embroidery

The Subversive Stitch, Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0000

In the world of contemporary art, using embroidery to express yourself is risky, and while I impart a subtle subversive message in those textile pieces, it is hard to overcome the initial impression that I am doing dainty women's work. In my attempt to understand that prejudice, I picked up the book The Subversive Stitch.

Written by Rozsika Parker who has published widely in both Art History and Psychotherapy, The Subversive Stitch delves into the history of embroidery to explore its associations with femininity. Parker defines femininity as "the behaviour expected and encouraged in women, though obviously related to the biological sex of the individual, is shaped by society." The key argument of this book is that the "changes in ideas about femininity that can be seen reflected in the history of embroidery are striking confirmation that femininity is a social and psychosocial product."

In the revised and updated edition, the book is broken down into eight chapters: The Creation of Femininity' Eternalising the Feminine; Fertility, Chastity and Power; The Domestication of Embroidery; The Inculcation of Femininity; From Milkmaids to Mothers; Femininity as Feeling; and A Naturally Revolutionary Art? This is a scholarly text, densely written with abundant quotations, endnotes, and black and white illustrations. Unfortunately, much of the richness and beauty of the photo illustrations is lost in their small size of presentation in dull gray tones. Nevertheless, the book is a thoughtful and thorough analysis of the history of embroidery and its association with femininity and women's work. Of particular interest to me was the last chapter in which Parker explores the revolutionary aspect of contemporary embroidery by such artists as Louise Bourgeois and Tracy Emin. However, this book is not for a casual reader and is more suited for research in art history, feminist issues, or embroidery.

From my reading of The Subversive Stitch, I came to understand the reasons the disparity in status between embroidery and painting. The division between women's work and men's work seems to be at the core of this deep seeded antipathy towards embroidery. This particular quote from the eighteenth century sums it up: "Sir, she's an Artist with her needle...Could anything be more laughable than a woman claiming artistic status for her sewing?." Luckily, today's definitions of art and femininity are somewhat more fluid, allowing me flexibility to chose the medium best suited for a particular message.

Cross-posted at Fashion is My Muse

Written by: Ingrid Mida, August 2nd 2010

Liddle Kiddle Embroidery Patterns (Artist Series #4)

admin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:59:00 +0000

By Lisa Petrucci

Sublime Stitching

I had never before attempted embroidery until I received Sublime Stitching’s Artist Series #4 embroidery patterns, “Liddle Kiddle” designs drawn by artist and illustrator Lisa Petrucci. The front of the packet promises “any skill level” and “EZ how 2,” and it’s true! By following the included instructions, I was embroidering immediately, even though I’m not a particularly gifted textile crafter. With these patterns, anyone who can sew on a button should be able to embroidery right away.

This packet includes thirteen different designs (a cutesy devil, an adorable angel, a sexy flower, a fluffy poodle, and a sweet kitten among them) on an 8½” x 11” sheet. To make the transfer, a design is cut from the large sheet and then ironed on to the fabric (preferably cotton or a poly-cotton blend in a light color) to be embellished.

Each transfer makes up to eight imprints, and when the designs no longer transfer, they work as templates for tracing with carbon paper or for use with a transfer pen. The designs aren’t only for embroidery, but can also be used for crewel, needlepoint, and fabric painting, as well as for wood, leather, and paper crafts. Getting so many uses from these patterns makes them a really excellent value.

As the Sublime Stitching website points out, there are no charts and no counting necessary with these designs. After I transferred the pattern onto my fabric, I stitched along the lines with embroidery floss in the colors of my choice. I really enjoyed deciding what colors to use; my favorite part of the process was designing my own project and making it look the way I imagined it.

Because this set only provides patterns, I had to acquire an embroidery hoop, a needle, and embroidery floss. I already had a needle, and I picked up a hoop and floss (and handkerchiefs on which to transfer the designs) at thrift stores I frequent. I didn’t find the colors I want to use for the little devil, so I will probably buy new floss for her, but I was able to get started without spending a lot of money.

I think these patterns are fabulously fun and easy to use. I am absolutely satisfied and can’t think of a single drawback. Sublime Stitching and Lisa Petrucci rock!

Written by: Chantel C. Guidry, June 25th 2008

La Petite “Scooter Babe” Starter Kit

admin — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:44:00 +0000

By Sublime Stitching

If at first glance needlepoint may not seem to be the most feminist of activities, think again. The sewing and decorating of textile goods has long been a task designated to women. While women have won their place in the workforce, female crafts such as embroidery are losing popularity. What better way to keep the art alive than with the funky designs of Sublime Stitching?

The slogan reads, “This ain’t your gramma’s embroidery!” and with all due respect grandma, the La Petite Starter Kit, available for $22.50, is a bit more free form. The kit design entitled “Scooter Babe” provides a selection of trend setting decals—drawings of scooters, gals and scooter gear. The decals are iron-on and can be used up to eight times to create different patterns and combinations. The insert provides easy to read diagrams of different stitches, but it is up to the creator which stitch is used where.

Also included are a 4” embroidery hoop and four colors of embroidery floss. The gold and red "Asian" design envelope that the needle comes in is a nice touch of tender loving care, and the addition of the little embroidery scissors leads one to believe that nothing has been forgotten, but wait… what are we supposed to embroider upon? Sublime Stitching leaves ample room for the imagination. It is easy to find the spare pillow case, tea towel or other material lying around the house to be freshened up with a little design. I chose to stitch a funky t-shirt for a friend’s baby. With Sublime Stitching design kits, the possibilities are unlimited.

Written by: C. Amber Pearce, August 3rd 2007