Mediterranean Sampler:
This pattern showcases four common motifs used in Mediterranean art: the cross, the star, the carnation, and the scroll. These four designs are seen in woodcarving, stonework, textiles, and painted architectural borders from antiquity through the age of Byzantium and are seen in many variations throughout all kinds of folk embroidery. I have arranged them as a modern day sampler with a two-color palette that is simple yet striking and can be easily changed to the color palette of your choice by using one light and one dark shade. Worked as a wall hanging, pillow, or square cloth, this design is a wonderful way to bring these ancient motifs into your modern space! Finished area of embroidery on 30 ct fabric: 7.5 x 7.5 inches (exclusive of finishing) Stitch count: 111x111/5179 sts/2630 backstitches.
Celestial Peacocks:
A beautiful and arresting design of two confronted peacocks that abounds with ancient symbols of death, life, and resurrection: cypress trees and urns represented death in the antiquity whereas peacocks symbolized immortality and resurrection. The vibrant carnation and tulip border denote life and the eight-pointed stars in the peacock’s tails signify the “eighth day” which was a symbol of resurrection in Byzantium. Inspired by an embroidered border from a 19th century bed linen in the Ionian islands, this modern adaptation preserves the original bold colorway of bright blue, terra cotta red, and olive green. Lovely as a framed textile or pillow cover. Finished size (exclusive of hem): 10-1/4 x 17 inches Stitch count: 133 x 217.
Table Runner- Despina's Anemone:
This compelling design originates in a stunning tablecloth a friend of mine shared with me. Her mother, Despina, stitched it for her prika, a collection of embroidered tablecloths, cushion covers, and other handmade textiles that family members gift to a Greek bride so she can beautify her new home, a tradition which dates back centuries in Greece. Featuring a vibrant colorway of garnet, coral, blue, ecru, and golden olive that is just as stylish today as it was 25 years ago when Despina originally stitched it, the stylized anemone motif is further ornamented by a wonderful use of backstitches to throw the bright colors into high relief. Wallhanging/table runner version. Stitch count: 89 x 209 (4432 sts/7357 backsts). Finished size: 10x18” finished. Kit includes Traditional Groundcloth imported from Greece, DMC floss, John James size 24 tapestry needle, and full-color pattern.
Grecian Urn 3:
This delightful series showcases a few of the many Greek folk embroideries that feature urns and flowers. These designs are traditionally used for double-ended table runners and because of this, are typically grounded by a horizontal border formed of small geometric patterns and repeating colors. Included in the pattern are directions and supply lists for various finishing options (pillow cover, wall hanging, decorative cloth, and framed textile) and the Demos page has step-by-step instructions. With such wonderful designs and so many finishing options, these embroideries will be sure to have a beloved place in your home! The finished size of the embroidery is 6 x 6-3/4 on 26 ct fabric. 81 x 89 sts. Kit includes our Traditional Groundcloth imported from Greece, DMC floss, John James tapestry needle, and pattern.
Grecian Urn 2:
This delightful series showcases a few of the many Greek folk embroideries that feature urns and flowers. These designs are traditionally used for double-ended table runners and because of this, are typically grounded by a horizontal border formed of small geometric patterns and repeating colors. Included in the pattern are directions and supply lists for various finishing options (pillow cover, wall hanging, decorative cloth, and framed textile) and the Demos page has step-by-step instructions. With such wonderful designs and so many finishing options, these embroideries will be sure to have a beloved place in your home! The finished size of the embroidery is 6-3/4 x 8-3/4 inches on 26 ct fabric. 92 x 109 sts. Kit includes our Traditional Groundcloth imported from Greece, DMC floss, John James tapestry needle, and pattern.
Grecian Urn 1:
This delightful series showcases a few of the many Greek folk embroideries that feature urns and flowers. These designs are traditionally used for double-ended table runners and because of this, are typically grounded by a horizontal border formed of small geometric patterns and repeating colors. Included in the pattern are directions and supply lists for various finishing options (pillow cover, wall hanging, decorative cloth, and framed textile) and the Demos page has step-by-step instructions. With such wonderful designs and so many finishing options, these embroideries will be sure to have a beloved place in your home! The finished size of the embroidery is 7 x 9-1/2 on 26 ct fabric. 90 x 126 sts. Kit includes our Traditional Groundcloth imported from Greece, DMC floss, John James tapestry needle, and pattern.
Star of Chios:
This striking design of eight-pointed stars within octagons set off by double squares is easy to work yet has a beautiful intricacy. It is based upon a textile dating to 1820 from the island of Chios, a time in which embroidery work in the Greek islands had Italianate influence. This design most likely appealed to the embroideresses of Chios because of its eight-pointed star motif which was used widely throughout Byzantine art as the number eight symbolized the “eighth day of creation,” resurrection, and new life. 7” by 7” (exclusive of finishing)/93 x 93 sts. Kit includes Traditional Groundcloth imported from Greece, DMC floss, full color pattern and John James size 24 tapestry needle.
Octokafes: Charming embroidery kit with a coffee-loving octopus! *Fabric is printed with design *Vibrant, stunning designs display well in shop environment *High quality 100% Kona cotton fabric is wonderful for both the beginning and experienced stitcher *Kit includes everything you need: bamboo hoop, fabric printed with design, stitch diagram, stitchin instruction booklet, DMC Floss, and John James needle *Packaging is recyclable and eco-friendly *Avlea website (www.avleaembroidery.com) has how-to videos and stitcher support for new stitchers Avlea Folk Embroidery specializes in creating gorgeous cross stitch and embroidery kits inspired by traditional Mediterranean folk embroidery. You can see my entire line at www.avleaembroidery.com.
Pomegranate: Beautiful embroidery kit inspired by 15th century woven textile. *Fabric is printed with design *Vibrant, stunning designs display well in shop environment *High quality 100% Kona cotton fabric is wonderful for both the beginning and experienced stitcher *Kit includes everything you need: beechwood hoop (this is a much better quality hoop than in most embroidery kits), fabric printed with design, stitch diagram, stitchin instruction booklet, DMC Floss, and John James needle *Packaging is recyclable and eco-friendly *Avlea website (www.avleaembroidery.com) has how-to videos and stitcher support for new stitchers Avlea Folk Embroidery specializes in creating gorgeous cross stitch and embroidery kits inspired by traditional Mediterranean folk embroidery. You can see my entire line at www.avleaembroidery.com.
