Customer Reviews

Casalguidi Style Linen Embroidery

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This book is 128 pages, and the first half of the book features techniques for stitches, materials, embellishments, tassles, bobbles and cords. The second half features patterns and designs for Pouches and purses, cushions, bags, household linen and pillows/sachets. It may not be a style to suit everybody, but the techniques can be adapted to suit the individual and you may find yourself designing your own projects. I have made one item from this book (lavender bag) and will no doubt use it again in the future.
The tassles, bobbins and cords can be used for many other embroidery projects besides Casalguidi. The basis of this style of embroidery is Four-sided stich which is done on linen, then embroidered designs are placed over the four sided stitch background. The technique is a little challenging but with patience and good colour co-ordination pleasing results can be achieved.

CASALGUIDI STYLE LINEN EMBROIDERY, lavishly illustrated, revives the glorious art of Casalguidi embroidery, named after a small village near Pistoia in Italy, which developed and flourished between the late 1900s and World War I.

Effie Mitrofanis gives the historical background of the style as well as examples of traditional designs and motifs. All the techniques and materials, both traditional and contemporary, required to embroider and make a treasure trove of delightful articles are described step by step in conjunction with numerous diagrams and over eighty photographs in full colour. The techniques incorporate preparation of the background, padding and surface stitches, hems and insertions stitch joins as well as variations of the unique embellishments of the style.

The twenty-six projects include traditional motifs, bags, pouches and purses, designs for cushions and panels, table and household linen, scented sachets, pillows and brooches.

Ellie Mitrofanis has a long association with the textile arts, both as a designer and teacher. She exhibits and lectures regularly throughout Australia and New Zealand, and is the author of several books, including 'Decorative Tassels and Cords.'