Introduction
These links are a collection that I have found interesting or useful. Because I know how frustrating it can be to weed through many pages of embroidery sites to actually find some that relate to historical embroidery, I have included them here. I have tried to make certain that these links have actual content and are not simply lists of links. If someone knows of a link that I should include, please send me a message. My email address is clare_de_estepa AT hotmail.com
Because there are a lot of links, I have tried several different methods of organizing them. As internet browsers have changed their security requirements with active controls, I am no longer using a drop down menu and the long list has returned. While the drop down menu made it easier to scan small sections, some of the more security conscious browers began making it difficult to peruse the links. In an effort to make the long list more manageable, I will be including the navigation table below at the beginning of each section. It is my hope that this will ease long list syndrome and not make it more unweildy.
Any link that is preceded by this leaf leads to another page on my site. I have had two different opinions about this technique. One one hand, I worry that it would appear as if I am completely full of myself. On the other hand, I thought it would be more helpful for anyone wishing to study a certain topic. So, in the hopes of making it more user friendly, I have linked my own work here.
Any link that is preceded by a leaf is written by someone who is a known Laurel within the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Any link that is preceded by the word 'New' is a brand new link that I have added to this page.
Any link that is preceded by the word 'Updated' is an old link with a new web address.
Articles, Magazines, and General Research
Anne Wanner's Textiles in History: An on-line newsletter with really interesting articles. Take time to look at each of the newsletters. Because there is no indicated of content or description, there is no telling what interesting information each newsletter contains.
Brief History of Embroidery Samplers: Explains the function of sampler through the ages and the different types of samplers that were used.
Diaper Patterns: Written by Kandace Merric and published by the American Needlepoint Guild. The article defines and explains the development of diaper patterns. Bibliography included.
Heraldic Embroidery: PDF article written by Senhora Rafaella d'Allemtejo.
Historic Needlework Resources: A light survey of needlework from various time periods and cultures, includes some pictures.
Introduction to the Coptic Art of Egypt: As the title indicates, it discusses the development of Coptic Art in Egypt.
Opus Anglicanum, An English Art: Article written by Lady Genevieve d'Valois.
The Scythians - Their Art and Needlework: A short article written by Lady Genevieve d'Valois.
Skinner Sisters: A wonderful page of historical embroidery. It is a must-see!
Slips from Late 16th / Early 17th Century: Explanation of the embroidery slip and its uses.
A Timeless History of Tapestry and Wall Hangings: Brief overview of historical tapestries, pictures included.
Tapetes de Arraiolos: Article on Portuguese Needlework rugs written by
Senhora Rafaella d'Allemtejo in October 2001.
Viking Embroidery Stitches and Motifs : Detailed essay, with pictures, examining the embroidery styles of Scandinavia during the Viking Era. Written by Carolyn Priest-Dorman.
Bibliographies Devoted to Embroidery
Clare's Favorite Embroidery Books: This is my anotated bibliography. It is organized in alphabetical order by author.
Auntie Elspeth Reviews Embroidery and Needlework Books : Mistress Elspeth has compiled an anotated bibliography which is organized by subject
Karen Larsdatter's Embroidery Bibliography: A nice listing of many interesting titles. Organized into sections by subject matter.
Review of Embroidery Sources: An anotated bibliography by Lady Genevieve d'Valois.
SCA Arts List-Serve Citation Index: Embroidery : Includes many different styles of embroidery and related information. There is a section where books are recommended by author, nationality, or title.
Survey of Medieval Needlework: A PDF article written by Mestra Rafaella d'Allemtejo.
Blackwork Links
Clare's Blackworked Pouch: There is a picture and the accompanying documentation for my very first Arts and Science Project.
Blackwork Embroidery - Stitches Through Time: British site with an actual picture of a 16th century blackwork slip.
Blackwork - An Introduction: Written by Carol Algie Higginbotham and published by the American Needlepoint Guild.
Blackwork Embroidery Archives: Original and historically inspired blackwork patterns by Paula Kate Marmor.
Elizabethan Practical Companion - Blackwork Gallery: A gallery collection of portraits in which the people are wearing some type of Blackwork.
Jane Seymour's Blackworked Cuff: Lorraine Behrens charted Jane Seymour's cuff.
Katherine Rowberd's Blackwork Designs: Lady Katherine has charted out the embroidery found on two different portraits.
Book Covers and Girdle Books
15th Century Girdle Book : A really, neat idea for a portable SCA notebook. It could help you keep track of your mind at events as you run from meeting to meeting.
Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books : Gives brief information about a Medieval girdle book and provides an link to a photo of an extant example.
Textile Bookbinding, Netherlands 1615-1620: An article with a picture of an embroidered bookbinding. Depending on your Kingdom, this sample is not period. Anything after 1600 is not accepted in Meridies.
Canvas Work
A Brief Look at Canvas Work: An article written by
THL Anne of Armonye, OE.
Cross Stitch Embroidery in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: An article by Karen Larsdatter. It was published in Tournaments Illuminated #127 (Summer 1998.)
