Issue 25 February 2008

Transcription

DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR CROSS STITCHERS
Issue 25 February 2008
PRAIRIE SCHOOLER
WWW.THEGIFTOFSTITCHING.COM
Contents - Issue 25 February 2008
Page 3
New Products
Descriptions and reviews of new products for
cross stitchers.
Page 4
Designer Profile
We interview new designer Deanna Carter of
Carousel Charts and there is an exclusive chart
to stitch called Love Ewe.
Page 7
Your Shopping List and Stockists
All the threads and fabric for the projects in this
issue listed in one convenient place.
Page 8
All Things Counted
Counted Thread Embroidery from Turkey. Turkish
cross stitch designer, Banu Demirel has designed
an Ottoman Table Runner to compliment the
article.
Page 12
Product Profile and Competition
Win a years membership to the new online portal,
Loose Thread Stitchers.
Page 13
Blackwork by Lynne Herzberg
St Jermones Cross
Page 15
Feature Pattern
Four Seasons by Pam Smith of Prairie Schooler.
Stitch as one sampler or divide into four little
pinkeeps.
Page 19
Valentine Bookmark and Hearts by Melinda
Medeiros of Medeiros Needlecraft Design.
Page 21
Mystery Sampler
Historic Countries Mystery Sampler and
Chatelaine by Papillon Creations.
Part Six - Spain
Page 29
Whimsy Thoughts by Helga Mandl
Perfect Love
Page 31
Stitch Diagrams
www.thegiftofstitching.com
Issue 25 February 2008 Page 1
From The Editor
Hello readers,
Last night we had the most terrific thunderstorm in Sydney. When the black clouds rolled
over, our beautiful summer day turned to gail force winds, non-stop rain and continuous
lightening and thunder - all within ten minutes. It was quite a spectacle. Fortunately, the
only damage was a few broken plants. I know many of you are now shivering in the Northern
Hemisphere as the height of winter is upon you. Although we have become used to the
Internet bringing us closer together, we are still hemispheres apart and all experiencing
four seasons at the same time. Our feature pattern this month is from the wonderful Prairie
Schooler who have designed a sampler with the four seasons. You can stitch it as one
picture or divide it up into four little pinkeeps.
We interview new designer, Deanna Carter from Carousel Charts. Her designs are
sweet and quick-to-stitch. Youll love the little love ewe. We also have another Valentine
pattern from Medeiros Needlecraft Design where you can stitch a heart bookmark or sew
hearts on perforated paper to create envelope seals. This is a lovely novel idea which can
be stitched up quickly for the 14th February.
In All Things Counted this month we travel to Turkey where embroidery has a long
and rich tradition. We delve in deep to find out about counted thread work and I hope you
enjoy the results. Turkish designer, Banu Demirel has created a lovely table runner inspired
by Ottoman Period embroidery.
Well, that is just a taste of what is in this months issue. Whether you are trying to keep
cool or warm, I hope you find the time youd like to relax and stitch.
Kirsten Edwards
Editor
New Products
Palestinian Embroidery Motifs:
A Treasury of Stitches 1850-1950
Author: Margarita Skinner
Publisher: Melisende/Rimal
Using the experience of living in the Middle East for 20 years, Margarita
Skinner has researched and documented over 200 motifs from Palestinian
costume. Drawing on the world-renowned costume collection of collector
Widad Kawar, she has covered the different Palestinian regions during
the period 1850-1950.
It is the first time such an extensive catalogue has been published
and its exciting to see another embroidery book with such wide and
carefully collated research.
The first twenty pages introduce us to Palestine, the womenfolk, the
costumes and regions, giving us a good outline of what Palestinian
embroidery is and what it is used for. The rest of the book documents
by types, the different motifs used. An example is photographed, the
motif is charted and then the name and region of the motif is written
underneath.
The book is beautifully laid out with 210 full colour on gloss card
pages. It is paperback and measures 23 x 20 cm (9 x 8).
For the collector of embroidery books and those with a keen interest
in ethnic and traditional embroidery, this book a must have for your
collection.
Sales enquiries should be directed to [email protected],
www.melisende.com or 442072699890 (UK). The RRP is 14.95 Pounds.
Designer Profile
Deanna Carter of Carousel Charts
out a cross stitch of a little pink rose,
and the rest is history!
When did you start designing?
My background is in graphic design,
but I started designing folk art stitchery
patterns a few years back. I moved
to cross stitch when the opportunity
to design with Carousel Charts
opened up for me.
Words to Live By
This month we interview new
designer, Deanna Carter from
Carousel Charts. Deannas designs
are fun, quick-to-stitch and will appeal
to many stitchers.
Visit the Carousel Charts Website
www.carouselcharts.com
Where are you from and what is it
like?
Im from Utah Valley. Its in Northern
Utah, about a half hour south of Salt
Lake City and Park City where a lot
of the 2002 Winter Olympic events
were.
