There is a wonderful second-hand book store in the University District of Seattle called Magus Books. I always find something when I go there, like this lovely volume - Blue and White: The cotton embroideries of rural China by Muriel Baker and Margaret Lunt (ISBN: 0283984813).
Needless to say I had no idea that blue and white embroidery was done in China - I always think of silks in those rich jewel tones and lots of metallic embroidery. There are lots of wonderful examples of the embroidery itself, like the child's vest below, as well as information about the symbols and their meaning. And then there is a heap of charts as well so that you can do your own, although unfortunately, no actual blue willow pattern although I'm sure that you could cobble something together from what is there. You, meaning me, one day, when I find the time.
I recall seeing a crochet cushion cover once in one of my favourite magazines - World of Interiors - from which I have derived so much inspiration. The cushion cover in question was ... I'm having trouble remembering but what it puts in my mind is blue and white crochet with the stitches making up a picture, stitch by stitch. Ok, quick internet search, I believe that this is called tapestry crochet and I would prefer that to cross stitch or needlepoint I think which are not my fortes.I would love to do one of these Chinese embroidery charts in this tapestry crochet style.
1 comment:
With tapestry crochet, you carry the yarn not in use within the stitches being formed, along the top of the previous row.
This may mean the unused yarn will show through on high-contrast, like white and inky-blue.
Sounds like a swatch - or pin-cushion - might be in order first...
Post a Comment