Food for Thought

I enjoy reading Dr. Jessica Grimm's blog about Medieval ecclesiastical embroidery but this posting really gave me something to think about--these embroideries were mass produced (well, what goes for mass production in a pre-industrial society) but the embellishments, materials and stitches chosen made each individual.   Dr. Grimm makes the point this resembles painted canvases today.

https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/mass-produced-medieval-goldwork-embroidery-the-adoration-of-the-magi

Bet you never thought you had so much in common with folks in the 15th and 16th Century!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 12, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Bead An Ornament Edge: The Movie

Dr. Jessica Grimm, an expert in historical embroidery, demonstrates how to bead the edge of a tiny sampler motif needle minder.  This will work quite well on needlepoint ornaments, too.

https://vimeo.com/984199501?share=copy

For the best look, you will need a thread color that matches your stitching.   I think she's right that a very long length of thread is the best way to go. Starting in the middle of a side is fairly important but if your ornament is round, just start at the bottom middle.  These appear to be size 11 beads (occasionally she calls them pearls but Dr. Grimm isn't a native English speaker) but you can use smaller size 14 or 15 beads for the second row for a more dainty effect.

If you are curious about making the needle minder, here is her tutorial.

https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/tutorial-sampler-motif-needle-minders-with-a-beaded-edge

UPDATE:  Here is Mary Corbet's latest explanation on her way of doing a beaded edge.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/12/twinkle-twinkle-7-the-decorative-beaded-edge-finished.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Pearl Edged Nimbus

Dr. Jessica Grimm is a German expert in Medieval embroidery, especially ecclesiastical pieces. Occasionally she does a free tutorial on the techniques used, including this explanation of how a pearl edge halo (or nimbus) was created on a chasuble, or sort of long sleeveless vest worn by a priest over other church garb.  Jessica shows exactly how to create a halo of couched gold over a layer of silk, how to edge the outside with a bundle of thread and then now to attach pearls to the rim of the nimbus.  It's a lovely technique and applicable to the angels we enjoy creating in needlepoint.

https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/tutorial-pearl-edged-nimbus

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.