Examples of Redwork Embroidery from Europe
Chapter 8e
The Elizabeth Gillette Collection
Elizabeth Gillette has enjoyed visiting flea markets in Munich, Germany, and antique shops in Hungary, for years. Her special interest is in finding pleasing antique needlework designs. When Elizabeth and I met, we were both surprised to find that we share this common interest of vintage embroideries. Due to her generosity, seven examples of European embroidery in Redwork, Bluework, and Multi-Color thread work, including several cross-stitch pieces from her collection, are shared here.
European
Cross Stitch Designs Yield Attractive Motifs
Cross stitch
designs are very popular in Germany and the Netherlands. The first motif seen here is that of a winking Dutch girl who holds a flower
basket in one hand, and a bunch of flowers in the other. This is most
likely a twentieth century work, done in cross stitch with blue
thread. This was purchased in Munich, but most likely originated in
the Netherlands. The 32” long x 22” wide piece seems to be
constructed in the same way as German overtowels, which leads one to
conclude that perhaps that was its intended use.
Elizabeth
Gillette Collection. James Cummings' photo.
Dutch Motifs: A Design Favorite
Dutch motifs, especially of children, have been perennial favorites for designers. The classic color combination of blue and white are often chosen. Needlework patterns offered in online auctions often will include vintage patterns for Dutch girls and boys, especially those created by early twentieth century designers.
Wooden shoes,
and images of windmills seem to have caught the imagination of
artists through the ages. A windmill design appears on a late
nineteenth century Redwork quilt in my collection. Later in this
chapter, you will see another example of an embroidered windmill
block on a miniature quilt owned by Elizabeth Davis.
Another
charming cross stitch piece features dark grey thread throughout the
design area. On the left, a little girl who is wearing a large hair
bow, is looking at a frog. While the frog is caught up in the process
of considering the girl, a cat peeks out from behind a flowerpot, and
appears to be about ready to pounce on the unsuspecting frog. This
item was most likely used as a wall decoration. The background clothis thin white cotton and measures
19” high x 30 1/2” wide.
German Embroidery with Another Written Message
An embroidered cotton pillow
cover most likely is a twentieth century piece. The owner describes the scene as that of “a dejected cowboy sitting at
a table, a drink in front of him, and his guitar beside him. On the
wall are his saddle, halter, a horseshoe, and a framed pictured of
him mounted on his horse.” The
German words “Es hängt
ein Pferdehalfter an der Wand,” mean, “A horse halter hangson the wall.” In actuality, Elizabeth
Gillette Collection. Photo by James Cummings.
a bridle, not a halter, is the item
inquestion. The beautifully calligraphed lettering is rendered in Satin
Stitch. The rest of the embroidery is mostly done in Outline Stitch,
the exception being rows of Chain Stitch to create the horseshoe.
This piece measures 15 1/2” high x 18 1/8” wide.
Multi-color Thread Pillow Covers
The two items below are from the Elizabeth Gillette collection, photographed by James Cummings
An embroidered pillow cover features children playing, and a “Snow-woman”wearing an apron. Some stitches have worn off, but in using a
magnifying glass, one can see that the longest word formerly said,
“Schneebellschlacht.” The
phrase means, “Hey, hey, hey - Just a snowball fight.” Collected
in Munich, the pillow measures 14” high x 16” wide, and closes
with snaps at the bottom.
Pillow
Cover Features Boy and Dog
Another intriguing cotton pillow cover that was collected in Munich, has the embroidered/appliquéd image of a young boy holding a sausage while his dog looks on. A walking stick and a suitcase are positioned between them. The boy's short blue pants and yellow hat are appliquéd with Satin Stitch. The threads on this 16” wide x 14” high pillow top, suggest a twentieth century date. Due to its excellent condition, the owner also suspects that it may not be very old. Professional translater, Tarja Pajulampi, identifies the embroidered words, “Tu' mir nichts!” to mean, “Don't do me any harm!” They are written in Sütterlin script, an early form of German handwriting.
Elves Do The Laundry
The picture
above is a cropped image of the original piece. One and one-half inch
blue borders which are mitered at the corners, are sewn on by machine
on the front side only. In this quaint design, the elves are busy at
work. A few loose threads do not hinder our appreciation of the
vintage Bluework/Redwork design. One's attention is directed toward
the center section where a larger elf is hanging up clothes.
Elizabeth Gillette Collection. Photo by James Cummings.
Both Bluework and Redwork embroidery are used to create an elfish scene. Under the word, “Rollwäsche,” an elf on the left is seated with a bucket, washing clothes. A second elf is putting clothes through a wringer. The center of the design features an elf who is taking clothes from a laundry basket and is hanging them on a clothesline. To his right, a fourth elf is shaking out the clothes. A fifth elf brings bread to the others.
This piece is 29” high x 44” wide and was collected in Munich. We agree with the owner that this scene is “enchanting!” Sometimes we need to stop and realize that antiques do not have to be perfect for us to enjoy them!
Marching Off to War
This embroidered picture of soldiers is unlike any we have seen before! This Redwork scene measures 21” high x 37” wide. On the right, a woman is hugging a soldier, while a young girl stands behind them. A young boy is among the marchers. We do not know for certain if this embroidery depicts a certain war or conflict. Perhaps that could be determined by the shape of the helmets, or by someone more knowledgeable about such things. We wish we had more information about the provenance of this interesting piece of needlework which Elizabeth Gillette purchased in Munich.
Go to Chapter 8f
©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