Research:
Of colored wools.
After the Renaissance, increased international trade and the shift in emphasis of embroidery workmanship from the church to a more secular patronage brought a desire and taste for ever more sumptuous clothing and interior decorations. Continuing in the seventeenth century, needlework became richer as a result of “growing opportunities for luxurious living”1 and increased availability of finer materials such as colored silks and metallic thread.
Embroideries were produced by groups of people in diverse positions and stations. Schoolgirls completed needlework projects in the form of samplers and pictorial embroideries, items for the home were stitched by the mistresses of the household with the help of servants and included cushion covers, table covers and curtain panels, while professional male embroiderers produced pictures and clothing decoration for royal and noble patrons.2
Full research report available on request.