It is a really beautiful, family friendly
place to live. Looking out my window,
we have a lake on one side and
mountains on the other. We can
usually always find some sort of
museum or cultural activity to attend.
If we are feeling outdoorsy there is
plenty to do too. There are times
during the year when we could go
snow skiing in the morning and water
skiing in the afternoon. During the
summer we can go camping and
fishing in forested areas (near rock
faces with some great climbing
routes!), and then take a quick drive
south to some sand dunes to play for
the day. I love it here.
When did you start stitching?
Im not sure how old I was. I think I
must have been in elementary school.
Every year for my birthday, my
grandma would take me out to dinner
and then we would go pick a birthday
present afterward. One year I picked
How did you become involved with
the Carousel Charts company?
Carousel Charts was really my sisters
idea, and she talked my mom into
starting it. After a while, my mom
invited me to design with her.
What type of patterns do you like
to design?
I like to keep it fun. I love to play with
different font styles and enjoy trying
to translate them into cross stitch.
Every now and then Ill find a saying
or phrase that I think would be great
on a design. I really like folk art, so
there will definitely be more from me
along those lines. I am also drawn to
things that are more playful and more
modern than traditional. I prefer
designs that are simple, partly
because they are easier on my eyes,
and partly because I know people are
busy and nobody likes to start a
project that will end up tucked away
in the Ill finish eventually pile. My
mom and I have very different
designing styles, so its always fun to
compare and see what she is up to.
What inspires your designing?
I love to walk through craft malls or
flip through country crafting
magazines. I just love the casual,
comfortable look. It feels so happy
and welcoming! I try to make things
that would fit in those environments,
or fit in homes of people who like that
style as much as I do. Other than that,
my family has really been my
inspiration. For example, I did the
Baby Girl Nursery Sampler when I
found out I was expecting my
youngest daughter. The Together
new design came about after we
bought a new home. I wanted to do
something to hang by my front door.
Most of what I do is sparked by some
moment or event I have at home with
my family.
What are your favourite threads
and fabrics to work with?
Although I love linens that have a
good texture to them, Jobelan is
probably my favorite fabric to stitch
on. I love the look of over dyed floss,
but I realise that DMC threads are
easier to get for many people, so I use
those quite a bit too.
Do you attend needlework events
like retreats or shows?
Carousel Charts is a long time
participant in the Online Needlework
Show, and Stitch-a-Gift.com has taken
some of our designs to the Nashville
Needlework Show in the past.
Has there been any particular
person who has had a great
influence on your stitching or
designing?
My mom has been great to give
feedback on my designs. She is an
amazing artist and often sees things
that I dont. My grandpa used to be
an art professor, and not only did he
teach me a lot of basics, but hes a
Together
Designer Profile Continued...
pretty punny guy and Ive sat around
listening to him joke, jotting ideas from
things hes said as soon as I got
home. I also have several friends who
have a terrific eye for putting things
together in ways I wouldnt have
dreamed of, and I think just being
around them gets my creative juices
flowing.
What do you want stitchers to
experience when they stitch your
designs?
I want them to feel successful and feel
like they have taken on a project they
can finish. I want them to feel excited
to share what theyve done with others
either by displaying it in their home
or passing it on as a gift. And of
course, Id love for them to come back
and see what else we have that they
can stitch!
Twinkle
Willow Tree Sampler
Love Ewe by Deanna Carter of Carousel Charts
Stitching Instructions
Total design size: 55 x 59
stitches
Finished stitched area:
14/28 count: 4" x 4 1/4"
(10 x 10.5 cm)
16/32 count: 3 1/2" x 3 2/3"
(8.5 x 9.5 cm)
18/36 count: 3" x 3 1/3"
(8 x 8.5 cm)
20/40 count: 2 3/4" x 3"
(7 x 7.5 cm)
Add another 4 (10 cm) to
each side for framing.
The model is stitched on
18 count Aida Fidlers
Oatmeal with two ply of
DMC over one square. The
model has been framed
with Black Hanger Frame
from Eastside Mouldings.
