This Elizabethan Sweet Bag stitched by Marjorie Gilby is just exquisite. It’s quite small – 12.5 x 16 cm or 5 x 6.5 inches.
The technique is counted work and best described as petit point.
In this closer view you can see that the horizontal green borders are done in Long-armed Cross Stitch. The caps of the acorns are needleace while the acorn themselves are embroidered in Satin Stitch. The blue hearts are also Satin Stitch. They are then finished with an outline in Holbein Stitch (also called Double Running Stitch).
Now for a closer look at that lovely central panel:
The centrepiece rose is again needlelace and the birds are filled in with Tent Stitch and outlined in Holbein Stitch. The use of Chain Stitch in three colours from dark to light is very effective in creating a geometric twisted vine effect to frame this central design.
But the details that really intrigued me are the tulips and the strawberries which are done in Queen Stitch (also called Renaissance Stitch):
I’ve been practising this stitch and thinking of ways I can use it to create a lovely and very delicate surface.
Here’s one of the decorative elements attached to the bag:
Enjoy!
Carmen
