Well, I have learned a bit from my query. Firstly, that there are several differing opinions as to exactly which stitch is used, and secondly, that different stitches can have the same name. Oh, and that it is about impossible to find instructions that I can actually understand on how to do this elusive plaited braid stitch. Yes, Leon has pictures of his stitch online, but no instructions. I did find a set of instructions on one page, but the graphics made it very unclear as to which side of the needle the thread passed at one particular point. After many attempts to do the stitch by those instructions, I gave it up. I found another set of instructions, but the finished stitch that was shown on that webpage looked absolutely nothing like the stitch shown in the coif. I did find that the heavy chain looks (to my inexperienced eye) like the stitch shown in the coif, but then I have people who I consider to have a much more keenly honed knowledge of the field telling me that it is indeed a plaited braid and not the oh so easy heavy chain. Of course, it would be too easy for it to be the simple heavy chain. (grin) I am stuck, as there is no place here in Jacksonville, Florida that I can find with a copy of a book that has Elizabethan embroidery stitches in it. Not even the library, if their online card catalogue is to be believed. Until I can find someone to either demonstrate the stitch or an online reference (or of course ILL), I am going to have to go with the heavy chain stitch. The linen for the coif has not arrived yet, so I still have a bit of time to change my mind if I can figure out how to do that plaited braid, but if not, I am OK with my other option. Thanks so much to everyone who has given bits of information. I have truly enjoyed the sharing, as usual. :) ~Kimberley -----Original Message----- From: Catherine Kinsey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 08:40:07 -0500 Subject: [h-cost] Re: Embroidered Coif from V&A/ stitch question
As several folks have already mentioned, this gold braid is also called plait stitch and Jane Zimmerman has instructions for doing it in one of her books on Elizabethan embroidery. Leon Conrad also has a different idea on how to do this stitch. His website seems to be down right now ( http://www.lcdesigns.org/ ), and I can't remember if he ever posted instructions there but there was a two-part article on the stitch by him in Fine Lines (Historic Needlework Guild) last year. I've only had a chance to play with this stitch a little myself but I would recommend practicing before putting it on a coif :). Hope this helps, Catherine _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
