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The ABC’s of Gathering: E is for Embroidery

April 19, 2016 by Brynne 28 Comments

Welcome, friends, to the next edition of The ABC’s of Gathering, “E is for Embroidery,” featuring everything you need to know about gathering and decorating with embroidery finds!

As we work our way through the alphabet in this series, each post spotlights a different gathered (vintage, thrifted, found) treasure or concept and pulls together all sorts of inspiration on how you can incorporate it into your home.

Catch up on the earlier posts in this series right here!

One of the beautiful things about gathering is how varied and unique the finds often are – it’s a very different form of decorating than picking a few coordinating pieces out of a catalog. But this can also present unique challenges – how do you bring all these different treasures together in a cohesive and pleasing way?

It’s my hope that by pulling together a collection of gorgeous images spotlighting on each decorating topic, you’ll end up with tons of inspiration for your home, as well as a sharpened eye for spotting these types of treasures when you come across them!

E is for Embroidery

All the topics of this series so far have been near and dear to my heart, but there’s something I find especially irresistible about gathered embroidered pieces.

Perhaps it’s knowing the labor of love that most likely went into these creations, or the draw of an art form that’s becoming increasingly uncommon, along with the patience it embodies, or perhaps it’s just the kitschy charm of certain subjects…

Whatever the reason, I have a hard time walking away from embroidered pieces that cross my treasure-seeking path, which has led to a budding needlepoint pillow collection (I have five…so far) and this post full of my favorite examples of decorating with embroidery from around the web.

I LOVE vintage embroidery! This guide is full of inspiring ideas for decorating with embroidery and helpful information on identifying different types of found embroidery! The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

All photos not my own are used by the permission of my wonderful blogging friends. You can visit their posts to read more by clicking on each picture or the link in the caption below – please pin from the original source!

A Glossary of Embroidery

I have two main goals in this ABC’s of Gathering series: inspiration and education. I want you to leave each post fired up with ideas for your home, and hopefully equipped with new information and details!

As I’ve shared and talked about my own gathered embroidery finds, I’ve often wondered about the correct vocabulary. For example, what exactly qualifies as “needlepoint”?

I couldn’t put together a post on gathered embroidery without briefly covering its terminology – first and foremost for my own benefit! (Thank you, Wikipedia, for increasing my knowledge of the subject.)

This is by no means exhaustive and I’m by no means an expert. Consider this a layman’s glossary of embroidery at best!

However, I’ve included definitions and close-up examples of a few common types of embroidery below, so that in the future, you and I might both be able to exclaim, “My goodness! What stunning crewelwork!” with newfound confidence.

Chinese Chippendale embroidery pattern | Jacobean Crewel Work and Traditional Designs

Jacobean Crewel Work | Image via Archive.org

For starters… Embroidery is a broad term that refers to decorating fabric (or usually fabric, but I’m sure we could both think of exceptions) with needle and thread.

There are two main types of embroidery: Free Embroidery and Counted Thread Embroidery.

In Free Embroidery, the stitches are not related to the weave of the fabric and decorate the surface of the fabric. For example: crewel embroidery and traditional Chinese & Japanese embroidery.

Vintage floral free embroidery detail via Maggie Overby Studios

Free Embroidery | Image via Maggie Overby Studios

Crewel Embroidery is also known as Crewelwork. It’s a technique that’s at least 1,000 years old! Crewel is a type of surface embroidery named for the type of fiber – thick crewel wool – used. All sorts of stitches may be used to form a slightly-raised result.

Crewel work detail. The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

Crewel work detail

In the other main division of embroidery, Counted Thread Embroidery, stitches are spaced according to the weave of the fabric. For example: cross stitch and needlepoint.

Cross Stitch is pretty easy to recognize – designs are created with x-shaped stitches on an even-weave fabric to help maintain perfect spacing.

Cactus Cross Stitch detail via Cassie Bustamante, Primitive and Proper

Cross Stitch | Image via Primitive and Proper

Needlepoint is another form of counted thread embroidery that uses a simple tent stitch on stiff open-weave canvas. With needlepoint, most designs completely cover the surface. Petit point is needlepoint work on fine canvas.

Vintage floral needlepoint. The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

Unfinished vintage needlepoint

So there you have it – a quick glossary that will hopefully help you tell your cross stitch from your crewel! And when in doubt, it’s nice to know you can just lump it all under the umbrella of “embroidery” – Oh my word, I just love that embroidered art you found! 

