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

Tracked Shipping

Secure delivery, flat rate postage

Money Back Guarantee

30 day guarantee on all kit orders

Exceptional Quality

Sustainably sourced materials supporting traditional crafts

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
  • Post Cards of the Design
  • Beads

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.

Kit Details

Which frame should I use

We recommend using a Hands Free Seat Frame with a paddle base or table clamp.

Alternatively you may prefer to use a 'Slate Frame' or other frame of your choice. You will also need a pair of scissors and a thimble if you use one.

How we give back

We care deeply about keeping the embroidery alive for future generations, and about supporting the talented artisans, collection owners, and arts professionals who help preserve this heritage.

5% of the sale of this kit goes directly to supporting the Glamis Castle Textile Collection.

These contributions are protected for the specific care and conservation of the embroideries in the collection and for helping to train the people dedicated to their preservation.

Delivery, Returns and Duties

We ship all orders using tracked services to ensure your order arrives safely.

UK orders
£4.95 flat rate shipping
Sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24

International orders
£12.95 flat rate shipping
Orders are shipped with either Royal Mail International Tracked, Parcelforce, or DPD.
All duties and import taxes are included in the price.
Local ‘State’ level sales tax is not included and may be due on delivery

What this means for you
The shipping price you see at checkout is the total you pay for delivery - including tracking, handling, and any applicable duties or import taxes for your country.
We’ve chosen this approach so your order arrives smoothly, without unexpected customs charges or delays.

Questions?
If you have any questions about shipping or delivery, please get in touch at admin@crewelwork.com.