Elizabethan Bed Hanging - Petite Point Applique: This was inspired by Elizabethan embroideries. I found the cushionwork, also done in tent stitch, and the bed hangings fascinating. So, I decided to complete one of my own.
Collections and Museums On-line
Antonio Ratti Textile Center: This is pretty much self-explanatory. It is a fantastic site.
Britain's Bayeux Tapestry: Hosted at the museum of Reading. This website displays the tapestry in a scene by scene format and provides an accompanying narration.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Coif Gallery from the Elizabethan Costuming Page: Scans of coifs from two out-of-print books, Embroidery 1600-1700: At the Burrell Collection and Treasure's From the Embroiderer's Guild Collection.. Complete with informative descriptions.
Creation Tapestry : An exquisitely beautiful Spanish embroidery. Make certain to visit the "Other Art Objects" pictures. It is worth the wait to view these beautiful shots.
Domestic Art in England: Two details from tablecarpets at the V&A Museum in England.
Egyptian Stitch: Really neat article with some fantastic pictures. A preview of the Ashmolean Museum Exhibition of "A Stitch In Time: Medieval Islamic Embroideries from Egypt.
Elizabethan Seal Bag: A link to pictures taken from someone's England trip.
Embroidered Glove 1610-1630: While this glove isn't period for Meridies, it is still gorgeous.
Embroidered Elizabethan Burse: There is a black and white picture of the bag and coments by Santina Levey.
Les Singuliers by Vinciolo : An on-line reproduction of an historical pre-1600 pattern book.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Textiles and Costumes Division : An on-line collection of various embroideries. I haven't found a key word that would make all the embroideries display. As a result, it is necessary to scroll through the textile link. However, it is all enjoyable to view.
Mary's Embroidery : Embroidery by Mary, Queen of Scotts. Featuring motifs from the Marion Hanging.
Medieval Painting of the Seven Deadly Sins, Hessett, Suffolk : While this is not an embroidery, it is a possible source of design inspiration.
Mirror of the Medieval World : An exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum with two textile exhibits.
Olga's Art Gallery : While there aren't any embroidery pieces that I have seen, there were some wonderful portraits that may help when researching.
Storia Economia : While this is not a museum link, it includes some beautiful examples of embroidery, including some voided work.
Syon Cope: BBC Online has a an informative article about the Syon Cope and it includes pictures.
Tapestries at the Cloisters : The Nine Heroes Tapestry and The Unicorn Tapestries are pictured.
Competition and Documentation Links
Documenting Arts and Science Entries: This is an article that I wrote several years ago for our local newsletter. I need to revise and update this article soon.
Documentation - The Four Questions: Gives a nice explanation about good ideas and bad ideas for documentation in an easy to read and understand chart.
Documentation and Beyond: Karen Reed holds a M.S. in textiles and is known as
Teleri Talgellawg in the Society.
Documentation for A&S Competitions - One Person's Opinion: The author, Henry MacQueen, writes about his experiences in competitions and gives some recommendations for making the process easier and more accurate.
Demystifying Documentation: Suggestions for entry in the West Kingdom that would also be useful in other places.
Basic Research - How to Begin:
compiled by Modar Neznanich.
Documentation is not a Dirty Word: Written by Mesterinde Karen Larsdotter.
Preparing Documentation for a Faire : Written by Mistress Sîban nî Sheaghdha, CL.
Step by Step Guide to Documentation: Written by Mistress AnneLiese.
Tips for Research:
Written by Mistress Celynen of Stow-on-the World.
Embroidery of the Current Middle Ages
A Gentlewoman's Brodyworke Accounts: Pictures of an Elizabethan shirt that Kimiko made for her husband.
Documentation and Commentary on Linen Coif Favor : A modern adaptation of some period styles. While not completely authentic, it is a pretty piece.
Dragon Bear: A website devoted to many different things, including pattern information about several Medieval embroidery styles. The author is Carol Hanson. She even has some really nice graphics.
Katherine Rowberd's Webpage : Lady Katherine has several re-productions of primary pattern sources. Filed under "Embroidery Texts and Resources."
Extreme Costuming - Embroidery: A Variety of Embroidered Coifs
House Armonye : An SCA Household dedicated to promoting Arts and Sciences. While this site covers more than embroidery, it has several wonderful embroidery articles. I have listed the articles below.
Simply Embroidery : How to plan and complete an embroidery project by Sîban nî Sheaghdha, CL.
Developing Your Own Pattern Book : A very informative piece with research insights.
Preparing Documentation for a Faire : Another excellent article.
In Prayse of the Needle: Articles, pictures, and project diaries by Jane Stockton of Lochac.
Joyce Miller's Embroidery Page: Contains pictures of several different Medieval Embroideries.
Kiara Panther's Homepage: Kiara's site has lots of wonderful embroidery information, including Assisi embroidery!!! She also has information about Blackwork, Stumpwork, Crewelwork, Beadwork, Pulled work, and Drawn work. The site does have pop-up ads.
Mathilde's Medieval and Renaissance Embroidery Page: Information on Middle Eastern Embroidery, Blackwork, German Embroidery Vocabulary, and Pattern Books. Includes a bibliography.