As we jump into the next section, I want to challenge you to do your best to identify the various types of embroidery before you scroll down for the descriptions. Ready?

Decorating with Embroidery Finds

Embroidered pieces can come in all sorts of sizes and forms – from framed art to pillows to textiles – but however you add them to your home, they add a fantastic handcrafted and dimensional quality. Textural. Just imperfect enough.

Colorful embroidered Mexican wall hanging via Dimples & Tangles

via Dimples & Tangles

Jennifer found this colorful embroidered wall hanging at an estate sale. You’ll have to visit her blog for more pictures – the texture is incredible and the bold colors fit so well into her eclectic home!


Embroidered Bedspread via shop_agneswatt

via @shop_agnéswatt on Instagram

This enormous embroidered wall hanging came from a local vintage mall and Kareen (@shop_agnéswatt on Instagram) repurposed it as a bedspread. It’s such a rich addition to her boho bed linens!


Vintage embroidered map via Robb Restyle

via @robbrestyle on Instagram

Embroidery lends itself so well to whimsy, as this adorable stitched map demonstrates. Kristy (Robb Restyle) bought a box of frames at an auction and found this piece hiding inside!


Vintage embroidered tiger head via Erica Reitman

via @ericareitman on Instagram

Speaking of whimsy, I’ve been obsessed with Erica Reitman’s embroidered tiger head ever since she first shared it on Instagram. Have you ever seen anything like it? The zany embroidery just takes this over the top! Keep your eyes peeled for ultra-unique pieces like this – they add so much depth and energy to your decorating!


Embroidered Giant Hat Art via Scotch & Nonsense

via Scotch & Nonsense

A little humor goes a long way in decorating! (Hint hint: H is for…) And the slightly-pixelated stitchery just adds to the charm of this piece in Arielle’s moody library!


Vintage black floral needlepoint pillow. The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

Here on The Gathered Home

Vintage Purple Needlepoint Pillow. The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

Here on The Gathered Home

And where do I begin with my love for vintage needlepoint pillows? The black floral one is the key to my entire decorating scheme (and my heart) – it works in any room of the house and frequently gets borrowed away for different vignettes.

The takeaway: Why not give needle point pillows a chance? They are usually cheap and add such great punches of graphic color to a space! If you find one out thrifting, just be sure to give it a good sniff test (trust me on this one.)


vintage needlepoint stained glass with birds via Erica Reitman

via @ericareitman on Instagram

This picture shows you exactly why Erica is one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram. I love her fearless approach to composition and color. A huge stained glass needlepoint wall hanging + abstract art? Absolutely! Mix all the textures!


Vintage French needlepoint - The Woman at the Well. The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

Here on The Gathered Home

There’s a long story behind my deep-seated affection for this vintage French petit point that goes well beyond my appreciation for its workmanship, impressive though it may be. (If tufted leather Chesterfield sofas and Bible humor are your jam, you can read all about it here and here.)

Vintage French needlepoint - The Woman at the Well; closeup detail of face. The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

Vintage French needlepoint - The Woman at the Well; closeup detail of feet. The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home

I’m truly amazed by the detail that went into this piece and only hope that I can learn more about it one day! My best efforts to track down any information on it have failed.


Vintage floral embroidery via Maggie Overby Studios

via @maggieoverbystudios on Instagram

You saw a close-up of this floral embroidery from Maggie (Maggie Overby Studios) earlier as an example of free embroidery.

Pro tip: Sometimes vintage embroidery isn’t found in the best of shape. Check out her Instagram post here for details on how she cleaned decades of smoking stains off the fabric!


vintage floral and waterfront embroidery via Maggie Overby Studios

via @maggieoverbystudios on Instagram

I’m so glad Maggie, a fellow host of #thriftscorethursday, shares my love for embroidered finds! I’m constantly inspired by the way she styles them with colors and objects pulled straight from their subjects. Take notes, friends – this is a fantastic way to assemble a beautiful vignette!


Vintage Matisse blue nude needlepoint via Maggie Overby Studios

via @maggieoverbystudios on Instagram

Another embroidered find from Maggie, this time a needlepoint version of Henri Matisse’s “Blue Nude I.” Embroidered takes on famous art pieces are such a fun alternative to prints or posters!


Studio sewing room gallery wall with vintage embroidery via Maggie Overby Studios

via Maggie Overby Studios

The multi-media gallery wall: In her sewing room and studio space, sprinkle embroidered pieces in with paintings, prints, and other forms of decorative arts. The result is a very dimensional display that invites you in for a closer look at all the details!


