Examples of Redwork Embroidery from Europe
Chapter 8a
In the printed form of this book, this chapter was one large chapter. For ease of page loading and to minimize the amount of scrolling, it has been divided into several sub-chapters.
Redwork with Foreign Language Writing
Historically speaking, Redwork Embroidery has not been limited to just England and the United States. In this section, we will look at a number of foreign Redwork pieces from various countries, including Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands. One distinguishing feature of Central European Redwork is the presence of the Satin Stitch and the Cross Stitch.
Before online auction companies were established, most people were unaware that Redwork has a long standing history in European countries. Everyday items are often adorned with Redwork designs and sometimes, written messages. Included are covers for laundry baskets, bread basket linens, and bags to hold various things, such as bread.
Czech Wall
Hanging
The Redwork scene above shows a lady preparing a meal and features the following Czech saying: “Utulny Domou Jedine Stesti.” Connie Ellison states that the words mean, “A cozy home is always happy.” This 15 1/2” high x 26 7/8” wide Redwork piece may have served as a kitchen decoration. The holes in the upper right and upper left corners indicate that it was previously hung by tacks or nails.
A Second Czech Wall Hanging
The
Czech wall hanging above measures 22” high x 31 7/8” wide. The
idyllic scene portrays a boy and a girl who are standing in a meadow
surrounded by sheep, grass, flowers, and roses. A church steeple
can be seen in the distance, among the trees. The embroidered Redwork
saying says this: “Nikdy se neuráli pohádka mládi
ze vsech pohádek
nejkrásnĕkši."
According to Polish-born, Monika
Johnson, now a resident of Denmark, the words can be translated as:
“Childhood and fairy tales never return.”
This piece is also interesting because of the way the edges are finished by the application of a woven embroidered wide ribbon that features two motifs: a patch of mushrooms, alternating with a boy walking hand in hand with a girl who is carrying a basket.
Danish Table Runner
A beautiful Danish table runner, that is made of linen and has satin-stitched roses and elaborate, scalloped edges, measures 15 1/2” high x 45 1/4” wide. The scene is that of a woman sitting at a table, about to polish a tea kettle and a pot. The words on the piece say: “Blankt skal det være.”
According to Rebecca Gorham, a fluent speaker of Danish, the statement means “It shall be shiny,” or written more poetically, “Shiny Shall it Be.” She remarks that, “The word order (in the statement) is different (than it would be in normal speech), as if it is poetry or an old-fashioned way of speaking.” The word Blankt can also mean blank, she explains.
Margareta Faust reveals that European pots and kettles were traditionally made of copper. The housewife or the housemaid's task was to keep the cookware polished. This duty was performed often, but most especially just before an important holiday, such as Christmas.
Dutch Umbrella Holder
A vintage Redwork umbrella stand from the Netherlands is embroidered with Poppies and measures 20” long x 12” wide. The muslin fabric features flower motifs. The seller estimates its age to be about one hundred years old. Small rust stains indicate that it has served its purpose. Customarily, an umbrella stand would be hung on a wall, attached by hooks. They would keep umbrellas handy for ready use. Unlike many European textiles, this piece has no embroidered words on it.
Go to Chapter 8b
©Copyright 2006/2007. Patricia and James Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH. All Rights Reserved. Please enjoy the designs contained in this pages, and make lots of fun projects, but we ask only one thing, PLEASE DO NOT REPRODUCE THE DESIGNS FOR SALE. Thank you.
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