Conscript Aprons From Alsace

I have mentioned before that Alsace, positioned in the easily overrun flat valley of the Rhine, has been contended land for centuries past. So, it is not unreasonable that here was a standing army of conscripts, usually for 7 years. Reaching the age of conscription was a rite of passage for all young men who passed muster.

To celebrate this rite of passage, the young men were given aprons decorated with lace infills and red embroidery worked by local young women. Typically, the embroidery would include the initials of the jeune home, the name of his village and the dates of his class. Why an apron, you might ask? Well, aprons have been traditional apparel for men belonging to corporations that they would wear on their parades and that tradition seems to be the source of this.

And I am not saying anything about those decorated head-dresses, except maybe, Carmen Miranda look away lest your face turn green! For a free PDF download of Alsatian Costume, click here.

Hand Knitting Takes On A New Meaning...

My first thought was that I didn't quite believe my eyes when I saw this knitting technique on Handimania. My second thought was that it was so obvious so why hadn't I thought of it - all those playtimes spent playing Cat's-Cradle!

But it takes genius to think the obvious that no-one yet has thought and apart from this being a little act of genius, it is such fun. You could do it with a friend..... oh, yes you can!

I think it takes about 30 minutes to make this cosy scarf - and if you are not quite sure how to start, the video below gives you excellent step by step instructions.

Spencer Museum of Art Sampler Collection On-Line

The Spencer Museum of Art at The University of Kansas has a number of its samplers available for you to view on line - including one with a fabulous beam engine! When you click on the link, you will reach the search page and you need to enter Sampler in the box on the top right of you screen - just below the Join/Share/Donate buttons. If you would like a nice lasting souvenir of the collection, then there is the wonderful book by Barb and Alma of fabulous Blackbird Designs. Click here for the Spencer Museum link.

Make a Beadwork Sampler with Shelley Cox @ The Royal School of Needlework * Hampton Court Palace * 30 June 2014 - 2 July 2014 * £208

How wonderful to spend three days embroidering at the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court Palace! Shelley Cox is a specialist embroiderer, teacher, designer and needlework restorer. She trained at the Royal School of Needlework in a wide variety of traditional hand embroidery techniques and now holds occasional courses there.

Working on linen, you will stitch a band sampler with rows of beaded embroidery stitches alternating with counted thread patterns in beads, sequin rosettes and fringes. Linen with a set design and instructions will be provided at an additional cost of £16.80 (payable on the day). Alternatively, you can choose to work your own design. A selection of beads and threads will be available to purchase on the day but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Some experience of embroidery would be an advantage for this class. The class is limited to 10 participants so don't wait too long to make your booking. Click here for more details.