Symbol Key
Symbol
S
D
B
W
X
DMC
310
420
729
815
937
Your Shopping List - Issue 25 February 2008
Shopping List
Love Ewe
Page 6
__ Aida, Oatmeal
__ DMC 310
__ DMC 420
__ DMC 729
__ DMC 815
__ DMC 937
__ EM, Black Hangup
Valentine Bookmark
Page 19
__ Z Vintage Country
Mocha
__ GAST Geranium
or DMC 3832
__ GAST Hibiscus
or DMC 961
__ GAST Holly Berry
or DMC 347
__ GAST Raspberry Parfait
or DMC 3721
Perfect Love
Page 29
__ Misty Blue Aida
__ DMC White or A 1
__ DMC 310 or A 403
__ DMC 722 or A 323
__
__
__
__
__
__
DMC 3687 or A 68
DMC 963 or A 73
DMC 972 or A 298
DMC 937 or A 268
DMC 829 or A 906
SSS Mango
or DMC 3340/727/367
or A 329/293/217
Four Seasons
Page 15
__ Wichelt, Lambswool linen
__ DMC White
__ DMC Ecru
__ DMC 355
__ DMC 407
__ DMC 422
__ DMC 758
__ DMC 842
__ DMC 898
__ DMC 927
__ DMC 3052
__ DMC 3371
__ DMC 3768
__ DMC 3772
__ DMC 3826
__ DMC 3828
__ DMC 3862
__ DMC 3362
__ DMC 640
Ottoman Runner
Page 10
__ 25 ct evenweave
__ DMC 561 x2
__ DMC E3852
__ DMC 3816
__ DMC 3328
__ DMC 760
__ DMC 973
St Jeromes Cross
Page 13
__ SMF, Irish Hillside
__ DMC 550
__ DMC 554
__ DMC 699
__ DMC 820
__ DMC 939
__ DMC 972
Definitions
A: Anchor six stranded cotton
DMC: DMC six stranded
cotton
EM: Eastside Mouldings
Frames
GAST: Gentle Art Sampler
Threads
SMF: Sugar Maple Fabrics
SSS: Six Strand Sweets hand
dyed six stranded cotton
Z: Zweigart
Stockists
Anchor
www.coatsandclark.com
The DMC Corporation, USA
www.dmc-usa.com
Eastside Mouldings
www.eastsidemouldings.com
The Gentle Art
www.thegentleart.com
Six Strand Sweets
www.sixstrandsweets.com
Sugar Maple Fabrics
www.sugarmaplefabrics.com
Wichelt Imports / Mill Hill
www.wichelt.com
Zweigart
www.zweigart.com
All Things Counted
Counted Thread Embroidery from Turkey
Looking at a map of the world, it is
easy to see that Turkeys expansive
embroidery heritage is due to its
situation. Known since ancient times
as a link between Asia and Europe,
it has been home to numerous
civilizations throughout history and
every civilization has left a trace of
their culture.
During the Ottoman Empire
(1500-1900 AD), embroidery had
reached a superior level of
sophistication and diversity.
Professional court embroiderers
called nakkas produced
some of the worlds most
exquisite gold and silk
masterpieces, with silk
from China, metal threads
cotton from India, and
linen from Egypt.
Although the average
Turkish home could not
always afford silk and
precious metal thread, the
diversity and production
of embroidery for the
home and clothing was
extensive. Stitches and
styles of embroidery vary
across the countrys regions and
some of the counted thread variety
include:
- Akma: Twice repeated backstitch
on a loose weave ground giving a
pulled work appearance.
- Antep Isi: A form of drawn thread
work or hardanger. Depending on
the region it can appear in white or
in colour.
- Hesap Ignesi: A form of counted
thread work that appears the same
on both sides of the fabric. It looks
like a cross between Bargello and
darning work. Small horizontal and
diagonal stitches form designs that
have the appearance of stepping up
and down. It does not cover the
whole surface like Bargello work, but
forms geometric repeating patterns.
- Örnek Bezi: Turkish for sampler,
an example of counted thread
patterns and stitches used for
teaching and remembering.
- Tel Kirma: Worked in flat silver
thread to form a diagonal z on one
side and a cross is formed on the
reverse.
- Turk Isi: A form of crewel work
where an outline is created of the
object and then the blank spaces are
filled with different stitches.
Items that were decorated in the home
included towels, hangings, cushions,
bed covers, book covers, saddle
cloths, quivers, tents, belts, curtains,
ceremonial objects,
purses, grave covers
and engagement
towels, not to mention
all manner of clothing
items.
The style of
embroidery was deeply
influenced by its Muslim
culture. Instead of
animals and human
figures, stylised plants
are embroidered in
swirling curves or
repeating borders.
Tulips and carnations
are popular traditional
motifs. Round motifs are
more common,
resembling Persian or
Arabic culture.
It is not surprising to
Examples of traditional Turkish embroidery. Images from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Top Left:
still find hand
Backstitch on red cotton ground with filling stitches. Bottom Left: An 18th Century sampler from
embroidered pillow
Turkey. Bottom Right: An example of Antep Isi or Turkish drawn thread work.
All Things Counted
Counted Thread Embroidery from Turkey Continued...
cases, bed spreads, table cloths and
wall hangings in homes. Preparing a
dowry for a young girl is still a tradition.
Mostly traditional patterns are used
on dowry items and these patterns
and techniques are passed down to
each new generation.
Not unlike their predecessors,
Turkish embroiderers continue to take
outside cultural influences and
combine these with their own
embroidery traditions. With the
popularity of the Internet, different
kinds of embroidery including cross
stitch, have become more and more
accessible. Cross stitch is a now a
popular form of embroidery. Flower
patterns are preferred and so is the
use of gold thread.