Vintage embroidery gallery wall via At Home On The Bay

via At Home on The Bay

What can you do once you’ve amassed a little collection of embroidered art? Start a gallery wall like Mary (At Home On The Bay) did! Here, similar colors bring together various types of embroidered pieces.


Pharaoh & leopard needlepoint art via Erica Reitman

via Erica Reitman

What do a snow leopard and an Egyptian Pharaoh have in common? Besides both being stunningly detailed needlepoints, they also look absolutely fabulous hanging out together on Erica’s navy wall thanks to their shared color scheme.


Eclectic living room gallery wall with vintage embroidery via Hearts and Sharts

via Hearts and Sharts

Can you spot the needlepoint pieces in Dena’s gorgeous Mid Century inspired living room? Answer: the little yellow one with fruit, the abstract girl, and the oval floral piece. They’re all different styles, but they come together so well in her eclectic gallery wall.

The takeaway: Don’t be afraid to mix traditional fine embroidery with fun pop pieces!


Bathroom gallery wall with needlepoint art via A Pinterest Addict

via A Pinterest Addict

Eliesa’s gallery wall (in her glamorous bathroom!) is a perfectly eclectic mix of art. Above, you can spy a very Jane-Austen-esque needlepoint (on which I am crushing so hard) and a round floral peony embroidery (upper right) mixing in with every shape and style of art imaginable.


Vintage Embroidery Gallery wall via Ciburbanity

via Ciburbanity

Finally, my jaw quite literally dropped when Charlotte sent me this shot of her embroidery gallery wall. I mean, I thought I loved vintage embroidery in solo pieces and small collections, but a full on ensemble like this – heart-pounding first-love infatuation!

The takeaway: Sometimes it pays to really commit to a collection! But one of the reasons Charlotte’s collection works so well is that she’s unified many of the frames with a coat of white paint. A few stained wood frames keep it interesting, but the white lets the rest of the frames recede and the colorful embroidery pop!


That’s all for today, folks! I know there are all sorts of embroidered treasures that didn’t make it into this roundup, so I’m counting on you to share the ways YOU are decorating with embroidery finds (or perhaps you’re talented enough to create your own!) by commenting below or posting on Instagram using #ABCsofGathering #EisforEmbroidery!

Brynne


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And while you’re waiting for the next topic, “F is For…” why not help spread the word by pinning or sharing this post?

I LOVE vintage embroidery! This guide is full of inspiring ideas for decorating with embroidery and helpful information on identifying different types of found embroidery! The ABC's of Gathering | The Gathered Home


Filed Under: ABCs of Gathering, Decorating Tagged With: E is for Embroidery

Comments

  1. cassie @ primitive & proper says

    April 19, 2016 at 6:22 am

    this post makes me want to go out and find all the needlepoint! i LOVE LOVE LOVE how everyone has used it in their homes!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 19, 2016 at 2:00 pm

      I don’t think I’ll be happy until I’ve put together my own embroidered gallery wall at this point! And I just spotted the most gorgeous repurposed needlepoint book covers on Instagram this morning… So many possibilities!

      Reply
  2. Bonnie says

    April 19, 2016 at 7:42 am

    I’m so glad that embroidery is getting collected. I don’t collect it because I own numerous pieces that I embroidered myself (or started and my mother finished).

    I have that Japanese lantern piece on my wall, and I did the daisies on a green background as a gift for my sister.

    My embroidery days are over (arthritic fingers), but I’m happy to think that my work might not end up in the landfill one day.

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 19, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      Oh yes! I think there will always be someone to appreciate beautiful handicrafts! I have so much respect for the patience and love that goes into embroidered pieces – I’m sure your sister treasures her gift!

      Reply
  3. Kari says

    April 19, 2016 at 7:43 am

    I really love this! When I was little, my mom was into needlepoint and embroidery. I know she made a ton of things but I don’t know what ever happened to all of them. I can even remember her teaching me a few of the stitches. This is a great idea of something to be on the lookout for when I’m thrifting or yard-saling.

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 19, 2016 at 2:04 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and that it’s given you another treasure to search for 🙂 I also learned a little embroidery when I was younger, but I have to sadly admit I’m not sure I have the patience for it any longer. Which just gives me a greater appreciation for the care and effort that went into these pieces!

