Lace Exploration Series: Embroidered Lace

This series provides the opportunity to learn about the history of and techniques for creating a variety of handmade laces.

Background/History:

This style of needlework utilizes embroidery techniques to create a lacy effect. These are an ancient techniques with extant examples dated to the 1st century AD in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. Variations spread through Italy and the Mediterranean countries and north into the rest of Europe, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavian countries.

Sources: http://www.embroiderersguildwa.org.au/Types%20of%20Embroidery/DrawnThread.htm http://www.lacemakerslace.oddquine.co.uk/history.html

"Drawn thread work is a form of counted-thread embroidery based on removing threads from the warp and/or the weft of a piece of even-weave fabric. The remaining threads are grouped or bundled together into a variety of patterns." Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drawnthreadwork

"Pulled Thread: When embroidery threads are stitched with tension to produce an open patterned lacy effect to the fabric. No fabric threads have been removed from the fabric. Drawn Thread: When fabric threads are removed from the fabric and then embroidery stitches are placed around the fabric thread grid to form an open lacy look. Tension is used 90% of the time." Source: http://www.jmddesigns.co.nz/tutorials/pulledthreadtutorial.htm ...more on the difference between Pulled and Drawn Thread: http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitchology/pulled-vs-drawn-thread/

"Hardanger Embroidery is named after a region in southwest Norway in the county of Hordaland by the Hardanger Fjord. However, it is thought to have originated from the Middle East. From there it spread to Europe with ties to the Reticella and Venetian needle laces." Source: http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques/hardanger-embroidery/

Tutorials:

• Pulled Thread Tutorials:

http://www.lynxlace.com/pulledthreadtutorial.html

http://www.lynxlace.com/pulledthreadtutorial2.html

• Drawn Thread Tutorials:

http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/04/drawn-thread-embroidery-tutorials.html (This entire site is AMAZING for embroidery tips, techniques, and patterns.)

http://heritageshoppe.com/heritage/stitches/drawnthread.html

• Drawn Thread instruction booklet from 1895 (in two parts):

http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/pub/PDF/DMCDrawn1.pdf

http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/pub/PDF/DMCDrawn2.pdf

Regional Variations:

• Hardanger (Norwegian):

http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques/hardanger-embroidery/

http://www.jmddesigns.co.nz/tutorials/hardanger_tutorial.htm

• Punto Antico (Italian) vs Hardanger:

http://enbrouderie.com/2011/09/22/punto-antico-vs-hardanger/

• Ukrainian Drawn Thread:

http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques/ukrainian-drawn-thread/

• Schwalm (German):

http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques/schwalm/

• Naversom (Swedish):

http://www.jmddesigns.co.nz/tutorials/naversom_tutorial.htm

Project Suggestions:

Hardanger projects:

• http://www.nordicneedle.net/swag/ (Scroll down to Hardanger)

• http://www.victoriasampler.com/Free_Patterns/ (Hardanger is mixed in with other cross stitch)

• http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/home.php?cat=64

Pulled thread projects:

• Needlebook: http://carorose.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/hem-no1.html

• Bookmarks: http://www.lynxlace.com/pulledthreadtutorial2.html

• Heart ornament: http://www.needleart.org/Charts/Hearts/pulled/

Drawn thread projects:

• http://www.interweave.com/needle/projects/drawnthread.asp

The Swap:

• Create a small project for your partner utilizing any of the embroidered lace techniques.
• Minimum project is a bookmark, but you are welcome to make something more elaborate if you wish. Please spend at least a couple of hours working on the project.
• Send a completed item. If you need more time, send a message to your partner and swap host.
• Include a short note to your partner telling about your experiences learning about this style of lacemaking.

Remember, this is an opportunity to learn (it is possible that your partner may never have embroidered before).... please be respectful.

If you have any questions or you run into problems after the sign-up date has passed, please contact me, Cirsium.

Image source: http://www.needleart.org/Charts/Hearts/pulled/