Local groups throughout Turkey
spend time learning the traditional
techniques and combine these with
modern threads, fabrics and counted
thread styles such as cross stitch.
Although there are no guilds for cross
stitch, there are cross stitch
magazines and books being
published in Turkish.
Cross stitch designer, Banu
Demirel is from Turkey and she
designs patterns under the name of
Seba Designs. She loves to combine
traditional Turkish embroidery motifs
with modern cross stitch and
Blackwork. Her Blackwork designs
are more free flowing, with the focus
on traditional swirls and flowers. Many
of the cross stitch patterns are
influenced by Turkish
tiles and Kilims.
Banu Demirel has
designed us a beautiful
table runner. A
traditional Turkish
border is at each end
featuring trees and
carnations in gold and
bright colours. The
pattern starts on the
next page. Visit Seba
Designs Website:
www.sebadesigns
.com
Bibliography
- The Needleworkers
Dictionary, Pamela
Clabburn, Pitman Press,
England, 1776.
- Embroidery, Mary
Gostelow, Cavendish
House, England, 1982.
- Republic of Turkey,
Ministry of Culture and
Tourism Website,
www.turizm.gov.tr
- Turkish Culture Portal
Website,
www.turkishculture.org
Examples of modern Turkish embroidery. Top Right: An example of Turk Isi. Bottom Right: A modern example of Antep Isi (hardanger).
Bottom Left: A modern example of Hesap Ignesi.
All Things Counted
Ottoman Table Runner by Banu Demirel
1. Cut a piece of off-white 25 count
evenweave 32 x 14 1/2 (81 x 37 cm).
2. Starting from the bottom left of the fabric,
measure up 2 (5 cm) and right 1 (2.5 cm).
3. Complete all cross stitches with two ply of
DMC six stranded cotton or metallic thread
according to the symbol key.
4. The chart needs to be repeated twice
horizontally. The only row to be stitched once
is the far right row.
5. Complete all Scottish stitches with two ply
of DMC 973.
6. Complete the backstitch on the trees with
two ply of DMC E3852.
7. Straight stitch the outside of the roses with
two ply of DMC 760.
8. Extend the two side borders (single row
of cross stitch) right to the top end of the fabric
leaving a 2 (5 cm) seam at the end.
9. Turn the fabric 180 degrees and repeat
all the stitching at the other end.
10. At each end, fringe the 2 (5 cm) seam by
removing the horizontal threads.
11. To create a decorate fringe: take 8 vertical
fringe threads, count across another 8, then
take the next 8 and knot together. Do not knot
the centre 8. Take the 8 threads in the centre
and knot with the next 8. Repeat along the
entire fringe.
12. Trim the long sides to 1 seam if they are
not already. Fold over 1/2 then 1/2 again
towards the back. Iron and slipstitch into place
with matching sewing thread.
Symbol Key
Symbol
DMC
3328
561
760
3816
E3852
Ottoman Table Runner Chart
Product Profile
The LTS mission is to expand the needlework community.
They endeavour to do this by supplying members with
much needed up-to-date information on all the happenings
within the community. We know stitchers LOVE to be the
first to know about the latest and greatest.
At LTS we will ALWAYS bring it to you one Loose Thread
at a time!
Loose Thread Stitchers is a needlework website that
enables stitchers to find out EVERYTHING they need to
know about needlework. It offers stitchers the ability to
find information regarding cross stitch, needlepoint, quilting,
crochet and knitting all in one place. No more searching
the internet for outdated and incomplete information!
The LTS website is unique in the fact that the industry
professionals add unique company information to the
website. Shops, designers, manufacturers, magazines,
consumer shows, etc., all have the ability to add their one
of a kind company offerings to the website. This not only
limits errors in information communication, but makes all
the information current and up-to-date. As an added bonus
- they can also add the information AT ANY TIME! This
means if a shop decides to hold a last minute sale, they
can add that information to our site and it will post
IMMEDIATELY! How great is that? No more wondering
when events are held, who has the latest and the greatest
and where to find it, IT IS ALL HERE!!!!!
Special Discount for TGOSM Readers
We will be launching our website this month and offering
all TGOSM readers a discount for joining during February.
Instead of paying $15 US for a years membership, pay
only $10 US.
Please join their Yahoo group:
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LooseThreadStitch
ersCrossStitch/) for more information or visit their website:
www.loosethreadstitchers.com
What does LTS offer?
*
*
*
*
*
Interviews with designers, manufacturers, distributors
- you can even submit your questions!!
Information regarding the who, what where and why
of retreats, classes, charity events, new releases,
consumer shows from all 50 United States.
The ability to contact shops from across the United
States regarding products that are unavailable in your
area.
Tips, tricks and reviews of new products that make
needlework easier.
100s of dollars worth of prizes each month
and MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!
FEBRUARY 2008 COMPETITION
This month we are giving away 10 one year memberships
to the Loose Thread Stitchers website.
