Table of Contents
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Front page
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 2a
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8a
Chapter 8b
Chapter 8c
Chapter 8d
Chapter 8e
Chapter 8f
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17

References and Resources

 

 

Examples of Redwork Embroidery from Europe

Chapter 8c:

Altar Cloths Indicate Use of Redwork in Churches

                

An altar cloth that depicts a realistically chilling image of Christ, located in the center of a crown of thorns, that is similar to the 1890 design above, was recently offered in an online auction. The piece (not shown) says:  
“Christus ist mein Leben. Sterben mein Gewinn.” This means “Christ is my life, death is my gain.” Rendered in Redwork, the image of Christ is simply unforgettable. The two images above are from the 1890 Cunning's catalog.

Collection of Patricia Cummings. Photo by James Cummings

The Redwork seen above was worked on bleached muslin that is 11/7/8” high and 31 1/2” wide. The focal point of this panel is the Eucharist. Angels kneel, facing each other, on each side of the chalice, hands folded in prayer. “Gelobt sei Jesus Christus!” the German saying that accompanies the design, translates as “Praised be Jesus Christ!” The initials “IHS” represent the Latin words, 'Iesus, Hominum Salvator':  'Jesus, Saviour of Man'. Along the top long edge, three tiny crocheted loops have been sewn on, for the purpose of display. One loop is located at each end, and there is another one in the center.

Margareta Faust states that Germany's population is approximately 50% Catholic and 50% Protestant, mostly Lutheran. Traditionally, Catholic regions in Germany have been centered in Bavaria, and on the western border with France.

                                       
The vintage cross and flowers, and cross and crown motifs above demonstrate the importance of religion in the daily lives of nineteenth century, Christian embroiderers in America. These motifs appear in the Cunning's catalog.

In the Alsace region of France, there are many embroidered pieces with German words. This area formerly belonged to Germany, and if the number of Redwork pieces seen in that vicinity are any indication, the people there just love to embroider.

German Book on Redwork & Embroidery

A book entitled, Trautes Heim Glück allein: Gestickte Sprüche für Haus und Küche,¹ is a book full of wonderful examples of Outline Stitch embroidery that sometimes incorporates other simple embroidery stitches, as well as written messages. The book is written entirely in German, and was ordered from Germany.

In the cover photo, one can see that Satin Stitch has been used to embellish the letters and foliage designs. The book focuses on examples of Redwork used in the house and in the kitchen.

Go to Chapter 8d

©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.

If you have any questions, please contact us at:  pat@quiltersmuse.com