The goal of Thistle Threads is to bring back techniques from the past in a manner that appeals to the embroiderer of today. I strive to provide you with a quality experience and search the world for fabulous materials to enhance the time you spend on your creation. My mission is to:
Where Time Meets Thread
Step into a world where history is not just studied but touched and transformed. Thistle Threads, in collaboration with the legendary Au Ver à Soie and Access Commodities, brings you The Cabinet of Curiosities Historic Colors Collection—an exquisite line of silks that evokes the artistry of a bygone age. Drawing inspiration from the rich hues of the 17th and 18th centuries, this collection is a tribute to the centuries-old art of natural dyeing. A living, breathing palette, now reimagined for modern hands to create.
Imagine, if you will, the painstaking artistry of the period—samplers stitched by candlelight, stumpwork caskets with intricate designs whispered from one generation to the next. This collection is made to capture that same spirit. Each strand, custom-dyed to perfection, replicates the natural tones that once graced the silkwork of a gilded age, enabling you to recreate those delicate shades in your own work. Bask in the depth of hues meticulously crafted to mimic the nuances of ancient dyes. Thistle Threads has curated a selection of threads designed to evoke the historical richness of the past, offering a stunning array of fibers in a wealth of shaded color families.
In perfect harmony with this ethereal array is a thoughtful, structured system designed for maximum flexibility and precision. The tones flow seamlessly from one thread line to the next, ensuring that whether you are working in fine detail or full coverage, there is a perfect match to suit your needs. Each family, carefully organized for every possible application, guarantees the perfect balance between delicate accents and bold statements.
The inherent beauty of this collection lies in its versatility. The colors are not just a reflection of nature but a carefully crafted framework to complement all forms of needlework. The ease with which you can match couching threads to your work ensures that every stitch is a harmonious note in a well-composed symphony, with no discordant stitch to break the flow.
As you thread your needle, know that you are not simply recreating a pattern. You are stitching a piece of history, where every thread is a tribute to the artistry of a time long past. Whether you are creating a historic sampler or an embroidered casket, The Cabinet of Curiosities Historic Colors Collection brings an age-old palette to life once again. Let each thread tell a story, and may your needle carry it forward, stitch by stitch.
Join me on the "Great Embroidery Tour" on YouTube!
I’ll be visiting thread manufacturers, interviewing embroidery experts, and exploring museums and exhibits to uncover the stories behind needlework. Ever wondered how threads are made? What it took to recreate casket materials? Or how research uncovers old techniques?
These videos dive into the fascinating history of embroidery and the people—both famous and anonymous—who shaped it.
Visiting the samplers at Vassar College from many countries
An interview with Rebecca Scott at her exhibit of 17th century embroidery
Delightful interview with Alexandra Peters. Samplers from famous literary families, free black families, and more
