Gauze Embroidery

Gauze.

Silk gauze.

That's what this beautiful embroidery on the front of this purse is stitched upon.

I've been enthralled with gauze embroidery for some time and was thrilled to come across this article in a 1930's edition of Weldon's Needle-Art series magazine.

The little purse that I have as an example looks very much like the one displayed in the article which is referred to as Viennese.

The pattern for this purse is included in the publication and was stitched on 40 count gauze over 1 thread with one strand of filoselle silk in the needle.

We are still able to find silk gauze today and I've stitched a few small pieces but nothing as stunning as the examples I'm sharing today.  

There's something incredibly elegant about this petit-point on silk gauze.  I love how the gauze allows the fabric underneath to show through.  

It makes me think of other uses particularly for crazy quilting...or for a purse for something special like a bride...and so I sit here dreaming of designs on silk gauze.

This purse also has a spray of chenille and metal embroidered edging.  Though we can find silk chenille today, our versions are much thicker than what was used on a purse such as this...

Silk gauze work is popular with miniaturists such as doll house hobbyists who make tiny tapestries, rugs, fire screens and pillows all stitched on silk gauze.

I'm dreaming of something a bit bigger than that.

Here's a second example of silk petit-point on silk gauze...

Though this purse has some spotting on the silk gauze, you can still see how the purse's front is made from silk gauze which allows the fabric underneath to show through...

I like the use of transparency and the layering of fabrics to create an overall stunning effect.

Even though the gauze isn't in the best shape, the beauty of the embroidery is in no way diminished...

The last example I have is stitched on silk gauze as well...

But the gauze is completely stitched over to the edges of the purse...

Though this example is still lovely, it's not nearly as captivating to me as the previous two.  

Something about not filling in all the background places the embroidery front and center.

If you're interested in giving silk gauze a try, Mary Corbet has a few articles on the subject here and here.  What would we do without Mary?  

I've found 40 ct silk gauze at Nordic Needle and both 40 ct and 72 ct at Lacis but I'll warn you...it can be a bit expensive.  

Happy dreaming everyone.