I made a small sample of embroidery for my 19th-century-style sampler book, based on patterns drawn by 19th-century designer Sarah Bland. You can see more of her designs at the V and A Collections here.
I am no expert embroiderer but I should do more of it because it’s enjoyable and very satisfying. I found that using two colours in one needle gave a nice variegated effect on the daisies (grey with white) and the French knots (red and apricot).
I had a bit of left over hardanger fabric so I did a few random freestyle stitches.
I must say I rather like the bits of marker showing through … more to the point (ha), your choice of designs and the color blending with which you worked them feel both contemporary and very much of their time … the background silk is likewise very easy on the eyes … this is a wonderful addition to your sampler book
Thank you 😊 Actually I don’t mind the marker pen showing up so much either, this is only a rough sample after all. Sarah Bland’s embroidery designs wouldn’t look at all out of place today, they are very pretty.
The little bit of variation from the two threads in the needle is just enough to lift the simple designs, isn’t it. A success, for sure!