The playing with scale seen in the tiny castle and the large birds and fruits is typical of 17th-c. embroidery. For this piece and other contemporary examples, it seems that texture, legibility, imagination, and simply filling up the space took priority over realistic perspective

Retweeting my exhausted face in order to persuade you to come to my Royal School of Needlework talk tomorrow!

The Unicorn Rests in a Garden, from a series known as the Unicorn Tapestries, 1495–1505 (Met Museum)

Pair of mules, c1730, for Tuesday shoes. Formerly part of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s private collection, the pair is especially notable for its sablé or ‘pearl-embroidered’ ornamentation. Read more here Palais Galliera: palaisgalliera.paris.fr/en/work/pair-m… #shoes #dresshistory #fashionhistory

One of the things that impresses me about this embroidery is how it creates a sense of depth. Lucretia, in the midst of her violent act, really looks as if she's in a recess. The use of mica flakes as window panes is common, but using it as floor tiles is much more unusual

I'm so lucky to do what I do! Spent time a few weeks ago with a pair of early 17th-century gloves at Witney Antiques. I got so excited I only remembered to photograph one, but both are in brilliant condition! The embroidery, bobbin lace, & salmon pink silk survive in great shape

CFP: symposium Nov. 1-2, Washington DC in conjunction with 'my' exhibition, Sewn in America: Making--Meaning--Memory. Student papers encouraged, stipends for all. 1/2 dar.org/museum/making-…

Here's another detail from one of the best early modern professional embroideries I've ever seen. The grotto's rocks are separated by pearl purl outlines, creating both density and distinction. The strategic use of black beads for eyes adds more variation in colour and pattern

We’ve had Marlene Dietrich for one week and it’s already like she’s been here forever. I love her so much!!! 😭

I'm so hyped to share images of this piece because I kid you not when I say that this is one of the best pieces of early modern professional embroidery I have EVER seen. The embroidery is next level and it has so much personality. It's a true feast for the eyes!

This has been near the top of my 'historical embroideries I would do anything to see in real life' list for about a decade and I got to see it in real life in November and it was even better than I imagined!!

This week's #FridayFrills is this 1926 completely embroidered gown by Jenny Jeanne-Adèle Bernard, also known as Jenny Sacerdote or Madame Jenny. She worked from 1909-40. Love the asymmetrical wrap with a tulle train from the hip. #Peabodyessexmuseum #Fashionhistory

#CfP for our Online Workshop on 'Global Dress and Migration in History' on 29 and 30 Nov, co-org with
Dr Svenja Bethke Arts and Humanities Research Council HyPIR at Leicester #migrantdressarchive #fashionhistory #dresshistory #migration #globalhistory #twitterstorians Deadline 21 June ⎜Details👇Please apply and RT

This intricate string quilt is currently on view in 'Somewhere to Roost,' an exhibition that explores how objects from the AFAM collection evoke ideas of 'home.' The Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and admission is free!

#FridayFrocks - #SpringFlowers : a satin ball gown c.1898 with later alterations. Hand embroidered irises are stitched in chenille with beadwork, sequins, applied chiffon and velvet. Note the glass paste ‘dewdrops’ on the petals. @johnchasephoto

Shout out to the extremely helpful and generous staff at Windsor Castle today. Thanks to them I got to spend ages looking at one of my absolute fave pieces of 17th-century embroidery, this raised work cabinet (no photos allowed, sadly). I really lucked out with the weather, too!

New Sew What? Podcast episode out now! Check it out now! buzzsprout.com/1075825/148941…

This is tonight! So looking forward to talking about my book and centuries of embroidery worked in prisons, mental health hospitals, and workhouses. Please come along!

Feast your eyes on this beautiful weaving! Thanks, Alexandra Vukovich!

My baby, the Royal School of Needlework Collection and Archive website, is now live! First up are 100 objects that represent the breadth and depth of our holdings. I’ve put my heart and soul into this, as have my wonderful team of volunteers. Do check it out! collections.royal-needlework.org.uk/home