I found a lovely site devoted to the art of stitching in silk during the Middle Ages. The name of the site is Medieval Silkwork and I wanted to share with you some of the treasures I’ve found.
- Silkwork Pattern – You are going to have to translate this lovely wide border to counted work, but it is stunning and available as a PDF. It’s all Straight Stitches, so consider the shortest stitches to go over two threads. The longest go over six threads.
- An in-depth explanation of the different types of silk threads. This post has close-up pictures and explanations.
- A lovely purse and a pouch which could be the basis for a charming bit of needlepoint.
Remember that back in those days there wasn’t the distinction we have now between needlepoint canvas, evenly woven fabrics, and non-evenly woven fabrics. Many “counted” pieces were stitched on the same kind of linen used on this site.
What great eye candy!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
[…] Medieval Silkwork – Great Site, Lovely Pattern – 2 freebie(s) […]