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

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Secure delivery, flat rate postage

Money Back Guarantee

30 day guarantee on all kit orders

Exceptional Quality

Sustainably sourced materials supporting traditional crafts

Pairs well with

Glamis Animals - Full Collection

Glamis Animals - Full Collection

Buy the full set of 12 designs in the Glamis Animals Collection and save £60. This is a pre-order purchase.

These playful designs are inspired by an extraordinary set of 17th century bed hangings in Glamis Castle, Scotland. Stitched in 1683 by Lady Helen Middleton (later Countess of Strathmore), the hangings feature a playful array of domestic and exotic animals.

This set features all 12 designs - the Boar, Donkey, Horse, Reindeer, Lamb, Duck, Leopard, Goat, Camel, Rhinoceros, Elephant and Dog. The kit comes complete with all the materials needed to complete your designs.

The...

4 030,00 kr

This kit supports the Glamis 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.

How We Give Back

To Castles, Country Houses & Institutions

Where possible we donate 10% of the proceeds of the sale of a kit to the castle, country house, or institution that the original embroidery belongs to and to support the up keep of the original embroidery.

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Muncaster Castle Collection
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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.