Traditional Chinese Shu Embroidery

Every now and then you come across an embroidery video that shows some technical aspects which provide food for thought. A number of things struck me about this one that I found on Caroline Foley's website Caro Rose Creations.

I was struck by the confidence with which the silk is ripped, rather than cut; how the silk is framed up, stretched and laced ready for stitching; the little rod that rests on the rolled up frame to support the working arm and protect the embroidery fabric; taking a pair of scissors to the fine silk stitching to cut out the offending stitches; and finally how the embroidery is cut out of the garment it was originally made to embellish and beautifully framed by the embroiderer herself. Lots to think about.

Bohemian Rhapsody

I just had to share this rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody by the Rustenburg High School (Hoerskool Rustenburg) in the North West Province, South Africa.

Click here to listen.

Image courtesy IOL Cape Argus

Embroidered Camouflage Netting and a Coronation Gown.

Camouflage netting may seem like an unusual textile to embroider, but that is just what the Royal School of needle work has done. The Duchess of Cambridge commissioned an embroidered textile for her Back to Nature Garden.

Back to Nature Garden Courtesy Shoot

It drapes over a wooden structure and makes a little den in the garden.You can see it here on the RSN's website. I can just imagine the children having fun peeking through the needlelace openings.

On a different note, there is a very instructive video on the RSN's website showing the work on the restoration of Lady Carnarvon's dress worn to the coronation of George V in 1911. Click here to go to the link. I would love to see the restored dress when it goes on display at Highclere Castle in September. Highclere is now also known as Downton Abbey.