It's back ! It must be nearly October because my studio is overflowing with bits of embroidery ready for 'the show' (stand no.TGi7).
I am delighted to be showing the lace jabot and cuffs I made early last year too. Below is a description of all the symbolism in the lace for anyone visiting the stand who wants to know more.
Lace jabot for the High Sheriff of Cumbria,2013
This lace jabot was made in 17thC. style 'picture' needlelace.All the symbols in it are relevant to the Sheriff who is a J.P.and architect.
Symbols:
Cumbrian rose: requested by the Sherrif the rose and leaves form the basic structure of the design.The five pointed star in the centre of the rose is also a traditional cowboy style sheriff badge.
Briar: Used in order to reference prison the briar features in a series of paintings by Burne Jones which are held in a local Cumbrian Arts and Crafts house.
Eye: An eye for justice with a question mark in the centre. The most densely stitched area with a separate eyelid which has a picot edge. The ? is a separate piece.
Bow: to symbolize the Sheriff's namesake,Diana,the bow has a proper string which is pulled by the ?. The clients initials are interwoven between bow and eye.
Squirrel and Moth: To represent criminals the squirrel here is actually a red and he holds a needle.He has a tufted tail, a proper 3D ear and was the most intricate to construct. The moth also has a furry body and has moons on his wings for Diana as goddess of the night.
Scissors and Wool: A direct reference to the clients daughter, a textile artist, spinner and knitter who owns local Herdwick sheep and also to me ! The knitting needles are wired to stand out .
Snails: a term used in Honiton lace, children often were employed to make background filler shapes which were referred to as snails.
A mixture of fine cotton perle,viscose and an ivory coloured cotton was used.The edging is wired and the stitch density goes up to 900 per sq.inch.
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