Monday, June 22, 2009

Candlewicking ~ A beautiful Colonial needleart rediscovered!

Candlewicking is a beautiful textural-shadow needleart Embroidery developed by our resourceful Colonial ancestors. Because dyed European yarns and threads were a luxury, women turned to everyday household goods for their decorative stitching needs. One item brought in ample supply from Europe were candlewicks. Candlewicking or "knotting" survived to modern times and was rediscovered in rural Appalachia and the Carolina Low Country. To create traditional pieces, use natural colored 100% cotton candlewicking thread and muslin fabrics. Be imaginative and have fun with this wonderful needle-artform!! Cover your world with candlewicking - including Sachets, Clothing, Napkins, Tablecloths, Pillows, Shaker Box Lids, Quilts, Coverlets, Purses, Table Runners and Framed Pictures. The classic look of "white on white" candlewicking compliments any decor and your creations will endure for generations. But you can also be creative and experiment with colors for different effects... you might surprise yourself!!!

The beautiful pillows shown here are from a 1983 pattern book called "Sculpture-Wicking" by Cross-Stitch Originals. Sculpture-wicking incorporates the techniques of Candlewicking with Trapunto padding to create yet another variation on the use of muslin and cotton yarn for another traditional and ageless look in needlecraft.

Visit Stone Hill Collectibles for more wonderful traditional Candlewicking pattern books.

2 comments:

  1. I just love to embroider by hand !
    It really is art and it is something special to give as a gift too.
    I haven't done very much with the white-on-white, but will one of these days - LOL

    Organically Yours,
    Diana

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  2. I love to embroider as well. Lately I have been knitting up a storm. All of this is such an important artform that we need to pass along.

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