Thistle Threads, in collaboration with Au Ver à Soie and Access Commodities, has developed a Historical Color Line that replicates the rich palette of naturally dyed silks from the 17th and 18th centuries, making it easier than ever to achieve shaded work. The Cabinet of Curiosities Historic Colors collection features a curated selection of silks that are specifically matched to the historical dyes used in embroidery from this period. Perfect for samplers, embroidery, and stumpwork, this collection offers a range of thread types available through Thistle Threads, ensuring consistency in color across Soie Paris, Soie Ovale, Soie Perlee, Soie Gobelin, and the vast array of specialized threads and trims.
The accompanying color chart is an invaluable tool for stitchers, helping them to choose threads that complement each other by matching color numbers across different thread lines. The names of threads, such as silk purls and gilt sylke twist, were carefully researched by Lamora Haidar of Access Commodities. Lamora spent hours poring over historical dye recipes, cross-referencing them with 17th-century color names with naturally dyed wool collections to determine what these silks would have looked like.
While changes in packaging over time led to the adoption of a numerical system, Lamora's dedication to preserving the historical names brings the past to life. As I’ve reviewed primary source documents, I can almost visualize an embroidered Incarnadine flower border on a Plunket-coloured satin, thanks to the depth of Lamora’s research into historical color.
