I recently read an article concerning modern tapestry work which focused primarily on new designs created by a group or groups of needleworkers to commemorate a historical event or series of events (the Plymouth Tapestry), to celebrate a particular place (the Great Tapestry of Scotland), or to reproduce or recreate ancient known tapestries (the Bayeaux Tapestry, the Stirling Tapestries). This article concluded with a brief look at some of best known historic European tapestries, mentioning one I had never heard of – the Apocalypse Tapestry.

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Made of wool using the low-warp technique and reversible, the tapestry currently measures on average 103 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width. This work, based on a 1st century A.D. manuscript (the visions of St. John, the final text of the New Testament), illustrates the historical, social and political context of 14th century France, at the time of the Hundred Years War, of epidemics and famine.

After a damaging period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries when it was mutilated, abandoned and dispersed, the tapestry was reassembled and restored in the mid-19th century by Canon Joubert. The tapestry was returned to the Château d’Angers in 1954 to be presented to the public. 

In the semi-darkness of the gallery, you will be able to appreciate all the symbolism and mystery that this work exudes. The Apocalypse of St. John has been interpreted in many ways through the centuries.

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For more information, check out the following resources:

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• The Plymouth Tapestry

• The Great Tapestry of Scotland. These are works of embroiderers rather than weavers, so they do not fit the basic definition of a tapestry.  Of course, neither does the Bayeaux Tapestry…  

• The Stirling Tapestries.  These are recreations of tapestries originally woven in the early 16th century.  Historic Scotland commissioned them as part of a project to furnish Stirling Castle as it was in the 16th century.  They now hang in the Queen’s Inner Hall in the Royal Palace.  I have photos of the work in progress that I can share in a future newsletter

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Happy Stitching!

SCVC Education Director

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Designer of the month - more on Mary Corbet and others (November 2023)

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I’ve said before that any time I run out of ideas for this segment, I just look to Mary Corbet’s regular posts for ideas.  Sometimes, like today, they turn out to be too good to wait.  Since finishing is always a bear for me, I’m always open to suggestions.  Here we go: Damp Stretching.

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The DMC website is wonderful for many reasons, not the least of which are the myriad of inexpensive, often free cross stitch patterns.  An item I had never seen before is a brief history of the company itself.  Check under the EXPLORE tab once finished with other browsing.  https://www.dmc.com/US/en/about-us

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I’m going to sign up for a sampler designing class from Thistle Threads.  One of the learning objectives is making design decisions while avoiding decision paralysis.  Story of my life.  Class begins December 1 for 4 months. A free Christmas ornament pattern is available for those willing to set up an account.   Class is called Thistle Threads Historic Sampler Design Course.

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Lori Holt YouTube videos – besides quilting and quilt-a-longs, Lori does a lot of cross stitching.  Most of her fabric lines include home deco weight fabrics for making project bags.  She also has a video for bag embellishments including crocheted flowers, covered buttons and zipper charms designed by her daughter.  They remind me of an elementary school art project when we made lanyards.  70 years later…..  Crochet Series 3 –Crochet Flower tutorial – Keychain/Zipper pull.

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