      Reply
  4. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says

    April 19, 2016 at 8:17 am

    That’s it!! I’m looking for some embroidery now! Love your post and I’m swooning over all the ideas.

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 19, 2016 at 2:05 pm

      Go get some, girl! I’m feeling the call of the thrift store myself today… I don’t think I’ll be satisfied until I’ve pulled together my own embroidered gallery wall!

      Reply
  5. Corinna - ADesignerAtHome says

    April 19, 2016 at 10:38 am

    Dangggg Charlotte totally kills it!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 19, 2016 at 2:05 pm

      Preach it! I’ve gotta attempt my own embroidered gallery wall now!

      Reply
  6. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    April 19, 2016 at 10:38 am

    Oh gosh, I wouldn’t have even thought of my wall hanging for your post… you know my stuff better than I do! 😉 Thanks for including me in this post, Brynne. Once again, it’s a treasure trove of knowledge and pretty photos!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 19, 2016 at 2:06 pm

      I’ve had that piece mentally bookmarked ever since you first shared it! I just love how perfectly it fits into your home!

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the post – thank you again for letting me share your beautiful picture! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Dena says

    April 19, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    I looooooove this series. I’m supposed to be doing some other shit right now but you’ve got me all distracted now. And Charlotte’s wall; I can’t. Thank you for sharing our living room!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 19, 2016 at 2:08 pm

      That’s what I’m here for – get your procrastination material right this way! Im so glad you’re loving this series and thank YOU for letting me include your beautiful picture in the post!

      Reply
  8. Gretchen says

    April 19, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    I’m a huge fan of vintage embroidery, too (and I, also, cannot tell the difference between the different types, so thanks for the primer!). That all embroidery gallery wall is amazing!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      Aw, so glad the post was useful! Thank you Gretchen! And I agree – Charlotte’s gallery wall is just totally incredible!

      Reply
  9. Julie says

    April 20, 2016 at 6:13 am

    I just picked up an embroidered piece of art at Goodwill and am working on a gallery wall. I feel so “current” now, haha. I love all of the inspiration you have shared in this post!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:13 pm

      Oooh, I can’t wait to see Julie! Don’t forget to share on Instagram using #ABCsofGathering and #EisforEmbroidery!

      Reply
  10. Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios says

    April 20, 2016 at 7:15 am

    Ehh, Ehh, Ehh! I’ll take them all. Love a collection of any sort and these are great! Better go hunt some more. Thanks for sharing a few of mine.

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:14 pm

      Maggie, thank you so much for letting me share your gorgeous pieces! You have the most wonderful eye for these!

      Reply
  11. Jess says

    April 20, 2016 at 8:51 am

    I’ve never thought twice about most embroidered pieces. You’ve inspired me to keep my eyes open and collect them all! Each of your gather posts makes me want to run out thrifting immediately! Thanks so much for sharing such great ideas!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:15 pm

      Oh yay! That’s so very sweet of you to say, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying these posts Jess!

      Reply
  12. JULIE SPEAR says

    April 21, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    OH WOW! You really pulled together some amazing inspiration with this post, Brynne. Even though I love handicrafts of ALL the kinds. For some reason I wasnt expecting to be bowled over by this “E” post like I AM! I love so many of these pieces and the AMAZING ways they are incorporated into these super-talented ladies’ decor! Seriously….y’all are KILLING IT! But then also when you just imagine all of those stitches, such magical rich history. Oh!!! and thanks for the lesson too, you always have such great stories and information!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:17 pm

      Julie, thank you so much for leaving such a wonderfully sweet and encouraging comment! I appreciate it so much! Comments like yours keep me going! <3

      Reply
  13. jessica says

    April 21, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    I need to start collecting more embroidery art. I love each one for different reasons and each one has such a different vibe and can set so many different moods for the space they are used in. Ethnic to retro to whimsical, I love it all.

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:19 pm

      Ahhhh, me too! It doesn’t matter, I love all the different styles! I’m excited to grow my collection too!

      Reply
  14. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    April 25, 2016 at 6:37 am

    I used to totally dislike embroidery and now I love it. Jonathan Adler made me love it 😉

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:20 pm

      Oh yes! Adler ROCKS some great embroidery! Love his sense of humor in it! 🙂

      Reply

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I believe the best kind of home is a gathered one, full of treasures with a story to tell. Join me in celebrating a lifestyle of finding and making beautiful things, right where you are. Read more...

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