Barbara, >From Effie Mitrofanis's book "Casalguidi Style Linen Embroidery", published in 1997 by Lacis, ISBN 0-916896-91-9, and published in 1996 by Kangaroo Press: She quotes the "Anchor Manual of Needlework" chapter titled "Various Types of Embroidery", that says Casalguidi is a small place near Pistoia which gives its name to this embroidery. The map shows Pistoia as being north-west of Florence, in Tuscany. She says there is a booklet in Casalguidi called "Il Ricamo di Casalguidi" made available after an exhibition (would have been before 1996, based on the publication date of her book). In Pistoia embroidery was taught at the Institute of the Abbandonate at Crocifissine and at the local high school. ---------------------- For our needle lacers I'd like to give a description of Casalguidi (which I learned at an Embroiderers' Guild class. The traditionally white embroidery (now often worked in color) is stitched on even weave linen. First, you work a 4-sided pulled embroidery stitch in the area where you will add dimensional stitches on top of it. Then comes the embroidery, which is elaborate raised embroidery (somewhat like stumpwork). Finally, after making up, you add Italian style bobbles, tassels, picots and button tassels. The Mitrofanis book is in color and contains a history section and one describing the work. This is followed by materials required, instructions on stitches and finishing techniques, and instructions for tassels, picots, bobbles, cords. Finally, there are projects: pouches, purses, cushions, panels, household linens, etc. There is a section on washing with which I agree, but the water should be distilled. If you make Italian-style needle laces and have not found good instructions for bobbles, tassels, etc. this might be a book for you to own or borrow. There is another by this same author: "Decorative Tassels and Cords" that might be of interest -- the tassels and cords, however, are presented as being decorative by themselves, and seem to be (may I say heavier in appearance?) than the ones in the Casalguidi book. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
In a message dated 8/19/2008 5:14:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dear Lacemakers, Could someone help us find this place for Casalguidi embroidery in Italy please? We are currently in Florence. Thankyou, Barbara Stokes, from Australia - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
