[MR] Iso-Period Embroidery Frames

[Tracie Brown]

I believe there are some depicted in Kay Staniland's
Embroiderers in the medieval craftsmen series.

There are quite a few period depictions of embroidery stetched
on square or rectangular frames ("slate frames") -- some quite
large.  The small frames are usually rested on the lap or some
handy piece of furniture, and the larger frames on trestles.  

Go to the Web Gallery of Art  http://www.wga.hu/index1.html  
and type "Triumph of Minerva" into the title box for a 15th
century depiction of a small frame resting on a trestle and
the needleworker's lap.

This is a bit out of period, but identical to period
arrangements. Small frame rested on ... well, not exactly a
piece of furniture, 1627. There is apparently an earlier
version of this scene from the late 16th century, but I can't
find it.
http://www.kipar.org/baroque-costumes/photos/embroidery/stitchers_1627.jpg


Small frame resting on the lap, and someone embroidering
without a frame (lower right), early 17c. Also lacemaker or
two, a singer, a keyboard player and perhaps a dancer.
http://www.imagesonline.bl.uk/britishlibrary/controller/subjectidsearch?id=11278&startid=6794&width=4&height=2&idx=2

Large frame resting on trestles, with even larger frames up
against the wall.  This shows a professional embroidery shop
in the late 17th century:
http://geneaknowhow.net/in/beroepen/luyken/borduurder.html

Another large frame, resting on a trestle and a window sill
(for that good light), professional embroiderer, 18th century:
http://www.kipar.org/baroque-costumes/photos/embroidery/stitchers_1750_right.jpg

An article on using rectangular (slate) frames, from the West
Kingdom Needleworkers' Guild website:
http://www.bayrose.org/needlework/Slate_Frame.html

It's frustrating, but I can't seem to locate a web image of
the painting of the Virgin Mary as a girl, holding up her
piece of embroidery, along with other little girls also
holding up their embroidery, which is nowhere near as
well-done as hers.  No frames in sight, as I remember. It may
be in the Staniland book.

I've never seen a period or even near-period depiction of a
round or oval embroidery hoop.

I have seen a few period and near-period depictions of an
embroiderer using a pillow or cushion on her lap, which would
make embroidering without a frame less tiring.  Look in the
lower right of the British Museum image above for an example.

I wish I could have found more of the pictures I remember on
line, but this should get you started.

-- Signy