Author Archives: Hannah

More on the Sandy Starkman Jacket

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Hannah

So there were some questions in the comments about how the jacket was worked. I’m guessing it’s a form of needle-lace/needle-weaving, based on similarity to images in the Encyclopedia of Needlework, by Therese de Dillmont (it’s public domain, so it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Mother | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Needlelace Jacket

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Hannah

My mother is visiting me! She found this wonderful jacket in a thrift store for $7. It’s covered in couched cording and needlelace cutouts. The tag says it is Sandy Starkman, 100% silk, and made in India. Suddenly, I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Mother | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Yellow for the Castelo Branco bird

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Hannah

I have settled on yellow DMC satin floss for the main body of the bird. It’s bright and shiny, and very easy to obtain. I’m going to see if I can get a smoother effect with some thread conditioner, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Castelo Branco, My work | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Mexican Birds

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Hannah

Today I’m showing another embroidery from Dr. Shirazi’s collection (see bottom of post for details on the collection). This is from Mexico, and is worked in matizada (variegated) threads, which are often used in Ocotlan. However, it is really a … Continue reading →

Posted in Embroidery around the world, Shirazi, Surface embroidery | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Hand & Lock (Part 2)

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Hannah

I thought I’d mention here that Hand & Lock is opening a new branch in New York City, including a school of embroidery! And they are kicking it off with a big embroidery conference, “Embroidery in the New World” on … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Mother | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Hand & Lock (Part 1)

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Hannah

My mother recently visited London, so I sent her on an investigative reporting assignment on embroidery! She signed up for a tour of Hand & Lock’s embroidery studio, which was absolutely fantastic. Here is her report: Introduction There are two … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Mother | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Zacatepec, Oaxaca, Mexico

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Hannah

I am very excited to announce a special series of posts based on the embroidery collection of Dr. Faegheh Shirazi, from The University of Texas at Austin. Her research is on “textiles, dress, gender identity discourse, and material culture in … Continue reading →

Posted in Embroidery around the world, Shirazi | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Castelo Branco Bird II

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Hannah

I’ve added two petals and two leaves to the Castelo Branco bird embroidery. There’s a long way to go, but I’m starting to get the hang of working with the Portuguese art silks. I have to be very careful about … Continue reading →

Posted in Castelo Branco, My work | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Embroidery class

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Hannah

I’m teaching embroidery to some friends of mine. Here is one student’s project so far! All my students started with a hoop, design of their choice, fabric they picked out, a needle, a pile of floss, and some scissors. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Surface embroidery | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Finished: Custom House Crewel Bellpull

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Hannah

 This was the very first crewel project that I started. It’s such a beautiful design. I finally picked it back up and finished stitching the hill at the bottom, and it’s done! My stitching has improved a lot since I … Continue reading →

Posted in Crewel, My work | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments