Implements Used

Fig. 70.—Groundwork Tracing for Embroidered Picture. 17th Century.
Mr E. Hennell.

It is probable that some details in the picture—acorns, fruit, and the like—were worked with the aid of the curious little implements shown in [Fig. 71]. These are thimble-shaped moulds of thin, hard wood, which have two rows of holes pierced round their base. Through these holes are passed the threads which form the foundation of the rows of lace or knotting-stitches that are worked with the needle round and round the mould until it is completely covered. The knotted purses of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were possibly made on moulds of this kind. The plate shows two of these queer little objects, as well as a long spool or bobbin with ancient silks of various colours still wound on it, the spool-case belonging to it, and two pieces of knotted-work in different stages of development.

Fig. 71.—Moulds for Knotted or Lace Work, with Silk Spools and Case.

[Larger Image]

Plate XXIII.—Specimen of Purl Embroidery. 16th-17th Century.
Formerly in the Author’s Collection.

A specimen of stitchery of various kinds, much of it in high relief, and of purl work. The reproduction, whilst translating very faithfully the colours, gives but little idea of the relief. Size, 12 × 16½.