Suzi Clarke

Embroidery

Embroidery is very time-consuming, and too expensive for everyday use, but is very satisfying to get right. There are many different styles, from an 18th century stomacher (see accessories) to an owl I embroidered on the back of a denim jacket.

I recently embroidered a bead motif on a velvet evening bag, to go with an Edwardian gown. The latest project is an 18th century quilted petticoat, part machine quilted, and part by hand.

A very different kind of bird is seen in this close-up of the double-headed eagle embroidered on the back of a medieval houppelande. See 15th century clothes.

The eagle was first embroidered in gold thread then appliquéd onto the back of the houppelande with gold couching.