We are very excited to be releasing a trio of new crewel embroidery designs!

Using natural red cochineal-dyed, fine, 2-ply embroidery wool supplied by Renaissance Wools, the Red Work Rabbit, Parrot and Nuthatch all come from original crewel work designs of the mid 17th century.

This little rabbit is inspired by the embroidery on a waistcoat now kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The original embroidery was a crewel work design on ground material, made in England in the 1630s. The stitches you will work on in this kit are Long and Short Buttonhole, Crewel Stem, Seeding, Long and Short Satin and Holbein.

The Redwork Parrot and little Redwork Nuthatch birds both come from an altar frontal, dated circa 1650.

Phillipa believes this fascinating embroidery to be a ‘travelling’ altar frontal, it was created for Catholic services during a time of conflict and religious uncertainty in the mid 17th Century. The original piece is currently part of the textile collection of The Embroiderers’ Guild of Great Britain.

Each of these designs would be ideal as an introduction to needlework or for an experienced stitcher they will provide great satisfaction and contentment to have as a compact travelling piece, ideal to take on summer travels.

Phillipa has enjoyed stitching these kits while touring this spring and our team of kit testers have ordered extra bunnies because they have gained so much pleasure from working on these designs with these materials.

Each needlework kit is embroidered on historically accurate ‘Z’ twist Jacobean Linen Twill which is woven in Scotland, exclusively for us. The combination of this ground fabric, our specially made needles, and the super smooth fine wools in one colour only, allow the embroiderer to focus on the sheer pleasure of the historic stitches on these charming designs.

As a special introductory offer, you will receive a free Redwork Rabbit when you purchase the Redwork Rabbit and Nuthatch by midnight on Sunday, June 30 or while stocks last.