embroidered motifs

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This is from another lifetime...so long back that I cannot remember exactly when. All I know for certain is I started embroidering these hankies in 1996. Yup, a lifetime back!

These are not my original patterns, though I might've adapted them a bit here and there. I've given them names just for fun ;-P

Orange Pansy

Hand-embroidered in single strand of vintage silk thread.

Stem stitch, blanket stitch for filling the leaves and flower, long and short stitches for center of flower, and buttonhole around eyelet.

For hanky edges I used regular sewing thread and machine-hemmed with decorative zigzags. 

This is an older image to show the sheen of silk threads.

The wear and tear is clearly visible. While the sheen does not wear off, the vintage silk thread can fray.

Blossoms' Corner

This is the only pic I have. One of my favourite hankies, I think got misplaced a few years back. I Love how even the tiny stitches are. 

Hand-embroidered in single strand of Anchor embroidery thread.

Stem stitch, satin stitch for red center, chain stitch for petal outlines, and either satin or fishbone stitch for the leaves.

This hanky had a violet hem.

Flowery Perch

This was my least favourite of the lot. Again, it's the only pic I have of it since the hanky is no longer with me.

Hand-embroidered in 1 and 2 strands of Anchor embroidery threads.

I chose to do shadow work (closed herringbone stitch) because of the parallel lines throughout the motif. Which is why it was done in 2 threads hoping for some little colour to show through. Too much work, but not the result I was hoping for.

It also has satin stitch for the bird and back stitch for center of flowers and beak.

The hanky edging was in green.

Hope you enjoyed this little foray into something other than tatting ;-P Embroidery was my first love, especially single-stranded. 

Related Posts

shadow work on saree - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2015/04/embroidery-2-shadow-work.html 

Vintage Embroidery Patterns I

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Abstract Floral Motifs 

Over the decades, I've collected a number of embroidery patterns from various sources & people. Some of these probably date back to the 19th century or very early 20th century ! I have a magazine page cutting dating back to 1934!  Hence, I trust there will be no copyright issues. I will provide the Exact source wherever possible, and will willingly include sources, if anyone can direct me to them.

At the turn of the millennium, I painstakingly carbon-copied each pattern on to notebooks/pads with grids. Then I went over the carbon lines with gel pen. I used a grid background in order to be able to enlarge a pattern easily. However, now technology has made it so much easier & quicker :-)

Here's sharing my first pattern sheet, along with my own embroidery samples ....

Circle o' Blooms

Pattern A from Plate #4 (scroll down to end of page)
Thread used : Silk thread 
Number of strands used : Single / one strand.
Hand embroidery stitches used : 
Buttonhole stitch for flowers ; 
a tiny Daisy stitch in black for center.
I added a few single satin stitches in between some buttonhole stitches wherever there was a larger gap.

This pattern is hand-embroidered on a handkerchief corner.
I machine-hemmed the hanky with decorative zig-zag in orange.

TIP : Making the blanket stitch lines of 'uneven' length, creates a nice, more 'naturalized' effect, besides filling up the area.

 Clematis 

Pattern E from Plate #4 (pattern below)
Thread used : Anchor Embroidery thread
Number of strands used : Single / one strand.
Hand embroidery stitches used :
Romanian embroidery stitch for petals ;
Satin stitch filling for center ;
Stem stitch for stems & vines ;
Fishbone stitch for leaves .

This is also a handkerchief corner, with zigzag machine hemming in purple.

Pattern Chart # 4

Abstract Floral Motifs 

These 6 vintage motif patterns are ideal for decorating corners for handkerchiefs, napkins, pillow cases, towels, etc.

One can also use them in bunches or spread in repetition to cover a large fabric.

Another use is in decorating quilt blocks.

I've embroidered patterns C, D, & F each, on corners of a table napkin set. No longer with me...

Vintage Floral Motifs

Have a nice day :-)
For more patterns, check out my pinterest board