Medieval/Renaissance Embroidery Homepage: A nice web page of period embroidery information. It includes discussions from news group threads.
A Stitch Out of Time: A web page by Master Wymarc containing pictures of Medieval Embroidery.
The Photographs of the Torreón: A picture gallery for my household showing the work of my Apprentices and household members.
Guilds and List-Serves Devoted to Embroidery
Ansteorran and SCA Mailing Lists : Home of the Historic Needlework list-serve which is dedicated to all forms of historical embroidery, not just SCA time period.
Athena's Thimble : Webpage for the Embroidery Guild of the East Kingdom.
Atlantian Embroiderer's Guild : Helps to further interest and promote education in historical embroidery. There are classes and workshops throughout Atlantia. Group projects are available for interested participants. Be certain to check out their timeline of embroidery information and an annotated bibliography arranged by country and time period.
Dragon Needle Embroidery Guild : The Dragon Needle Embroidery Guild list serves the Guild, the populace of the Kingdom of Drachenwald, and any interested(ing) parties who like medieval needlework. We research and discuss period embroidery techniques and stitches.
Meridian Embroidery Guild List Serve : The Meridian Embroidery Guild is dedicated to promoting historical embroidery within the time period of the Society for Creative Anachronism. While it is located in the Kingdom of Meridies, anyone who is interested in joining is quite welcome.
Meridies' Embroidery Guild Page : Please be aware that this is a free site. As a result there are pop-up ads and other types of sales information.
West Kingdom Textiles : Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) West Kingdom Textile Guild's Newsletter. The purpose is to promote interest in the historical aspects of all textile arts ranging from embroidery, costuming, spinning, weaving, natural dyes, knitting, leatherwork, and many other areas (even chainmail - it's a textile!) The List will serve to enhance communication among those interested.
Young Embroiderers : An English guild dedicated to teaching embroidery to the young. Neat site - regardless of your age.
'How-to's and Stitch Glossaries
Clara Fitzgerald's Needlecraft Notes: A great how-to site with animated gifs demonstrating stitches.
Completely Basic Period Embroidery: This is a PDF file written by Senhora Rafaella d'Allemtejo. Good thoughts and ideas to consider when planning a project. Rafaella was elevated to the Order of the Laurel on September 16, 2003.
Developing Your Own Pattern Book : A very informative piece with research insights by Sîban nî Sheaghdha, CL
Petite Pointe - Tips and Tricks: Designing and transferring your own canvas work pattern is easier than most people realize. This article discusses some of the techniques that I use when designing a project.
Planing the Reserva Project: After a conversation with one of my own Apprentices, she convinced me that detailed information about how I plan and complete an entire project would be interesting and helpful. So, here is my project diary. I hope that you enjoy it.
Sharon's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches: On-line stitch glossary with cross-reference information for multiple names for the same stitches.
Simply Embroidery: How to plan and complete an embroidery project by Sîban nî Sheaghdha, CL.
Too Busy Stitching : Offers stitch information and surveys the history of embroidery.
Lace
Important Note : The only lacemaking I have tried is a little bit of cutwork and I am attempting to net. This is a new interest of mine and I have begun researching this subject. As a result, this category sums up the total of my knowledge. One of the things that I have observed is that some of the historical information is conflicting because the experts are not completely positive themselves.
Beautiful Netting : One of the crucial stages leading to the development of lace. Has pop-up ads.
A Brief History of Lace in the 1500s: The title is pretty self-explanatory. Has an SCA emphasis.
Knots on the Web : Information on knotting, links, books, and other resources. Knotting was one of the crucial stages leading to the development of lace.
Lacemagazine International : Devoted to handmade bobbin and needlelace.
Lacemaker's Homepage : A lace website with an emphasis to SCA time period.
Lacemaker's Mailing List FAQ : A good general resource listing. I found some of this information helpful.
Needlelace : A nice how-to on Punto in Aria , including pictures.
My Needlelace - An Anotated Biblio : This author described books she has used in making SCA period lace.
Retail
These retail sites are listed for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
ArtNet : A webservice that provides on-line galleries for its members. Here is a listing of what is available in embroidery. I am not a member myself but I thought that this had potential and I thought people should know about it.
Gallerie Blondeel Deroyan : Tapestry collection of the antique dealers, Gallerie Blondeel.
Hard-To-Find Needlework Books : A retail site dedicated to needlework books, includes out of print books.
Hedgehog Handiworks : Offers a variety of items, including books, for handcrafting.
Knight Time Miniatures Catalogue: While I have never ordered anything from these people myself, I included this here because I have had many people ask about embroidery kits that look Medieval.
Lacis : While devoted to lace, there are many, many embroidery items.
Mille Fleurs Tapestries : While this site does not have any embroidery supplies, it does sell some fantastic reproductions of medieval tapestries. It also includes a lot of information in "All About Tapestries."
Scarlet Letter : Variety of historical books and reproduction samplers.
Small Churl Books : Specializes in books on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Voided Embroidery
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