Assisi Embroidery | ||
|
--begin quote--
The technique is named for the town in northern Italy where it originated. (Assisi is also the birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan order.) The first Assisi embroideries were worked at the beginning of this century. The designs, however, were adapted from centuries-old embroidered pieces preserved by local churches. The motifs in these early pieces were of primitively drawn animal shapes. As Assisi embroidery became more popular and greater variety of design was needed, elaborate patterns were adapted from the wood carvings in the churches of Assisi. The adaptations include, along with animal figures, geometric and floral motifs. Traditionally, only one yarn color was used. Today, colors can be mixed. A particularly effective way of combining color is to use one for filling and another for outlining and detail. Most regular cross stitch charts can be adapted for Assisi work. Simply select designs with strong shapes and reverse the open and filled areas.
--------------- More on Assisi Work~~
Assisi embroidery has its origins in the beautiful Italian town of the same name that is the renowned birthplace of Saint Francis. Many examples of decorated ecclesiastical garments of the 13th and 14th centuries are still carefully preserved in local churches there. Assisi work is also traditionally a peasant craft and used to decorate items of clothing and for furnishings. The ordinal stylized designs are still used but gradually embroiderers have found inspiration in other sources, such as decoratively carved wood, wrought iron and mosaics. Assisi work is typified by fantastic animal and bird motifs, often set in elaborate geometric borders and this style continues to flourish today. Assisi work is a counted thread technique and therefore requires a firm even weave fabric such as linen. The most suitable yarns to use are stranded embroidery floss (embroidery cotton), soft embroidery cotton and pearl cotton. The traditional colors are blue or rust with black outlines. Work the design outline and any lines inside the basic motifs in double running (Holbein) stitch. Curves can be indicated by working stepped or diagonal stitches. Fill the background with horizontal lines of cross stitch, leaving the motifs showing through in the unworked fabric. Do not carry the yarn over to fill in any small spaces, but finish these separately. The work should look as neat on the back as on the front. If the outline runs diagonally at any point, fill in with a half cross stitch. --------------- Another description of Assisi Work can be read in Kathy Dyer's FAQ: ---------------
Assisi Embroidery : Technique and 42 Charted Designs
Assisi Embroidery : Old Italian Cross-Stitch Designs
Assisi embroidery
Assisi embroideries
Modern Assisi Cross Stitch
--------------- Websites with Information on Assisi Embroidery Medieval/Renaissance Embroidery Homepage
Lisa Balbes' Needlework Page
--------------- Sites With Books or Kits about Assisi Hoffman Distributing
McIntosh Samplers
Bette Feinstein, Hard-to-Find Needlework Books
Lacis
|
