This cheerful section of overlapping scallops also combined needlework and lunéville hook techniques but it wasn't nearly as intricate as the previous one!
The contour line around each scallop indicates a curved line of beads in different colours and the lines in each scallop indicate the thread and stitch to use. The squiggly lines above the scallops are vermicelli beads and the light green bars are rolled yellow satin ribbon.
Working on the underneath with the lunéville hook, the beaded outlines were added first in red, pink and gold. The frame was turned over and the scallops were embroidered with long and short stitches in red, raspberry and salmon cotton embroidery thread, yellow rafia and coral chenille. Several shapes were filled with the chain stitch using individual strands of embroidery floss and the lunéville hook. Turning the frame over again, the negative space between the scallops and the arched border was filled with vermicelli raspberry beads.
The border was finished with an arch of rolled yellow satin ribbon. This was extremely exact as the volume and height of each roll had to be the same. The incremental curve of the band was created by overlapping the ribbon by minuscule amounts with each roll. Suffice to say it was tricky and took the best part of a day to complete this finishing touch!
Textile Tours of Paris
Join Rebecca on a tour of Paris’ charming haberdasheries nestled deep in the winding streets of Le Sentier, the city’s historic textile and fashion district. Enjoy a Sunday morning with Rebecca on a Flea Market Tour as she guides you through the labyrinth alleys of Paris’ oldest marché-aux-puces to uncover hidden treasure troves filled with vintage lace, linen, passementerie, golden threads and gossamer lingerie. To find out more visit Textile Tours of Paris.