Hand Embroidery
Delicate Stitches by Sylvia specializes in carrying books and Patterns that cater to the hand embroidery artisan. We carry designs by Trudy Horne of Collars Etc., Julia Golson, Jeannie Baumeister, Country Bumpkin Publications and many more. Our books on hand embroidery range from techniques for the beginner to advanced needle artisan. Topics on fine hand embroidery, shadow work, whitework, Silk Ribbon, and more can be found in any of these books. Delicate Stitches by Sylvia also stocks cotton Floche thread for fine hand embroidery. It comes in many colors and a 40 yard skein.
Hand embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in strands of thread or yarn using a needle. Hand embroidery may also incorporate other materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. Sewing machines can be used to create machine embroidery.
Hand embroidery, of one kind or another, is thousands of years old. It was used in Ancient Egypt to decorate the hems of royal robes, in tapestries in the Middle Ages, and in ladies' samplers during the Colonial and Victorian eras. It continues as an art form today. Many people are familiar with counted cross stitch - a cousin to hand embroidery - and it seems that counted cross stitch has nearly eclipsed it. However, there are many people who still love to work hand embroidery, and it decorates wall hangings, pillowcases, quilts and table runners.
Hand embroidery is a beautiful art that almost anyone can learn. It is an art that should be preserved and well worth learning.