To enter go to:
www.thegiftofstitching.com/competition.php
St. Jerome's Cross
Design size: 48 x 48 stitches
14/28 count: 3 1/2" (8.5 cm) square
16/32 count: 3" (7.5 cm) square
18/36 count: 2 2/3" (7 cm) square
20/40 count: 2 1/2" (6 cm) square
Add another 4 (10 cm) to each side for framing.
The model has been stitched on 20 count Lugana,
Irish Hillside by Sugar Maple Fabrics.
Use one ply of DMC six stranded cotton to complete
all Holbein stitching (double running stitch) according
to the symbol key. Stitch diagram in on page 31.
Symbol Key
Line Symbol
DMC
550
554
699
820
939
972
Blackwork is a very old form of embroidery dating back to the Sixteenth Century. It is traditionally stitched with black thread on white using the Holbein Stitch. It was
used to decorate clothing. Lynne Herzberg has taken this traditional form of embroidery and applied it to todays fabrics and threads. Join us in this column as Lynne
experiments with lines and textures to create designs that are colourful and relevant to todays stitcher.
St. Jerome's Cross Chart
Feature Pattern
Four Seasons by Pam Smith of the Prairie Schooler
In our September 2007 issue, we interviewed Pam Smith of Prairie Schooler and she designed us a little
Autumn Pinkeep. A subscriber wrote and asked if there would be three more seasons to complete the set.
We thought, What a great idea!, and we asked Pam if she would be keen to design the rest of the seasons.
Here it is! Four Seasons by Prairie Schooler can stitched as one sampler or make into four little pinkeeps.
We provide instructions (on the next page) for both.
Visit the Prairie Schooler and see all their beautiful designs.
www.prairieschooler.com
Feature Pattern
Four Seasons by Pam Smith of the Prairie Schooler
linen from Wichelt.
Four Seasons Sampler
14/28 count: 5 1/2" x 5" (14 x 13 cm)
16/32 count: 4 5/6" x 4 1/2" (12 x 11.5 cm)
18/36 count: 4 1/3" x 4" (11 x 10 cm)
20/40 count: 3 7/8" x 3 1/2" (9.5 x 9 cm)
Four Seasons Pinkeeps
Design size of each pinkeep: 34 x 31 stitches
Use two ply of DMC six stranded cotton over two linen
threads according to the symbol key.
Use one ply of DMC six stranded cotton over two linen
threads for backstitching according to the instructions
below.
Summer: Windows in DMC 407 and border in DMC 898.
Autumn: Windows in DMC 3828 and border in DMC 3371.
Spring: Windows in DMC 407 and border in DMC 898.
Finished stitched area of each pinkeep:
14/28 count: 2 3/8" x 2 1/4" (6 x 5.5 cm)
16/32 count: 2 1/8" x 2" (5.5 x 5 cm)
18/36 count: 1 7/8" x 1 3/4" (5 x 4.5 cm)
20/40 count: 1 2/3" x 1 1/2" (4.5 x 4 cm)
Winter: Eyes in DMC 3371, windows in DMC 355, nose in
DMC 3826 and border in DMC 3362.
Add another 2 (5 cm) to each side for finishing.
Materials Needed for each pinkeep
The models have been stitched on 32 count Lambswool
-
Pinkeep Finishing Instructions
Roller blade, ruler and cutting mat
Glue, scissors
Matching sewing thread
Cardboard
Quilters batting
Matching cotton fabric
Small black headed pins (model used Dritz #79 Color
Ball Pins, Size 17-1 1/16)
1. Trim the stitched piece so it has a seam of 1/2.
2. Cut two pieces of cardboard and quilters batting slightly
bigger than the size of the design.
3. Cut one piece of matching cotton fabric the same size
as the stitched piece.
4. Glue the batting to the cardboard and then centre the
stitched piece over the batting and cardboard.
5. Turn over, clip the corners, and glue the excess fabric
to the back of the cardboard.
6. Repeat with other piece of cardboard, batting and the
piece of matching fabric.
7. Place the two pieces wrong sides together and slip
stitch around the edge.
8. Insert matching pins as in the model.
Symbol Key
Feature Pattern - Left Chart
Feature Pattern - Right Chart
Valentine Bookmark and Hearts
by Melinda Medeiros of Medeiros Needlecraft Design
February 14th is the day when many send
their loved ones chocolates, roses and love
notes. This lovely collection of hearts designed
by Melinda Medeiros can add a special touch
to your Valentine gift. The bookmark has been
stitched on linen and then the heart motif has
been adapted for perforated paper. The little
hearts can be slipped into a letter or used to
tie the envelope closed. They look lovely. See
more of Melinda Medeiros designs at her
website: www.needlecraftdesign.com
Finished stitched area of bookmark:
14/28 count: 2 1/2" x 6 1/3" (6 x 16 cm)
16/32 count: 2 1/8" x 5 1/2" (5.5 x 14 cm)
18/36 count: 1 7/8" x 4 7/8" (5 x 12.5 cm)
20/40 count: 1 2/3" x 4 3/8" (4.5 x 11 cm)
Add another 1 (2.5 cm) to each side for finishing.
