Mountmellick embroidery
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Mountmellick embroidery or Mountmellick work is a floral
History
It was developed around 1825 by Johanna Carter, who taught it to a group of about 15 women and girls. It used white
The
In the 1970s, Sister Teresa Margaret McCarthy of the Presentation Convent in Mountmellick learned of the embroidery, and collected together examples from around the area in order to study and learn from them. She taught herself the stitches and then began teaching others. Yvette Stanton has recreated the original knitted fringe used in historical pieces of Mountmellick embroidery.
As of 2022, the chairperson of the Mountmellick embroidery museum is Ann Dowling.[3]
Technique and uses
Mountmellick embroidery uses predominantly knotted and padded stitches to create beautifully textured whitework embroidery.[2] The work features a characteristic knitted fringe. Other forms of lace, such as crochet or bobbin lace are not authentic trims for Mountmellick work.[4]
The embroidery was usually employed on items of household use such as doilies, nightdress cases, brush and comb bags, bedspreads/coverlets, and tablecloths. Though the work was white and hence inclined to show stains, it was so sturdy that it could be easily boiled white again.
Today, Mountmellick embroidery is enjoying a resurgence of popularity around the world. A museum at the Mountmellick Development Association in Mountmellick has been opened to permanently display articles of Mountmellick embroidery for all to see. The
References
- ISBN 978-0-85105-512-1.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4733-8995-3.
- ^ Mountmellick Development Association. (2022) Mountmellickdevelopment.com. Available at: <https://www.mountmellickdevelopment.com/blog/post/mountmellick-embroidery-and-heritage-museum> (Accessed 4 August 2022)
- ISBN 978-0-85532-919-8.
Traditional Mountmellick embroidery (white-on-white work only)
- "Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature" by Yvette Stanton and Prue Scott, Vetty Creations, 2007 (2nd ed.). ISBN 978-0-9757677-2-6
- "Mountmellick Work: Irish White Embroidery" by Jane Houston Almqvist, Colin Smythe, 1990. ISBN 0-85105-512-5
- "Traditional Irish Embroidery: Mountmellick Work" by Sandra Counahan. Mercier Press, Ireland. ISBN 978-1-85635-485-1
- "Beginner's Guide to Mountmellick Embroidery", by Pat Trott. Search Press, UK. ISBN 978-0-85532-919-8
- "Mountmellick embroidery", by Jules and Kaethe Kliot. Lacis Publications, 1998. ISBN 0-916896-94-3
Non-traditional interpretations
- "Mountmellick from My Muse" by Janet M. Davies. JMD Designs. New Zealand. ISBN 0-473-07473-7
Further reading
- Beale, Edgar, The earth between them, Wentworth Books, Sydney, 1975
- Boyle, Elizabeth, The Irish flowerers, Ulster Folk Museum and Institute of Irish Studies, Queens University, Belfast, 1971
- O'Keeffe, Regina, The Quakers of Mountmellick, FAS and the Mountmellick Development Association, Mountmellick, 1974
External links
- Mountmellick Development Craft Museum. History of Mountmellick work
- Vetty Creations Links to Mountmellick embroidery information, collections, websites, books, Mountmellick kits and embroidery supplies.
- www.jmddesigns.co.nz/ Books, tutorials and designs of Mountmellick embroidery, with pictures.
- Video tutorial Mountmellick stitch
- Mountmellick Embroidery, TRC, Leiden The Textile Research Centre of Leiden’s page on Mountmellick work and its history.
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