Kits / The 1650 Altar Frontal

The 1650 Altar Frontal

This glorious embroidery replicates a mid-17th century Altar Frontal which is currently in the Embroiderers' Guild National needlework collection held at Bucks Museum. The design depicts a collection of first-testament biblical scenes including the birth of Jesus, the Nativity Scene, and Adam & Even in the Garden of Eden.

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Exceptional Quality

Sustainably sourced materials supporting traditional crafts

Kit Includes

This kit comes complete with everything you need to complete the design. All the materials have been selected for their quality and historic integrity and with longevity in mind. In particular, the specialist, finely-spun crewel wools have been hand-dyed with natural cochineal to honour the original embroidery.

  • Specialist Cochineal hand-dyed crewel wools
  • Needles
  • Pure Linen Twill
  • Stitch Instructions
  • A4 Stitch Chart
  • 8 x A4 Stitch Charts
  • Large, rolled colour poster

Pairs well with

The amazing health benefits of practicing embroidery

  • Lowers blood pressure

    Embroidery calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and contributes to lower blood pressure, reducing stress for improved well-being.

  • Regulates breath

    Engaging in embroidery encourages mindful, rhythmic stitching, promoting focused breathing patterns that can induce a sense of calm and relaxation.

  • Calms nervous system

    Embroidery, with its repetitive and rhythmic hand movements, engages the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

  • Form deep social bonds

    Our online community fosters connection through a shared creative space, encouraging communication and supporting the exchange of ideas, nurturing deep social bonds among members.

You might be wondering

What size is the design?

This design itself measures 70 x 144cm (27 ½ x 56 ½ in.) . The linen measures 110 x 164cm (43 ⅓ x 64 ½ in.). We add more than usual to the top and bottom of this design so you have enough selvedge to hang your embroidery from a pole if desired.

What stitches are featured in the design?

The stitches featured on in this design are Long and Short, Long & Short Buttonhole, Closed and Crossed Buttonhole, Holbein, French Knots, Roumanian, Seeding, Crewel Stem, Laid and Couched Work, Crewel Ermine and Spider’s Web Stitches.

What else will I need?

This design can be stitched on a hoop but most embroiderers prefer to give themselves more space and less bulk by stitching on a slate frame. Slate frames can be sourced from Jenny Adin-Christie in the UK or Carrie Roberts of Ecclessiastical Embroidery in North America. You will also need a pare of embroidery scissors.

How long will it take me?

Everyone stitches at their own pace, but we would advice that this design will take a minimum of 60 hours. It's a substantial design, which we hope you will enjoy during many relaxing embroidery sessions.

How we give back

We are passionate about keeping embroidery alive for future generations and supporting the talented artisans and dedicated technicians involved in their care.

To do this, where possible, we donate a percentage of the proceeds of the sale of our kits to the castle, country house, or institution that the original embroidery belongs to.

With this donation, we specifically support the care and safe-housing of the historic embroidery, as well as the training of staff involved in its upkeep.

Delivery & Returns

We offer free delivery on all UK Orders over £100 and all International orders over £250.

UK orders are sent by 2nd class 'Signed For' delivery ~ 2-3 Working Days. Orders under £100. Orders over 2kg are sent with DPD.

International orders are sent Untracked or Tracked with Royal Mail, or with DPD. Live rates are calculated at check out depending on the size of your order.

VISIT OUR DELIVERY PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Customer Reviews

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E
Elizabeth Wilkinson
Pre release preview

I was in Appleby-in-Westmorland and saw the replica Phillipa has produced alongside others. This is a beautiful altar frontal with so much interesting historical detail. It will make a great talking point and heirloom. The Biblical stories portrayed intertwined with the birds and flowers with some creepy crawlies add to the historical tale. I will use a slate frame for this.