17th century silk embroidery done in late 16th century style. That emb- roidery was not executed with floss, but thicker thread that looked like DMC Pearl crochet cotton. So crochet cotton is what I use. Except that I'm using the tightly twisted kind. Is it wrong? Yes. Does it look good? Yes. Case closed.
The above picture illustrates two stages of embroidery. The first is backstitched curliques and the second adds green details. The third stage would add blue flowers, dots and disks. I haven't decided on which stitch to use for the flowers, the dots will be french knots and the disks satin stitch.
13 days until A&S competition.
01/02/05: The embroidery, half-finished
One of the bands is finished and I must finish the other one before friday.
This is one completed repeat.
4 days until A&S competition.
