Embroidery Inspiration – April Showers Bring May Flowers

Spring is finally here in the PNW, and not a moment too soon! In honor of May Day, here is a round up of embroidered items that capture the pastel loveliness of springtime.

Let’s start with this fragment of embroidery featuring a trellis full of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers, from 1860-80. While not exactly botanically correct, it’s still beautiful! Rijksmuseum, BK-BR-405.

This sweet pincushion would brighten up any sewing room. Mid-19th c. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1962-44-7.

For cooler climates, this c. 1885 cream wool gown embroidered with delicate trailing flowers might be just the ticket. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1972-61-2. 

There’s something for the little miss, as well. This c. 1883 wool twill and silk satin gown is elaborately decorated with ruching, pleats, and scalloped panels with silk embroidery. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1976-176-1a,b.

For evening, how about this 1897-98 Jeanne Hallée evening gown in a delicate pink? The tambour embroidery and spangles are also strikingly reminiscent of 18th c. court gowns. The Met, C.I.62.36.1a–d.

A basketful of ribbon roses never gets old. Boué Soeurs, The Met, 2009.300.1251a, b. 

This 1920s turban hat boasts a profusion of bright flowers to brighten up your ensemble. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1956-103-1. 

Before you head out, grab this 1950s straw braid purse with a floral spray in straw embroidery. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1954-76-5. 

And we can’t forget shoes! These darling pink pumps are adorned with ruched ribbon and embroidered flowers. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1929-175-19a,b.

You can find more examples of May Day Flowers over on my Pinterest board.  Do you have any favorite pieces that evoke springtime for you? Please share in the comments!

Resources:

• See more Ribbonwork inspiration here.
• A surprising number of antique linens*, vintage ribbonwork*, and handkerchiefs* embroidered with flowers have survived and are for sale on Etsy.
• Mary Corbett has a number of FREE hand embroidery designs on her website.

Books:

• • Jane Nicholas’ book about Shakespeare’s Flowers* showcases a beautiful array of stumpwork flowers.
  • Stumpwork Flowers*
  • Treasury of Floral Designs and Initials*
  • A-Z of Embroidered Flowers*
  • Trish Burr has several books that prominently feature flowers among the designs: Redoute’s Finest Flowers in Embroidery* , Miniature Needle Painting Embroidery*, and  Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners*.
  • If you’re curious about straw embroidery, check out Decorative Straw Craft: Swiss Straw Work, Embroidery, and Marquetry*.

*Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase. These are marked with an * after the product name. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers, and I do not recommend products solely to get a commission.