Stitch diagrams are on page 31.
The bookmark model has been stitched on 28 count Vintage Cashel Linen,
Country Mocha by Zweigart using six stranded hand dyed thread from The
Gentle Art.
1. Top heart: Stitch the Smyrna Crosses with
two ply of GAST Geranium 7036 (DMC 3832).
2. Middle heart: Stitch the Algerian Eyelets
with two ply of GAST Hibiscus 0780 (DMC
961).
3. Bottom heart: Stitch the Algerian Eyelets with two ply of GAST Holly Berry 0311
(DMC 347).
4. Stitch each Rhodes Heart with two ply of GAST Holly Berry 0311 (DMC 347).
5. Backstitch the lettering and French Knot with one ply of GAST Raspberry Parfait
(DMC 3721).
6. Stitch the border in Four-sided and Hem stitch with one ply of GAST Geranium
7036 (DMC 3832).
Bookmark Finishing Instructions
1. Trim the two long edges right to the edge of the stitching.
Be careful not to snip the actual stitching.
2. At the top short edge, count up five linen threads and cut.
Remove the horizontal linen threads to create a fringe. Repeat
with the bottom short edge.
Perforated Paper Hearts
The little perforated paper hearts have been stitched with the
top heart motif from the bookmark on cream 14 count perforated
paper. A long piece of matching thread is cut and wound around
the envelope twice. Each end is then threaded through the
centre stitch on the heart from back to front. A bow is tied and
the ends evenly trimmed.
Valentine Bookmark and Hearts Chart
Historic Countries Mystery Sampler & Chatelaine
by Yvonne Horn of Papillon Creations
Part Six - Spain
We are now halfway! If youve managed to keep up, well done. If not, then why not join our Yahoo group
for some encouragement: www.thegiftofstitching.com/chat.php
This month we bring you Part Six which is samplers from Spain. If youve seen a Spanish antique
sampler, youll know they are usually square with lots of satin stitching and eyelets. The satin stitches
really show off the variegation in the hand dyed silks. The matching chatelaine piece is a pinkeep.
Spanish Samplers
by Philippa Corvin Czarnodolska
Part Six
Spanish Samplers
History
In Spanish, samplers are called
Dechados or Abecedarios. There
seem to be fewer surviving examples
of Spanish sampler making than of
other countries, but those which exist
indicate that Spain had an individual
style of extremely decorative samplers
and that a very high quality of stitching
was expected of Spanish girls.
The majority of Spanish samplers
in museums or private collections
today date from the late 17th or early
18th Century, but sampler making
occurred much earlier than this: an
inventory of Joan the Mad in 1509
lists 50 samplers worked in silk and
gold thread!
It is probable that embroidery was
taught in convent schools and that
most samplers were made under the
watchful eyes of the nuns. Titled
widows and dowry-less daughters
were often forced to chose a convent
life and they must have stitched and
taught stitching. Spanish samplers
often have the name of the teacher
as well as that of the maker on them.
The stitchers name and date are
often to be found embroidered around
the central motif rather than across
the bottom.
Form
Spanish samplers are for the most
part very large and more or less
square, though band types do exist.
They are often finished with a hem
and tassels or ribbon bows at each
corner as if they were meant to be
displayed on a table. There is
generally an important central motif,
often heraldic or religious, and all
around this there are bands of border
patterns of varying width, worked from
each side in turn. These borders
usually occupy all the ground cloth
and the pieces are very densely
stitched.
Colours
Spanish samplers were stitched in
brilliantly colored silk particularly in
blues, golds and greens. Silk was
produced in Spain from about the 7th
Century, probably introduced by the
Arabs, so there was a tradition of fine
Spanish Samplers Continued...
thread for the sampler maker to
choose from. The widespread use of
Satin stitch embroidery showed off
the shine of the silks to best
advantage.
Stitches
The border patterns are embroidered
in a variety of stitches including Satin
stitch, Drawn Thread work, backstitch,
Double Running stitch, Eyelet and
varieties of cross stitch. Sometimes
borders of voided work are included.
Double Running stitch was also
known as Spanish stitch as it was
believed to have been introduced to
England by Catherine of Aragon.
Actually the stitch probably came to
Spain with the Arabs, as it was the
preferred stitch on Islamic Egyptian
samplers.
with the priests (to
convert the natives),
came the nuns to teach
the little girls. They
brought with them their
own particular style of
sampler making, but the
atmosphere of Mexico
must have influenced
them as well because
Mexican samplers are
freer and less
constrained than Spanish
ones. The colours are
brighter and Mexican
samplers were worked in
many more types of
stitches including Aztec
stitch. Mexican samplers
often include stylized
birds and animals
resembling preColombian art.
