Thinking Big; Erica; Erica: Thinking Big

Mahard, Frances · December 21, 1971

Embroidery projects are often worked on small items, but embroidery can also adorn large items, such as bedspreads. At the beginning of the episode, Erica shows embroidered flowers on squares that she has then appliqud onto a bedspread for a patchwork effect. The flowers are based on 18th century botanical prints and feature many kinds of embroidery?turkey work, French knots, bullion knots, etc. Once again, Erica?s work is rooted in historical inspiration from works of art and using multiple kinds of stitches in one project. For the main project of the episode, Erica shows viewers how to upholster a formal side chair with their own embroidery. She encourages viewers to design their own pattern, and suggests using 17th century botanical prints and 18th century printed cotton chintzes from India for inspiration. Tips that she gives to make this ?big? project a success are having the upholsterer create a template before one begins, working on linen twill (as it is very hard-wearing, due to its diagonal weave), and drawing your design on paper and then transferring it to the linen fabric using embroidery carbon. Stitches demonstrated in this episode include stem stitch, buttonhole, and laidwork. Summary and select metadata for this record was submitted by Amanda Sikarskie.