Cross Stitch

I was recently reminded of the wonderfully skilled stitching found on clothing of the Elizabethan period. This sleeve panel (above right), which can be found in the V&A collection, is made using tailoring methods of the 17th century, where the sleeves are made in two pieces. You can see the under sleeve, which is probably one section of a woman’s jacket, and although the tailoring is probably a little later than Elizabethan, the embroidery technique called blackwork, is very reminiscent of Elizabethan work. Made by a very accomplished needlewoman, the blackwork, on linen fabric, is made up of tiny black running stitches, which mimic woodblock prints of the time. The designs were usually stitched in a single silk colour, mainly black, but sometimes in blue, red or, green. This unfinished sleeve panel depicts insects, grasshoppers, dragonflies, butterflies, moths, caterpillars and beetles, all which were popular nature images for blackwork of that period, on both men’s and woman’s clothing

Susan Penny shows you how to create a quick to finish bookmark...

There is nothing nicer than giving a handmade gifts to a friend or family member for their birthday, but often I don’t get myself organised, and end up looking for a quick stitch that can be finished in a couple of evenings..this bookmark idea is very simple to make using a small design from your stash. You will need a piece of 14 count aida 7x14cm (2 3/4x 5 1/2in), felt to back and stranded cotton.

Step 1

Start stitching a small design or alphabet letter of your choice at the top of the aida, and then extend running stitches down the side and across the bottom of the aida. With four squares of unstitched aida outside the design, use a needle to carefully fray the edge by remove one block of aida on all sides.

Step 2

Cut a piece of felt 6mm (3/8in) bigger at the top and sides aida, and 4cm (1 1/2in) at the bottom. Make a paper template for the point at the bottom, and then pin it on the bookmark. Cut the felt into a point,