Stitching the Jacobean motif. . . . . .

I promised to show you this, my crewel embroidery piece 'Tree of Life' 

started and completed in the mid 1970's. I recall it took me perhaps a couple

 of years, picking it up now and then between family and work commitments

when we lived in Massachusetts. 

I bought it as a kit - complete with the skeins of wools in beautiful colors,

 printed Belgian linen, and stitch instructions - offered by one of the most admired

 American stitchery women ever, the late Elsa Williams. After a lengthy search

 I've managed to find this article on her which I found so interesting.

 Some of her kits, now classified as 'vintage', are still available online.

I didn't have my crewel piece framed until later when we moved here to

 North Carolina in 1977, choosing framing and hanging on the wall over a pillow

 or chair seat cover thinking it would last longer with less wear and tear. 

I'm amazed that the colors have not faded at all, however admit I've never

 displayed it on a wall with bright light or direct sun.

Jacobean embroidery refers to styles that flourished in the reign of 

King James I of England in the first quarter of the 17th century.

This is one of many depictions in the pattern of the Jacobean motif named

 'Tree of Life.'  It was popular for curtains and bed hangings - remember those?

 They draped four poster beds to keep out the winter drafts in those

 cold British castles and country mansions. Ms. Williams' designs

 for this motif were unsurpassed.

The term Jacobean is used today to describe this design for furnishing

 and is characterized by fanciful plant and animal shapes, stylized forests,

 and exotic plants arising from a landscape or terra firma, worked in a variety

 of stitches with two-ply wool yarn on linen.

A chart of crewel embroidery stitches and techniques via the Internet.

  

I doubt I will ever do another intricate and somewhat complicated embroidery
 such as this, my eyesight is not what it used to be for close-up stitching. 
I do love it though, recall how I enjoyed creating it, and am proud that

 I did produce this special piece of handwork when I was in my thirties.
 I hope it will be considered an 'heirloom' of sorts, and will be kept and
 admired by a family member some day in the future.