FABRICTIONARY

A usefull fabrics dictionary

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A romance with embroidery

My Romance with embroidery began in my childhood, when my grandmother (AKA the Queen of Crafts) made me and all her grandchildren napkins with our names embroidered on. As the years went by our love affair faded away, but has been rekindled again when it became a requirement as part of my studies in the Textile Department. The romance flourished into a serious and committed relationship – If I like it then I should put a ring on it? Lace and embroidery have always seemed so beautiful and elegant, but at the same time the intricate work and complexity is very intimidating. As a student I’ve learned that hard work pays off. The monotonous action that requires peace and tranquility could sweep even the most restless of women into her “Happy Place”.  So for those who are familiar with this craftsmanship, and for those who aren’t, here’s a breakdown on the world of embroidery.

Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn.

The method of decoration depends on the size, location and purpose of the stitch. There are more than 400 types of embroidery stitches, the common ones being the backstitch, chain stitch, crosses stitch and the blanket stitch. Embroidery may also incorporate other materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. In big fashion houses like “Dior”, fine and intricate embroidery decorates entire items of clothing from top to bottom.

Up until recently, the craft of embroidery was passed on from mother to daughter, beginning at a very young age, just as witnessed in the stories of Jane Austen. However, despite embroidery being a craft so delicate (like us women), men have also engaged in it.

In the early 1950’s in Israel, the “Maskit” fashion brand was established. The company provided employment to the new immigrants who were very capable with the craft of embroidery, thus combining the local Israeli authenticity together with traditional techniques brought by the immigrants from all corners of the globe.

Today, embroidery is used to decorate not only fabrics and clothing, but is used in art, photography and more.

Images: coralandtusk, Hagar Vardimon-van Heummen, ebay, Teresa Lim

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