Needlework Through History: An EncyclopediaNeedlework serves functional purposes, such as providing warmth, but has also communicated individual and social identity, spiritual beliefs, and aesthetic ideals throughout time and geography. Needlework traditions are often associated with rituals and celebrations of life events. Often-overlooked by historians, practicing needlework and creating needlework objects provides insights to the history of everyday life. Needlework techniques traveled with merchants and explorers, creating a legacy of cross-cultural exchange. Some techniques are virtually universal and others are limited to a small geographical area. Settlers brought traditions which were sometimes re-invented as indigenous arts. This volume of approximately 75 entries is a comprehensive resource on techniques and cultural traditions for students, information professionals, and collectors. |
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American Aran Aran sweaters beads beetle wings Berlin blackwork bobbin lace Book of Embroidery braids British Isles Bryan Sentance buttonhole stitch candlewicking chain stitch Chinese clothing colors Complete International Book costume cotton couching created crewelwork cross-stitch cutwork decorative designs drawnwork early Eastern embellished embroidered embroidery stitches England Fair Isle fiber floral fringe FURTHER READING garments Gillow Gotstelow Guide to Traditional hairpin lace History Indian Subcontinent knot stitch known KSUM lacemaking latch hooking linen locker hooking loops machine macramé metallic threads Middle East mirrorwork motifs Museum needle lace needlepoint needleweaving needlework needlework techniques nineteenth century niques North America Online patchwork patterns pieces popular pulled threadwork punch needle quilting reverse appliqué ribbon running stitch samplers satin stitch Scandinavian shawls silk Simon and Schuster single needle knitting smocking stumpwork style sweaters tambour tassels tatting Traditional Tech Tunisian crochet Visual Guide Western Europe Western European whitework women wool World Textiles worn yarn