Crafts
General | Beadwork | Embroidery | Lace
Embroidery
Embroidery Magazines
Classic Stitches
Published bi-monthly by D.C.Thomson and Co. Ltd. this offers needlework with style - tecniques, patterns, textiles, 'Spotlight' on exhibitions section, courses and classes, designer profiles and links to websites plus a comprehensive online stitch glossary
http://www.classicstitches.com/ main/
Embroidery
Published by the Embroiderers' Guild, this subscription only magazine takes an in-depth look at contemporary textile art, ethnographic embroidery and the history (including social aspects) of embroidery. It also reviews embroidery and textile collections and exhibitions.
http://embroidery.embroiderersguild.com
Stitch
Published by the Embroiderers' Guild bi-monthly, Stitch magazine opens up the exciting world of contemporary and traditional embroidery.It features embroidery designers' work and showcases members' work together with hundreds of stitches, colours, symbols and materials from around the world with projects to work. Create your own designs and explore the history of embroidery through articles about items from the Embroiderers' Guild Museum collection too.
http://www.embroiderersguild.com/ stitch
Textile Ideas Magazine Projects
Published by the Embroiderers' Guild and sent out three times a year to Young Embroiderers' members, the Textile Ideas Magazine includes projects for children and young people aged between 5-17. Click on 'Scene' to find more challenging projects, information about courses and careers in textiles and examples of young embroiderers' work.
http://www.hiraeth.com/ youngembroiderers/ proj_index.htm
Workbox
Published bi-monthly by Ebony Media Inc., this magazines informs and inspires with articles and projects on all aspects of embroidery, needlecraft, textiles, fabrics and beadwork. New ideas are explored and traditional methods are explained. What's on listings and selected links are included too.
http://www.ebony.co.uk/ workbox/
Embroidery Museums and Collections
International Quilt Study Center and Museum
The International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Lincoln Nebraska, USA, has a collection of over 2300 quilts. Search their collection online by pattern or by USA State.
http://www.quiltstudy.org
Manchester Art Gallery
The Gallery of Costume at Manchester Art Gallery contains over 20,000 items of clothing and fashion accessories worn by men, women and children from 17th century to the present day: high fashion and working people's dress, sport and leisurewear and underwear. Some are embroidered. To have a look at a selection of items online, click 'Collections' and then 'Costume online'. 'Close-up' shows decorative finishes and techniques in detail
http://www.manchestergalleries.org/
Quilt Museum
Based in York, this museum is dedicated to quilt-making and the textile arts. This is the headquarters of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles and houses its famous quilt collection. The website Includes information about their collections and current exhibitions.
http://www.quiltmuseum.org.uk
The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery
The costume collection (including handbags and shoes) at the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery has over 2500 articles dating from the 18th century to the 1970s. Some are embroidered. Many of the items have been donated by Bedford residents. The gallery also houses an important collection of lace donated by the family of Thomas Lester, a 19th century Bedford lace merchant. Closed for refurbishment until 2009, items can still be viewed online. Click the 'Collections' link on their website.
http://www.cecilhigginsartgallery.org
The Fashion Museum
This museum in Bath houses a major collection of fashionable dress and accessories, some embroidered. Previously called the Museum of Costume, the Fashion Museum has over 30,000 items of men's, women's and children's dress dating from the 16th century to the present day. Search online for different styles of costume and accessories in 'Collection Search' and 'Advanced Search'.
http://www.fashionmuseum.co.uk
The National Needlework Archive
A documentary and photographic record of needleworked textiles, housed throughout the British Isles, is maintained by the NNA, thus preserving the UK's needlework heritage. It lists 8,000 pieces of work belonging to Women's Institutes for example. The work of individual and professional textile artists is also recorded. Additionally the NNA has a research library covering all matters relating to textiles: books, patterns, dissertations plus a study collection of needlework machines and tools and examples of household linens and haberdashery. The NAA can be contacted about re-housing .
http://www.nationalneedleworkarchive.org.uk
Victoria and Albert Museum
A major London museum of art and design, its collections include 'Textiles' (woven, printed and embroidered textiles and lace, tapestries and carpets covering a period of 2000 years) and 'Fashion, Jewellery and Accessories' (fashionable dress from the 17th century to the present day and accessories such as jewellery, gloves and handbags). Many images and links online including 'Shamiana' which has work by two Bedford groups. In the search box enter 'Shamiana' and 'Bedford' to find out more.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/
Embroidery Organisations
The Cross Stitch Guild
Formed by the designer and author Jane Greenhoff, the Cross Stitch Guild holds classes and courses and has an online shop specialising in cross stitch books. Find too, information on where to buy materials and an events section. For beginners there is a cross stitch basics link.
http://www.thecrossstitchguild.com
The Embroiderers' Guild
Housed at Hampton Court Palace, the Guild promotes and encourages the art of embroidery and related crafts. It collects, preserves and exhibits examples of embroidery and its museum holds an important and fascinating collection of over 11,000 world embroideries, costume, furnishings and decorative textiles. This includes a major collection of British embroidery from the 16th century to the present day. The Guild also offers a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, workshops, City and Guilds courses, lectures and tours. 5-17 year olds can join the Young Embroiderers groups. A huge selection of specialised books on embroidery and textiles is available through the Guild Bookshop.
http://www.embroiderersguild.org.uk
The Royal School of Needlework
Dedicated to the art of hand embroidery, the Royal School of Needlework, housed at Hampton Court Palace, has a vast collection of written archives and antique textiles shared with the public via exhibitions and talks. It holds day courses and classes and runs apprenticeships as well as carrying out commissions and restoration work on items of national and family importance.
http://www.royal-needlework.co.uk
The Sampler Guild
The Sampler Guild undertakes research into sampler history, preserves antique samplers and aims to ensure that the art of sampler making continues. Their website showcases members' work and gives details of forthcoming events and classes.
http://www.thesamplerguild.co.uk
Embroidery Shows, Fairs and Exhibitions
Embroiderers' Guild
Click 'What's On' and then 'Listings' for a comprehensive list of UK and international embroidery and textile exhibitions and events.
http://www.embroiderersguild.org.uk
International Craft and Hobby Fair
Gives information about the major craft fairs organised by ICHF in the UK: Creative Stiches & Hobbycrafts, Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch, Hobbycrafts and lastly Sewing for Pleasure.
http://www.ichf.co.uk/
Twisted Thread
Gives information about three major craft shows run by Twisted Thread: Stitch and Craft, Festival of Quilts and the Knitting and Stitching Show.
http://www.twistedthread.com
General | Beadwork | Embroidery | Lace
Page last updated: 29 September 2008
