Pretty little bits of white on white.
I made a trip to the V&A in London last week and I picked up some books in their shop. Firstly though I must say that the Victoria and Albert museum is worth a visit. It is free to go in and only a few exhibits you have to pay to go in, other wise you are free to roam its vast corridors. There is an amazing exhibit with costumes and I gazed at the tutu worn by Margot Fonteyn in Swan Lake ... simply stunning.
There is a cafe and two shops, one of them being dedicated to books to I picked up a few. This is my review of one of them.
The book I purchased was White-embroidered costume accessories 1700 - 1840 as I wanted to learn a little more about the history of white on white embroidery used on clothes.
Lots of it is turning up at vintage fairs and has over the years been cut off of gowns and shawls and I want to know what dates I am buying. As you all know if I use anything in sampler picture I always give the dates of materials used. For me my trusted dealers are a mind of information but I feel two years into the business and I should be able to stand a little on my own two feet where dating is concerned on fabrics and lace.
This book by Heather Toomer is just the ticket and has wonderful illustrations and information on white embroidery on white cottons.....
There is information on stitches that are used on the examples in the book and as one of my loves is embroidery this has been a great read for me. The examples of stitches and stunning photography with information that is useful and her knowledge has made this a keeper in anyone's personal library....
There are sections on kerchiefs and shawls as well as chemisettes as well as ruffs, collars and cuffs and so so much more....
Patterns are dated and knowledge of stitches used is such a wonderful thing to know for me.
This is a very good book in my opinion and well worth buying if you want to learn more about the history of white embroidery and to date bits you may be lucky enough to find at vintage fairs or antique shops. These little bits of embroidered fabrics are a wonderful addition to your stitching or if you are lucky enough to find a whole collar or cuffs to simply have them framed is a lovely idea as well......
Take a look at these beauties!
Happy Stitching!
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