emb-frames-msg - 10/16/96

Period and SCA embroidery frames.

NOTE: See also the files: embroidery-msg, embroidery-SW-msg, emb-blackwork-msg,  emb-linen-msg, cross-stitch-msg, p-x-stitch-art, tapestries-msg, applique-msg.

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    Mark S. Harris                  AKA:  THLord Stefan li Rous
                                          Stefan at florilegium.org
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From: bronwynmgn at aol.com (Bronwynmgn)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Period Embroidery Frames?
Date: 11 Sep 1996 18:35:00 -0400

knighton at radcliffe.edu (Gwen Knighton) writes:
> However, while my blackwork is period, I am
>almost sure that my favorite scroll frames are not. What do blackwork
>enthusiasts recommend for period embroidery frames or hoops (I'd prefer a
>frame since I don't like what hoops do to linen)?

Greetings!

Scroll frames, to judge by pictorial evidence, appear to be period.  What
is often not period is the way it is supported.  I have two legs that go
on either side of me and can then sit either on the chair/bench on either
side of my legs, or on a table in front of me.  This is similar to a
period illumination that I saw, which had what looked like a scroll frame
on two V-shaped legs that reached to the ground beside the embroiderer's
chair.

You can find the illumination (painting, actually) on the March page of
the 1995 Medieval Women calendar.  It is a detail of a c. 1470 fresco in
the Palazzo di Schifanoia, in Ferrara, called "The Triumph of Minerva" and
painted by Cosimo Tura and Francesco Cossa.  It is possible that the
fabric is not intended to be rolled, as on a scroll frame, but simply
tacked to a frame to hold it tight, with that frame resting on the base I
described.  It is very clearly illustrated.

Bronwyn


From: Sandra McDaniel <fretknot at earthlink.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Period Embroidery Frames?
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 1996 13:04:11 -0700
Organization: F.O.T.A.J.

Gwen Knighton wrote: 
> As a relative newcomer to the SCA but a lifelong embroidery enthusiast, I
> was delighted to learn that my favorite counted embroidery, blackwork, is
> completely period, and I am looking forward to learning more period
> embroidery techniques as well. However, while my blackwork is period, I am
> almost sure that my favorite scroll frames are not. What do blackwork
> enthusiasts recommend for period embroidery frames or hoops (I'd prefer a
> frame since I don't like what hoops do to linen)?
> 
> Gwen

  You'll be glad to know that your favorite scroll frame IS period.  I saw a 
13th Century scroll frame in Cumbria.  It was nearly identical to the modern 
sort with the exception of hardware design.  

  Two other frames of interest are the pegged and tambour types.  Large 
medieval pieces were often worked on a frame which was adjustable by means of 
holes and pegs along the entire length of wood.  The round tambour frame of 
today is again, nearly identical to its period predecessor.

  I think that you will enjoy medieval embroidery, though counted techniques 
were very rare in the middle ages (blackwork is period, but quite late).  The 
surface stitches and appliques of the period are very satisfying and work up 
quickly with impressive results.  Check out Kay Staniland's book on Medieval 
Embroiderers-  informative with some great pictures.

    S.B. McDaniel

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