The Micheál and Elizabeth Feller Collection

Perhaps only once in your life might you have the chance to view a private, world-class collection of needlework. Even then, there would never be time sufficient to enjoy the fabulous, fascinating detail of all these stitched masterpieces outside of the dimmed light necessary for their conservation. However, in this first volume of a two volume set, thanks to the generosity of Elizabeth & Micheál Feller in opening up their magnificent collection, your opportunity will soon arrive.

Over several decades, Micheál and Elizabeth Feller have lovingly brought together and restored many fine pieces of needlework and in this forthcoming publication of Volume 1 of their collection you too will be able to appreciate some of that beauty which has inspired them. We expect the books to be back from the printers at the end of June.
You can order through your LNS, through your Guild (special discounts apply - please email). The ISBN is 9780955208652 and the recommended price is $80, £40 or 60 Euros.

Museo del Traje Madrid - On-Line Collection

I love Spanish samplers and embroidery. If you do too, all you need to do is to sit back in your seats and enjoy a comfy trip to the Museo del Traje in Madrid, they have their wonderful textile collection on line which not only includes samplers but wonderful early costumes.

Simply click here where you will find a search box. Enter bordado as the search term and press the button marked Buscar. Enjoy!

New at Sothebys and More

This spectacular Flemish (Antwerp) ebony table cabinet from the 17th century with its embroidered panels, once the property of a gentleman, is to be auctioned tomorrow at Sothebys. It measures 135cm (4ft. 5in) high, 70cm (2ft. 3½in) wide, 37cm (1ft. 2½in) deep and is Lot 37 with an estimate of £8,000 - £12,000.

Here you can see a close up of the internal panels which have vignetted fish or swimming fowl deriving from early engravings.

The mirror is flanked by two 'weeping' trees each of which sits above a crowned carnation.
For more details contact Sothebys, London.

My favourite at auction this week has to be lot 692 at the P F Windibank sale at Dorking Halls, Surrey on 16th April. It is an early 19th century sampler bearing the crowned initials of King George and having many markers for a Scottish sampler, including paired intials, a distinctive vase with prominent tulip (top left), and the large, arcaded border at the base. It measures 44cm (18 in) square and comes with an estimate of just £140 - 220. Click here for more details.

And no, you are not seeing double, this is a pair of almost matching embroidered panels from Spain, dating from the reign of Philip V. Both are dated 1743. Each panel is finely worked in polychrome silk threads depicting the bull ring surrounded by buildings with arcades from which faces are seen watching the cuadrilla (entourage) performing the corrida de toros (running of the bulls) below in the square, with metal-thread detailing to the costumes, horses reins, window surrounds, steeples and to clouds. Each panel is worked with a running inscription along the lower edge. On the first it is: D,a María, Rosa, López, D,a María Joachina, isvs Hermanas, en Valladolid, año de 1743. And the second: D,a Francisca Xaviera, D,a Teresa Rviz Caballero, isv mro.en Valladolid, Ano 1743. Depicted in the panel with the bullfighter riding the bull, is an official figure in the foreground with speech band, 'Detengale usted Sr. Indio', both panels mounted within gilded and ebonised frames. They are lot 464 and also for auction at Sothebys, London tomorrow with an estimate of £25,000 - £40,000. Perhaps a Spanish blog reader might be able to shed some light on why there are two almost identical panels like this.

Winner of Vintage Modes et Travaux Patterns

Thank you to everyone who emailed or left a comment for the blog - for your security we didn't publish those left with personal details. All entries were put into a draw and I am delighted to announce that the winner was Tedra from Arizona. Tedra wrote: Hi Jacqueline - my favorite blogpost(s) this year has been Feb. 16th "Say Hello to Monika in Norway" - I love to read about women in other parts of the world and what they love for embroidery/stitching - her outfit was spectacular and I loved seeing where she lived! I also loved the Feb. 15th post of "The James Wilson Sampler" which I've ordered from the museum - it will be a beautiful piece! Your vintage patterns will be airmailed to you first thing tomorrow, Tedra. I'll have another look through my treasures soon to find something else nice to give away!