A MISCELLANY: A Collection of Seventeenth Century Canvaswork Elements from the Natural World

 

The subjects in this needlework design are taken from a seventeenth century canvaswork, formerly in the collection of The Scarlet Letter, consisting of nine panels stitched primarily in shades of blue, green and brown.  The fancifully interpreted creatures include a crocodile, a boar, a wild goat, an owl, a parrot, a wolf, and a few other unidentifiable birds, plants and beasties.

Originally executed in tent stitch (from the French word tenter meaning “to stretch” as the work in progress was usually stretched over a frame, or tent) it was worked with silk threads on a linen ground.  Tent stitched pieces created a durable object that was relatively easy to execute, yet fine enough to produce a sturdy article that was fine enough to produce delicately shaded designs that approximated the look of very expensive and rare woven tapestries affordable only to the very wealthy.

Stitched over two threads on 40 count linen, using 31 floss colors,  the finished piece will measure approximately 14″ x 18-1/2″.  The only stitch required to complete the piece is cross stitch, so the project is recommended for all skill levels.