In 2021, I embarked on a year long project combining historical research with practical application of embroidery techniques. Each month I completed a different needle case based on a different embroidery technique.
This project was life changing in that it opened my eyes to different styles I would not have set out to do, and led to many hours of up close contemplation of historical pieces, pattern making and of course: stitching!
Project Overview
Initially I set out to make one needle case each month of the year to complete one of each of the 12 categories for Athenas Thimble. However, in June I was delayed by the time consuming nature of Opus Anglicanum work and decided to roll that needle case into my August Goldwork piece. Then in September I spent the better part of two weeks pulling threads for my needle lace needle case, and thus had no energy to contemplate more pulled thread Embroidery for October, and thus 10 Needle cases were completed.
January
Applique
The first needle case based on the Appliqued seal bag with the Arms of Edward I, now in the collection of Westminster Abbey.
February
Blackwork
This month’s needlework design was in Blackwork, a style of monochromatic embroidery popular in sixteenth century England. This pattern was based off of a 1570s coif in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
March
German Brick Stitch on Canvas
This month’s needle case was done in German Brick Stitch, a canvas design based on a large fourteenth century wall hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
April
Laid and Couched
This month’s needle case was stitched in Laid and Couched work based on a lion in the marginalia of the Bayeau Tapestry.
May
Counted Work
This month’s needle case was done in Italian Cross Stitch and was based on an extant pattern from a sixteenth century model book.
June
Free Embroidery
This month’s needle case was stitched in split stitch using fine single ply silk thread. It is a recreation of the face of St. Catherine from the Butler-Bowden Cope in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Unfinished Needle Case Later Completed with goldwork in August
July
Lacis
This month’s needle case was done in the complex technique of lacis in linen stitch on a ready made canvas ground. It is based off of an extant “end of a cover” in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
August
Goldwork
This month I finished my free embroidery needle case with goldwork in underside couching.
September
Drawn Thread
This month’s needle case was made using a drawn thread and needle lace techniques in linen thread based off of a pattern in an extant sixteenth century model book.
October
Drawn and Pulled Thread
September and October of 2021 were difficult months for me. This month I lost a dear friend and patron. I struggle with motivation, and ultimately neither planned nor completed a needle case, but… one should be completed soon.
November
Raised Work
This month’s needle case is perhaps my favorite, and was made using a padded detached buttonhole stitch and a goldwork braid stitch. It is based off of a coif from the Victoria and Albert Museum.
December
Smocking
This month’s needle case was darning over pleats, often called smocking work based on the chemise of Mary of Hapsburg
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The Inevitable Scadian 