Ayrshire and Other Whitework

For a generation or more, white on white embroidery, a symbol of purity and elegance, once so desirable, has been neglected by needlewoman and collector alike. The growing importance of antique costume, in the saleroom and among serious students, has aroused interest in the embroidered accessories that were an indispensible part of the whole ensemble. This book gives a concise summary of the various types of white needlework likely to be encountered. It shows details of the techniques and gives a readable and authoritative account of such diverse types as Dresden work, tamboured muslin, Ayrshire embroidery, Mountmellick and Richelieu work, broderie anglaise, quilting and stringwork. A useful section shows how to identify machine embroidery and Indian whitework. Above all, it will be an inspiration to the modern needlewoman attracted by white on white embroidery. About the author: Margaret Swain has written many books and articles as a result of her researches into the history of textiles, notably Historical Needlework, The Needlework of Mary Queen of Scots, Figures on Fabric and Tapestries and Textiles at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. She has served on the Council of the Embroiderers' Guild and as Honorary Consultant to the National Museum of Scotland. In 1981 the University of Edinburgh conferred upon her the honorary degree of Master of Arts for her researches into the history of Scottish textiles. In 1989 she was awarded an MBE for services to the history of embroidery.Swain, Margaret is the author of 'Ayrshire and Other Whitework' with ISBN 9780852635896 and ISBN 0852635893.