Needlework Nibbles

This project was inspired by the pincushion in the Martha Edlin casket using a different pattern but a similar color scheme.  A small piece, 2" x 2.5", it is worked on 24-count Rain Barrel with Soie Paris threads.  A piece of wonderful real silk velvet is included for the backing.  A perfect quick project as it requires very little counting and is large scale!   

The instructions are free and available for download

At least a half dozen embroidered cabinets are known to have small posies inside built out of silk braids and wire. The lacet braids are whip-stitched together at their edges in patterns to make petals while wires are wrapped with silk floss to make stems that can be attached to the braid petals. My reproduction lacets are made just for this purpose and come in many colors. 

Try these instructions to make your own pansy to place in a drawer of your casket - or use the instruction to inspire you to make a whole bouquet of flowers to display in a small bud vase.

Something to keep the lacet braid from raveling is useful.  You can use fray check or Japanese rice glue.  You can buy a tube from the pull down menu.

Make a set of these 2.5" long gloves by whip-stitching lacet braid along the edge to itself.  They were inspired by a set that were found in the Martha Edlin Casket at the V&A.  Many caskets had small projects in them that the girls made, perhaps as starter projects.  

This kit contains the lacet braid, soie paris threads, gold thread, needle and contact paper and muslin needed.  The instructions are available here for free.

It is helpful to have something to protect the ends from fraying while working.  Fray check or Japanese rice glue works well.  You can buy Japanese rice glue from the pull down menu.

A new needlework nibble!  

This is a super simple ornament that uses couched 1/8 Tresse de Sofie (choose either gold or silver) to make the calligraphy design in minutes.  Then spend a little longer making the creative  edging to the ornament with applied silk facette - using its wire as an advantage to make shapes off the ornament.  I finished it with some purls and check to give a heavier Renaissance-inspired edge.  This is the first in a series of ornaments taking advantage of many of the passementerie threads and what they can do as the edging of simple ornaments. 

Choose either gold or silver!  If you like red instead, order the materials for that version separately too.

The instructions are for free download on the teaching site: https://thistle-threads.thinkific.com.  Make a free account and download.

Kit Includes:  Linen, Silk Backing, Noir Soie Paris, Noir Silk Facette Gimp, Noir Silk Wrapped Purl, 1/8 Tresse de Soie (either gold or silver), and Gilt Special Diamond Check or Silver Check #6