PieceWork Back Issue

Queen Victoria’s Shawl
A Chinese Export Embroidered Silk Masterpiece
Shawls produced in China for export to Europe and the Americas during the nineteenth century display some of the finest embroidery ever produced. This example, now in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, was a wedding present from Queen Victoria to one of her ladies-in-waiting.
By Karina H. Corrigan

All That Is Lovely in Fabrics and in Lace:
The Collections of Mary Perkins Quincy
Mary Perkins Quincy dedicated her life to preserving handcrafted textiles and other colonial artifacts and strove to revitalize the cottage lace industry in America in the early twentieth century. Although her dream of establishing a museum in her Litchfield, Connecticut, home was never realized, much of her collection is preserved at the Litchfield Historical Society.
By Jean Daly Randazzo

Chamba Rumals: Miniature Painting in Thread
These elaborately embroidered cloths from India were used to wrap state gifts
and also served as gifts themselves.
By Brinda Gill

The Timeless Tree of Life
A common motif in needlework, the Tree of Life has different meanings in the many cultures that have adopted it.
By Kax Wilson

Poetic Needlework
Embroidering lines of poetry or song onto vintage textiles collected from flea markets and antique shops is therapeutic and produces thoughtful, individualized gifts.
By Jehane Flint Taylor

The Beaded Glory of Czech and Slovak Folk Dress
Colorful beaded and embellished clothing and accessories have been a hallmark of Czech and Slovak culture for centuries. Once indicators of status and believed to ward off evil spirits, these items remain an important element of weddings, christenings, and other festivities.
By Helene Baine Cincebeaux

Things to Make

A Lace Edging to Macramé
This fine lace edging, designed and worked in macramé by Meg Grossman, features a palm leaf motif adapted from Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 6.

A Choker with a Slovak Motif to Bead Embroider
The motif on this choker was inspired by the brightly colored roses on a vest in the collection of Helene Baine Cincebeaux. Designed and stitched by Juliana Van Meter.

Stitch in Time
The Sienese Stitch
Deanna Hall West

Adam and Eve Sampler
This small sampler worked on 36-count linen, designed by Donna Yuen and stitched by Deanna Hall West, showcases many of the whimsical motifs found on historic Adam and Eve samplers.

Silken Stars Pillow to Needlepoint
Choose from four color schemes in which to work this versatile needlepoint design stitched in silk thread and sewn into a velveteen pillow. Designed by Kandace Thomas and stitched by Shirley Wilson.

Tudor Garden Tray to Cross-Stitch
The vibrant colors of English gardens are captured in the cross-stitched bands that adorn this collapsible tray, designed and stitched by Deanna Hall West. It is ideal for holding beads or floss beside your project.