Recommendations from My Collection of Embroidery and Pattern Books

Here are some of the embroidery and pattern books in my collection that I would recommend, especially to someone starting out with historical embroidery. Some of these books provide more information on the history, while others provide information on technique and/or provide various historical patterns. 

 

           Books mentioned in this video: 

- Tudor and Stuart Embroidery: https://amzn.to/4iVVteQ 

- The Pattern Library: Embroidery: https://amzn.to/3VWjGro 

- Patterns from 16th Century Pattern Books: https://amzn.to/3Dxe3K5 

- Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns: https://amzn.to/3DyW99G 

- Renaissance Patterns for Lace, Embroidery, and Needlepoint: https://amzn.to/4iVB9tR 

- Patterns: Embroidery: Early 16th Century: https://amzn.to/3VXBgeq 

- Beginner's Guide to Goldwork: https://amzn.to/3VZqQLv 

- Metal Thread Embroidery: https://amzn.to/49UroIo 

- Blackwork: https://amzn.to/41MziS5 

- Pattern Design: https://amzn.to/41M3zAu

 

 

 

16th Century Table Etiquette in Tudor England

Learn about the expected table etiquette during the Tudor era, as well as suggested meals and fasting days. What did the Sumptuary Laws dictate regarding the number of dishes allowed for your meal? What time of day were the meals scheduled for?

 

For more information on the blackwork embroidered linen napkins, please visit: http://tudorblackwork.blogspot.com/2018/03/blackwork-embroidered-napkins.html 

If you're interested in a medieval style set of utensils, please visit: 

- Fork, knife, and spoon set: https://amzn.to/3okdeZn 

- Fork, knife, and spoon set with leather case: https://amzn.to/3tRuTZm

 

      Picture credit: 

- History Extra. https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/tudor-dining-a-guide-to-food-and-status-in-the-16th-century/ 

- Royal Feast. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/S%C3%A1nchez_Coello_Royal_feast.jpg

 

How the Tudors Celebrated Christmas | from Advent to Twelfth Night

With Twelfth Night upon us and the Christmas season is coming to a close, follow along as I explain the religious reasons of what and why the Tudors did what they did before, during, and after Christmas. 

 

When singing Christmas carols in today's world, did you know that there are many historical references in these songs? For example, when singing about the 12 Days of Christmas, during the Tudor era, people celebrated Christmas for twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany (Twelfth Night).

 

  Picture credits: 

- National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/three-kings-magi-epiphany 

- David Teniers. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/David_Teniers_%28II%29_-_Twelfth-night_%28The_King_Drinks%29_-_WGA22083.jpg 

- Catholic Herald. https://catholicherald.co.uk/tudor-house-recreates-henry-viii-era-mass/ 

- Elizabeth I. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I#/media/File:Darnley_stage_3.jpg 

- Mary I. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/myth-bloody-mary-englands-first-queen-180974221/ 

- Jane Grey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Jane_Grey#/media/File:Streathamladyjayne.jpg 

- Edward VI. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VI_of_England#/media/File:Edward_VI_of_England_c._1546.jpg 

- Henry VIII. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_VIII#/media/File:After_Hans_Holbein_the_Younger_-_Portrait_of_Henry_VIII_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg 

- Henry VII. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_VII_of_England#/media/File:Enrique_VII_de_Inglaterra,_por_un_artista_an%C3%B3nimo.jpg 

- Hever Castle. https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/news/what-a-tudor-christmas-was-like/ 

- Royal Feast. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/S%C3%A1nchez_Coello_Royal_feast.jpg 

- Tudor Extra. https://tudorextra.com/2023/12/22/5-extravagant-tudor-christmas-traditions/ 

- Tudor Nation. https://www.tudornation.com/a-tudor-christmas-how-did-they-celebrate/ 

- Davis, Christopher. https://www.vaultofthoughts.com/2017/12/15/mummers-murder-merrymaking/ 

- Lewkowska, Olga. https://ar.pinterest.com/pin/470626229830170486/ 

- Avebury Manor. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456904324671224534/ 

- Corinium Museum. https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1141808217951809&id=100063679234516&_rdr 

- Bruegel, Pieter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Peasant_Dance 

- Aertsen, Pieter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieter_Aertsen 

- English Heritage. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/twelfth-night-cake/ 

- Osburn, Kalynn. https://renfestival.com/weird-tudor-christmas-traditions/ 

- History Channel. https://www.history.com/news/christmas-traditions-tudor-england

 

 

 

16th to 19th Century Pin Pillows | Historic Pin Cushions Revisited

Learn about how pin cushions evolved over the centuries. In which centuries did women wear their pincushions and why? What were pin pillows filled with in the 18th century? What is up with the tomato in the Victorian era?

 

Join me as I explore various historical paintings with examples of different types of pin pillows. Did you know that Queen Elizabeth I of England was gifted an embroidered pin pillow in 1561 as a New Year's gift? 

In Tudor times, pins were used to help hold clothing items, such as sleeves and women's headwear, together with other items (like sleeves being pinned to a kirtle). In modern times, pin cushions are used to hold pins for sewing. 

I originally recorded this video about 3 years ago. I have added some more information to this video. 

 

       Suggested Item for Purchase: 

- Tomato Pin Cushion: https://amzn.to/3uzWn7B 

- Straight Pins: https://amzn.to/48z4Pbx 

- Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns Book: https://amzn.to/3Ca6QyN 

- Patterns from 16th Century Pattern Books: https://amzn.to/4elhmkg 

 

          Picture Credit: - V&A Museum