1950s embroidery designs

This week I came across some guest-grade hand towels, some of which were given to my mum as wedding shower presents - gifts stitched by hand from her friends. Others were stitched by my great-aunt Chris.


I have no idea which came from who, which makes me feel rather protective of them all.

The towels have been well-loved and each has stains or holes or both, but even if I'm not able to repair and repurpose them I love looking at the designs their makers chose, and how they pulled them off.



So many French knots! and those aren't easy.


I also love how satin stitch was used to mark off one petal from another - same stitch, and maybe even the same colour, but by starting from a new point, you create the illusion of a separate piece.


I didn't realize you could use the lazy daisy stitch to make such long petals.


Similarly, I didn't know you could use applique for such a tiny, curvy application as these two swans.


Mostly though I'm just amazed that anybody dried their hands on such perfect works of art.