More randomness

During a recent romp through the on-line collection at The Philadelphia Museum of Art I came across this interesting little piece -- accession number 1894-30-94.

(c) Philadelphia Museum of Art

Listed as a "lace edging" it is colorful embroidery on net, with the not-very-precise dating of 1200-1400.  The description lists it as silk net with silk embroidery which has been stiffened with wax.  It is a long piece at 58 inches, and quite narrow at 2 inches high.

Closer of one section

Looking carefully at the photograph on the website, I do not believe it is Lacis (as currently identified).  The stitches do not look woven, but more like other embroidery stitches such as stem or split, simply done on a net-like fabric rather than a more closely woven one.  To really be sure will call for a visit to the museum to try to see the piece.

This item strikes me very much as one for secular use.  The stiffening with wax leads me more toward it being for household use rather than clothing.  Could it have been trim on a wall hanging, or the edge of a box style cushion?  I also think it quite possible that this is a piece that did not come from a larger workshop.  Though beautiful, it does not have quite that "something" that a professionally done piece might have.

The colors shine though, and it certainly sings to me on this early spring day that feels more like winter.

I know I have seen other pieces of colorful embroidery on net -- I'll have to find the time to do some research on them.  Meanwhile, I will enjoy these flowers and pea pods, knowing that the real ones cannot be far behind.

Thursday honesty....

I have weeks like this, weeks where I really don't feel like any embroidery or knitting or .... Of course, there's usually some research those weeks, and there was this week.  That said, here's my honesty:

Current project list/status (SCA/Historic):

• Applique piece for C&L -- Some of the research I did was aimed at getting off the starting block for this one. 
• Couched cord piece for C&L -- I have looked at a few design inspiration ideas for something to do on my husband's tunic for this element.
• Class this is (mostly) done, for now.  All the mailing has gone out.  I do have some more work to do on the sample and the re-write on the handout.  
• Marshall Hanging -- No, nothing new.    
• Hem stitched square -- This is officially my current "work on at events" project.  At the same event last weekend I learned some more open work, and am now deciding whether to make this square an overall open work piece or do that on something different. I learned some pulled (diverted thread) work at the Embroidery Schola in February, and this piece has a nice big central area just asking for some decoration.
• That silk tunic I did for my husband -- still need to pull that out and get the seam finishing done, and maybe plan some more embroidery for it. 

• Other garb waiting in the wings... Also in planning are a couple more coifs -- and shifts and shirts.  
• Research.  I've started trolling for inspirational ideas.  My Pinterest boards are overflowing with "oh, that looks cool...." I've got lots ready to write a nice meaty Tuesday post on ... but that would be a spoiler.

Current project list/status (Modern)

• Bay of Fundy Scarf.  A few more rows have been knit on this.  I'm enjoying it again, but will be glad when it's done.  I can tell because I've been looking at patterns and even bought some yarn and a pattern for probably my next project. 
• Clothing for work.  This may have to be moved up a bit, as one of my favorite skirts just gave its last.  Now I really need to find pink fabric I like because I cannot imagine not having something in that dark rich pink in my wardrobe.  Of course, I *could* get around to doing the hem on the black and white, that would help.  
• Studio project. A number of things have migrated back to the studio (where, admittedly, they belong), and a few things in the studio need to come out.  I need to determine a day each month for specifically concentrating on getting everything back to where it belongs, which should help keep this room organized. This did not happen in January, or February, or even yet in March..... Maybe some of that studio time on Sunday can be devoted to this.

Future project plans: (look, a new section) AKA "In the queue"

• Additional C&L work to do includes an underside couched piece (having been reminded of a thing I knew of one that is not metal thread).
• Knitting plans include the newly purchased pattern and yarn for a pretty wild cowl and fingerless gloves with more of the alpaca that I'm using on the Bay of Fundy scarf.  I also got some lovely blue silk/wool blend that I'll need to find "just the right pattern" for.

Blog notes:

• Still working on a three day a week pattern -- Monday for SCA/Medieval/Renaissance related; Tuesday for post 1600 to modern related and Thursdays for status updates.
• I'm also considering a couple other pages -- one for links to museums and other excellent web resources, and one for a bibliography (with appropriate links).  Any requests? 

So, that's it for my plans for the coming weeks.  

Spring...

Flowers and trees blooming, warm, lengthening days... it must be Spring, when a fiber artist's thoughts turns to....

COLOR

(with apologies to Tennyson). While I try to wear brighter colors even in the depths of winter, I do find that when shopping for materials, I tend to the brighter items as the Spring draws closer.

All the colors.... 

Like this yarn I just bought.  Looking forward to using it for a bright colorful light weight cowl, just right for cool Spring evenings, and Summer air conditioned places.

It has been a long time since I actually studied anything about color theory (maybe Jr. High?).  I mainly either follow the colors of a piece I am inspired by (for historic work), or just hold things together to see what I like.  A number of years ago I realized that my wardrobe was almost entirely black, dark blue and brown, and I started to change that.  I bought clothing and fabrics in brighter, jewel tones.  I went through a "yellow period" (seriously, I had enough yellow tops to wear one every day to work). I started using combinations I had been taught (somewhere along the way) to avoid.  Red and deep purple, for instance.  I found that a skirt with flowers with specks of color paired well with a shirt pulling one of those speck colors.

I'd like to be a little more knowledgeable about it, though, and have started looking at some resources for understanding a bit more about color and how it works.  The title of this website caught my eye: A beginners guide to beginning colour theory by someone who was never taught art. After all, Jr. High art classes were a long time ago. :)

So, stay tuned as I learn more and play with color, both modern and historic.

Meanwhile I think I'll go play with some bright threads.

Speaking of color, coming soon, maybe next week. more info on those 18th Century canvas work pocket books -- and wait until you see the riot of colors there!