Motifs
Spanish samplers sometimes have
an alphabet, but never more than one
and they never include religious verse.
The border patterns are generally
geometric and non figurative, and
many are similar to those in early
pattern books. The use of geometric
borders may also be a heritage of the
Arabs who ruled in parts of Spain from
the early 8th Century to the end of
15th Century. Some patterns show a
marked resemblance to traditional tile
decorations or carpets. The centre
motif was frequently a double-headed
eagle, which was part of the arms of
the Habsburg monarchy, who ruled
Spain in the 16th Century. The
imperial eagle, symbol of the Holy
Roman Empire is shown with two
heads as it rules over both East and
West. Some samplers have diagonal
corner motifs like those on German
samplers, an indication of a common
origin. The eight pointed star, the
Lozenge, the S and the X patterns
commonly found on Spanish samplers
are all probably of Arab origin instead.
Top Right
An example of a typical
square Spanish sampler,
early 19th Century.
Bottom Right
An example of a 19th
Century band sampler
from Mexico.
Images courtesy of The
Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston.
Bibliography
- Samplers in the European
Tradition: Mustertuch, Merklap,
Sampler, Dechado by
Kathleen Staples and Margriet
Hogue; Curious Works Press,
2000.
- Samplers by Carol
Humphrey; Cambridge
University Press, 1997.
- Samplers from the Victoria
and Albert Museum by Clare
Browne and Jennifer
Wearden; V&A Publications,
1999.
Mexican Samplers
Mexican samplers are in many ways
very similar to Spanish ones and are
also characterized by their border
patterns. After the conquest of Mexico
in the 16th Century, Spain introduced
the Roman Catholic religion and along
Mystery Sampler Stitching Instructions
Part Six - Spain
Holbein stitch: Work this area with one ply of DD Charcoal
/ GAST Soot / DMC 3799.
See Issue 20 September 2007 for general stitching
instructions and thread/symbol keys.
Work in cross stitch using one ply of thread according
to the symbol key.
This months stitching is the bottom left corner of the
sampler. The greyed out area shows the overlap with the
stitching from Part Five - Holland.
Band F
Satin stitch: Work this area with two ply of DD Sunflower
/ GAST Summer Meadow / DMC 743.
Band A
Four-sided stitch and Satin stitch: Work this area with two
ply of DD Outback / GAST Burnt Orange / DMC 722.
Band B
Herringbone stitch and Double backstitch: Work this area
with one ply of DD Ocean Pines / GAST Deep Sea / DMC
3808.
Band C
Double backstitch: Work this area with one ply of DD
Ocean Pines / GAST Deep Sea / DMC 3808.
Band D
Satin stitch: Work this area with two ply of DD Ningaloo/
GAST Blue Jay / DMC 322.
Band E
Band G
Cross stitch and Satin stitch: Work the cross stitch according
to the key.
Work the Satin stitches inside the cross stitch diamonds
with two ply of DD Hawtorn / GAST Cidermill Brown / DMC
3045.
Work the Satin stitches outside the cross stitch diamonds
with two ply of DD Natural / GAST Picket Fence / DMC
White.
Band H
Satin stitch: Work this area with two ply of DD Aquamarine
/ GAST Tropical Ocean / DMC 597.
Band I
Satin stitch: Work the large satin stitch diamonds and
backstitch tendrils with two ply of DD Dreamtime / GAST
Midnight / DMC 311. See diagram on the next page.
Work the stars inside the diamonds and the partial stars
outside the diamonds with two ply of DD Lemon Sherbet
/ GAST Apricot Blush / DMC 3531.
320 stitches high
Historic Countries Sampler Layout
Part Six - Spain
510 stitches wide
Motif L
Algerian Eyelets and backstitch: Work this area with two
ply of DD Kakadoo / GAST Shutter Green / DMC 989.
Motif J
Smyrna Cross and Partial Divided Eyelets: Work this area
with two ply of DD Cabernet / GAST Purple Iris / DMC
208. See page 31 for Smyrna Cross diagram. Partial
Divided Eyelet Diagram below.
Motif M
Backstitch and Partial Divided Eyelets 2: Work the
backstitch (shown in black on the diagram) with two ply
of DD Sunflower / GAST Summer Meadow / DMC 743.
Work the Partial Divided Eyelet 2 (shown in white on the
diagram) with two ply of DD Swan Valley / GAST Pine /
DMC 520.
Motif K
Algerian Eyelet, Diamond Eyelet and backstitch: Work this
area with two ply of DD Kaylas Rose / GAST Cranberry
/ DMC 815. See page 31 for the Algerian Eyelet diagram.
Diamond Eyelet diagram is at the top of the next column.
Chatelaine Instructions and Chart
Mystery Chatelaine Part Six
Spanish Satin Pinkeep
The model for this design uses a piece of 32 count linen
from Stitches and Spice - Spice Blend, Celtic. Cut two
pieces of linen 10 cm (4) square.
