Embroidery Inspiration – Spring Green

April 9, 2018 Denise Hendrick

Spring may not have fully sprung yet, but there are green buds on the trees here. How about a little inspiration to add some spring green to your costuming wardrobe?

Up first for your consideration, this glorious redingote of moss green and pale pink silk embroidered with lily of the valley. This is one of my favorite examples of embroidered 18th c. womenswear, and I dream of recreating it one day. Rijks Museum BK-1978-250.

Embroidery Inspiration - Spring Green redingote

What about a green silk court suit with floral embroidery? This example is in the Henry Ford Historic Costume Collection.

Next up is a Regency gown made of cream net and embroidered with green leaves and scallops. This one almost looks woven, but when you zoom in, it appears the green threads were woven through the netting to create the shape, and then further accented with embroidery stitches to create the texture and veins on the leaves. The Met 2008.82 a, b.

This Callot Soeurs evening gown from the 1920s would make quite the impression with it’s acid green silk velvet, beading, and embroidery. Cooper-Hewitt.

If an entire gown in green isn’t quite your thing, what about adding some green accessories? The green of these early-19th c. embroidered mitts would look splendid with a wide range of colors. MFA 38.1272a-b.

This 18th c. wallet is made from apple green silk and embroidered with roses, sheaves of wheat, butterflies, and flowers, and lined with a flash of pink silk. Who wouldn’t want this tucked inside their pocket? Museot Finna TMM9847.

Let’s top this all off with one of my favorite men’s at-home caps. This green silk version is decorated with brilliant flowers, goldwork, and the sweetest strawberries. LACMA M.81.97.12.