October, 2002
That
elegant little X . . .
Just two little threads,
one crossing over the other -- over and over again, often stitched
using a variety of fibers, combined in a myriad of ways, finished into
countless numbers of projects -- covers a lot of territory. The
cross stitch is a basic stitch, not difficult to master. Perhaps
it is the simplicity of the stitch which establishes its
popularity. Yet, there are certain skills to be mastered for a
piece to really shine.
Cross stitch is
frequently confused with needlepoint, embroidery, and canvas
work. People who are unfamiliar with the technicalities of
needlework sometimes call a cross stitch something it is
not. I have noticed this many times in my antiquing
excursions. Looking at a needlepoint picture, usually
covered with tent or continental stitches from corner to corner, I'll
glance at the label in exasperation as I read something like,
"nice old cross stitch sampler." Obviously I pass on
it. That same ignorance can lead one to some valuable
treasures at tag sales and even some antique stores if one remains
alert.
I have been doing cross
stitch for a very long time. My first piece was a pre-stamped
apron of black red roosters on red gingham fabric. Such a
simplistic technique is frequently called chicken-scratch. I
believe this has more to do with the fact that it is a modern folk-art
than a fine art embroidery. Over the past twenty years, my
passion for needlework grew substantially and I graduated from that
simple apron to working on linen.
It is interesting to note
that even today, with the vast popularity of needlework in our culture,
it remains difficult to purchase a nice piece of needlework.
Usually when you find it, you'll end up paying hundreds of dollars for
it. If you are fortunate enough to have been given a piece
by a friend or relative, count your blessings -- you do have more of a
treasure than you realize. It might be time to take a
second look at the hidden costs of your gift.
Stitchers often put in
countless hours of time into their highly prized needlework. If
they were compensated even at minimum wage for the total time it took
to finish a piece, the cost would very high. For example, if it
took 100 hours to complete a piece, at rate of $5.15 per hour is $515.
Fine linen can costs in excess of $50 a yard. Silk and specialty
threads often retail at $3 - $5 a skein. The costs of high
quality charts are often in the $10 to $14 range. Sterling
silver charms range from $5 to $15. Framing can often range from $50 to
$80 at a professional frame shop. The total cost of
your gift may fall into the $800 - $1000 range. You have been
given a gift indeed!
Of course, not all pieces
are expensive. Stitchery can be done on cheaper fabrics,
with less expensive threads and cheaper embellishment. Yet that
little x is still just as elegant. I remember a sampler
displayed at an EGA meeting some
years ago. It was an antique, and it was rather simple -- the
alphabet stitched in dark blue threads on an even-weave fabric.
The owner at that time, designer Dawn Lewis of Needlework
Antiques, explained the sampler was most likely done by a young
lady of a lower social class in the society of her time. I
remember looking at the piece a couple of times, something attracted me
to it. I am not sure if it was the tale of its probable history
or the piece's simple elegance.
Often needlework pieces
will have many other kinds of stitches, especially if it is a
sampler. And that little x can be stitched in a variety of ways,
as a full x, a three-quarter stitch, a quarter stitch, or a
half-stitch. The x can be stitched using varying strands of
thread and can be stitched over one or more threads of the base
fabric. Stitching the piece according to the pattern, or
devising a pattern of their own, the end result is still enhanced
by . . .
. . . that elegant little
x.
Meri
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Meridel Abrams, All Rights Reserved
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