Refer to Issue 20 September 2007 for the layout of
the Chatelaine pieces and symbol/thread key.
Start stitching from the centre of each piece.
1. Work the Satin stitch diamond and the Partial Eyelets
with two ply of DD Pacific Ocean.
2. Work the inner star on the front using two ply of DD
Natural.
3. Work your initials and date using one ply of DD Pacific
Ocean.
4. Work the outer backstitch line with two ply of DD Pacific
Ocean.
Finishing Instructions
Materials Needed
-
Thin quilters batting
Two small pieces of stiff cardboard
Matching pearl headed pins
Scissors or roller blade, matt and ruler
Glue (of if you prefer, strong thread for lacing)
3. Cut two squares of quilters batting to slightly smaller
than the cardboard.
4. Glue each piece of quilters batting to each piece of
cardboard.
5. Trim the two stitched pieces to 1 cm (3/8) from the
backstitch line.
6. Place the cardboard on the wrong side of the stitched
piece, so the batting is against the back of the stitching.
Glue the seam allowance to the back of the cardboard
and clip the corners.
7. Place the two wrong sides of the pinkeep together to
make a sandwich. Using two ply of DD Pacific Ocean,
slipstitch through the backstitches, taking care not to pierce
the fabric.
8. Insert pearl headed pins between the two layers of the
sandwich.
9. Finished!
You can purchase the fabric and thread kits
for the mystery sampler and chatelaine
from Stitches and Spice.
www.stitchesandspice.com.au
(Click on Gift of Stitching Kits)
1. Iron each piece on the back.
2. Cut two pieces of stiff card to 6.3 cm (2 1/2) square.
Spain Chart - Left
Spain Chart - Right
by Helga Mandl
Perfect Love
14/28 count: 3 1/4" x 5" (8 x 13 cm)
16/32 count: 2 5/6" x 4 1/2" (7 x 11.5 cm)
18/36 count: 2 1/2" x 4" (6.5 x 10 cm)
20/40 count: 2 1/4" x 3 1/2" (6 x 9 cm)
Remember to add 4 (10 cm) to each side for framing.
The model has been stitched on Wichelts 16 count Misty
Blue Aida.
Symbol Key
5

x
T
S

P
M
{
DMC
white
310
722
3687
963
972
937
829
3340/727/367
Anchor
1
403
323
68
73
298
268
906
329/293/217
Six Strand Sweets
Mango
Use two ply of six stranded cotton for all cross stitches
according to the symbol key. Use one ply of DMC 310
(Anchor 403) to backstitch and two ply of DMC White
(Anchor 1) to complete the Smyrna Crosses (snowflakes).
Helga Mandl is bringing us a seasonal whimsical delight every month. Collect them all, they will be quick to stitch and make great
gifts. Helga is a cross stitch designer from Croatia. Visit her website at http://free-pu.t-com.hr/hmdesigns/index.html
by Helga Mandl
Stitch Diagrams
Each thread you see here equals one thread on evenweave or linen fabric.
Come up to the right side of the fabric with odd numbers, and go down with even numbers.
4
2
2
2
1
3
1
1
Cross Stitch Half Stitch Quarter Stitch
5
3
1
4
2
1
3
3
41
2
Petite Stitch
Backstitch
11 3
6 8
9 5
4 10
6
4
8
5
Satin Stitch
1
3
4
2
49
2
12
8
7
6 11
13
Double-Backstitch
3
1
3 10
7
4
2
6
9
16
13
14
11 18
15
17
4
7
8
6
2
2
11
9
1
7
5
3
Smyrna Cross Stitch
15
14
11 18
8
5 12
16
13
5
Algerian Eyelet
(over 4, 8 legs)
10
6...
8
5 12
9
7
Double-Running or Holbein stitch (Blackwork)15
2
3 10
7
Four-Sided Stitch
1
2 12
4
2
6
7
1
1
17
Step 1
Combination Four-sided
and Hem Stitch
(Valentine Bookmark)
5
4
3
3
1
Rhodes Heart Stitch
1
11
8 10
6
7
2
5
9
Step 2
This is the last page and a nice one at that!
Our next issue is Issue 26 March 2008. Our feature designer is Primrose Needlework, we interview Laura
Lattuada from Passione Ricamo and we have some lovely goodies to giveaway from Vikki Claytons Hand Dyed
Fibres.
This magazine has been written in Australasian English.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue.
Any queries regarding this publication should be submitted to the Editor:
The Gift of Stitching Pty Ltd
Kirsten Edwards
33 Waterford St, Kellyville Ridge, NSW 2155
Australia
[email protected]
See our website for information regarding advertising. We now sell subscription wholesale to retailers. To find
out more contact [email protected]
COPYRIGHT: The Gift of Stitching Pty Ltd 2006-2008
All patterns in this issue have been published with permission from the designers. This magazine is under
copyright. It is illegal to republish or distribute in print or electronically either in part or whole.