Artistic Embroidery: Containing Practical Instructions in the Ornamental Branches of Needlework (Classic Reprint) (Paperback)

Excerpt from Artistic Embroidery: Containing Practical Instructions in the Ornamental Branches of NeedleworkThere is a wide difference between artistic embroidery and mere fancy work. Besides the manufacture of innumerable airy nothings for fairs and other purposes, the patient following of a glaring pattern in bright wools also comes under the latter head. There is no individuality in this kind of work, nothing that fairly expresses the worker; the pattern being designed by one person, the putting it on canvas done by another, while "filling in" is frequently the task of a third.A piece of embroidery should have in a degree the same expression as a painting; and there is no good reason why the needle should not be as artistic an implement as the brush. To produce the effect of painting, however, it is necessary to follow very much the same rules; the first of which is that the selection of the materials, the designing of the pattern, and the work itself should be, as far as possible, done by one person.It may be urged that every one is not sufficiently gifted to do this, and particularly to draw the designs; but this part is by no means the difficult matter that the beginner is apt to imagine it, for in art needlework all superfluity of detail is scrupulously avoided. Various plates and illustrations may be found that will serve as guides to the uninitiated; and ancient patterns can often be adapted to present needs.There is no doubt, however, that the most artistic work will be produced by those who have a natural gift for design and color.It has been well said that needlework should be in every way adapted to the material used.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com