Thistle-Threads

Pink Silk Purl Bug

This project uses silk wrapped purls in a filling couching technique that was used often on caskets. During the 17th century and into the early 18th century, figures such as flowers and bugs and tree canopies were filled with silk purls.

Green Butterfly Pincushion

This pin pad is a quick little project using a stitchable gilt thread made by Benton and Johnson . Based upon a 17th century embroidery piece with motifs scatted all over the surface, this little butterfly is a ubiquitous motif from the period.

Strawberry Gobelin Fob

This project is based on a spot sampler in my collection. Examples of cushions worked in silver or silver gilt gobelin backgrounds usually have small queen stitch motifs arranged in patterns such as this.

Flemish Iris

17th century Dutch and Flemish professional embroiders made detailed renderings of the feathering on flowers from spring bulbs. This piece was inspired by a purse and uses a new silk thread called trame.

Blackwork Flower

This blackwork and gold project is based on a drawing out of one of Thomas Trevelyan's manuscripts. This is my interpretation of how that design may have been taken and worked the period with the heavy gold work stitches that were prevalent.

Pea-pod Ornament

This ornament is based on a repeating element seen on a piece of 17th century embroidery. The pea-pod was repeated over and over on the fragment and was quite simple but pleasing. You can work it in any set of colors and fibers you like.