I love Elizabethan needlework...the colors of the flowers and insects that typically are seen on this eras embroideries are stunning, to say the least! I especially love sweet bags...They are small enough to be stitched in a reasonable length of time, yet still show the Elizabethan style to maximum effect. Usually 4-5" square they were highly ornamental, being encrusted with silk and metallic threads in a variety of designs, mostly insects, flowers and sometimes landscapes complete with castles.
Sweet bags were produced by the Broderers' Company (est.1561) and offered for sale in the fashion stalls of the Royal Exchange. They were worn suspended from the waist by a long cord...sometimes with a pincushion attached. Their main purpose seems to be to camouflage body odor, being filled with dried flowers or a sweet smelling powder (some were commissioned for Queen Elizabeth I to be stored amongst her wardrobe).
These two sweet bags were designed by Sharon Cohen of The Nostalgic Needle. The top one appears in Just CrossStitch magazine, August 1996. The second one is, as far as I know, available from The Nostalgic Needle. I love Sharons' designs...esp. her use of color. The design of these two are taken from band samplers...probably why I love them so much. Remember the past while you stitch...you are keeping it alive for the future...ttfn...
4 comments:
Oh MJ, I do agree. Sharon's use of colour is what draws me to her designs. I am going to have to pull out my old JCS and see if I have that issue. I love Sweete bags!
Ohhh, you are getting me motivated to put Sharon's sweet bag (top picture) in my rotation. It really is "sweet". She does remarkable things with thread.
I am also VERY smitten with all of Sharon's designs! I am currently stitching the glove-come to my blog and see!! I MUST add one of her sweet bags to my rotation!
I made the top one, following the pattern in 1996. It is still one of my favorite things.
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