Lady Helen's Elephant Kit

Lady Helen's Elephant Kit

by Phillipa Turnbull

Explore the charm of Lady Helen Middleton's 17th century wall hangings in the historic needlework collection of Glamis Castle, Scotland.

Inspired by the playful animals which adorn this wonderful set, which hangs in King Malcolm’s Room, this beginner crewel work project is perfect for those new to crewel embroidery.

Beginner

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Kit Includes

The materials in this kit have been sourced sustainably from suppliers we know and trust, and with whom Phillipa has built relationships over decades. Our linen twill is woven in Britain, to our precise historic specifications, by one of the few remaining mills in the country. Our wool is supplied by Appletons Wools, a thriving British family business we are proud to recommend as the maker of the finest quality crewel wools. Through the creation of our kits, we are proud to support and represent British artisan manufacturers, and every element has been carefully considered for its quality and longevity.

  • Pure Linen Twill with printed outline
  • Appletons Wool Skeins
  • 4 Needles (for double and single thread)
  • A4 Stitch Chart
  • Stitch Instructions
  • A4 Colour Poster
  • Postcards of each Design
  • Beads

Video Tutorial

Additional Kit Information

How we give back

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30 day guarantee on all kit orders

Exceptional Quality

Sustainably sourced materials supporting traditional crafts

Supporting the Glamis Castle Textile Collection

Each purchase of this kit provides much-needed income to conserve historic embroideries at Glamis Castle, in Angus Scotland.

View the Collection
About the Design

Glamis Elephant

This playful design is part of a series of animals inspired by an extraordinary set of hangings stitched by Helen, Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne (1645-1708) (pictured right), and her daughters, Grizel and Elizabeth.

Lady Helen Middleton married Patrick, 3rd Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne in 1662. In his Book of Record (written between 1684 and 1689), Patrick expresses deep affection for his wife and describes her as a skilful housewife and manager of domestic affairs, a wise counsellor in times of difficulty, and a devoted mother who raised her family with discretion.

Helen was also a keen embroiderer and the hangings, which feature appliquéd needlepoint slips surrounded by a lively scatter of domestic and exotic animals, reveal a distinctly playful spirit. Completed in 1683, they are thought to have taken fourteen years to make.

Meet Your Tutor

Phillipa Turnbull

United Kingdom

The founder of The Crewel Work Company, Phillipa has over 30 years of experience as an embroidery tutor. Phillipa's style of teaching is fun and relaxed and packed with Crewel Work tips and tricks to get you feeling confident with your needle.