For my upcoming teaching trip to China, I was asked to demonstrate several European embroidery techniques. Finding the techniques was not a problem, after all we have a rather rich embroidery tradition. But what to do with the stitched samples? And how to manage pace in a medium-sized diverse group of students? I came up with the idea of making a band sampler or a 'pronkrol' (pronken = to show off) as they are called in Dutch. This is a type of band sampler which became popular in the late 19th and early 20th century and was worked at private boarding schools for girls. As French was the preferred language of the well-to-do, these band samplers are often called 'Souvenir de ma Jeunesse'. What will my students learn? They will start with making a pomegranate with a few key embroidery stitches used in Jacobean crewel embroidery. Then they will explore Schwalm embroidery. This is a drawn-thread whitework technique from the Hessian region of Germany. Students will fill a classic tulip design with tulip patterns. Next up is a monogram using the fine whitework technique from Appenzell in Switzerland. And last but not least, they will learn couching, padding and cutwork to produce a goldwork leaf. Each technique will be separated by a small linen band sporting the name of the technique in cross stitch. After all, the humble cross stitch plays a very significant role in European embroidery. Both past and present. And these bands are great for students to work on on their own when I am not immediately available to solve a problem. The finished pronkrol will serve the same purpose as the antique ones did: show off a student's work. In the old days, the pronkrol would also inform the prospective mother-in-law about the housewife qualities of the bride-to-be... This is what the finished pronkrol will look like: I am very much looking forward to this great adventure. Not only will I be passing on time-honoured knowledge to new students, but I will also have the opportunity to learn from the Chinese about their magnificent embroidery culture!
11 Comments
Ann Bernard
6/8/2018 18:06:06
What a wonderful opportunity to teach in China. You have a challenging teaching schedule. I think that the band sampler is a good way to present it. Beat of good luck with all this. Wish that I was a young woman again and had the opportunities that are now available. Thank you for being a constant reader and commentator of my Blog. It is much appreciated.
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6/8/2018 18:35:23
Thank you Ann! This is a huge opportunity for me and I am so excited :). And I really enjoy reading your blog!
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Avril Baxter
6/8/2018 19:15:25
What a lovely project I have been to China many years ago and am sorry I cannot join you. I hope you and the students have a lovely time.
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Monica
6/8/2018 21:01:31
Hoi Jessica, wat een goed idee zo’n pronkrol! Ik hoop dat je vlijtige leerlingen hebt want het lijkt me flink doorwerken voor ze. Maar hele leuke ontwerpen. Misschien kun je een ook Chinees karakter in Appenzeller techniek (laten) borduren? Echte cross-over ;). Ik vind het geweldig dat je daar gaat lesgeven, veel succes!
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6/8/2018 21:21:49
Dank je wel Monica! Ik had dat in eerste instantie ook bedacht, maar ze wilden alleen echt Europees :).
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What a wonderful opportunity both for you and your students! The European style of embroidery is quite different from the Chinese, and this is a wonderful selection of different techniques you have chosen. Alas, I won't be able to join you on this trip, but fingers crossed our paths will cross at some point! Enjoy!
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7/8/2018 08:54:33
Thank you Catherine! I will blog at length about my trip :).
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7/8/2018 10:51:30
Thank you Rachel! I figured that with offering so many little morsels of embroidery, there must be something for everyone :)!
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Mabel
20/8/2018 13:59:17
Hoi Jessica, ik ben net terug van vakantie en ik lees dit geweldige nieuws. Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met deze fantastische workshop in China. Deze mensen boffen maar om les te krijgen van zo'n geweldige docente.
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