Boutis - Antique Vermicule

Another wonderful boutis has joined my others !  I was lucky enough to acquire an exquisite, very old vermicule "Toilette" recently.   This piece measures 123cm x 160cm, and has a wide batiste frill of 21cm.  The frill is beautifully embroidered, with Broderie au tambour, very fine and considering the age, is in very good condition.  The fineness of the work would indicate that this is a studio piece, not one made at home.

Recently we have learned through books published on the subject, that a boutis should be as beautiful on the back as on the front.   I always strive to make my boutis beautiful on the reverse as well.  However, the very old ones don't seem to be that way, and on this piece, one can clearly see the tufts of stuffing sticking out of the motifs.

The stitching is absolutely wonderful, miniscule point de piqure.  There is a central carnation design, then overall beautiful motifs of pomegranates, paisleys, flowers and foliage of similar designs as you would see on an Indienne or chintz.  There are two beautiful narrow borders.

I had some trouble trying to get an overall photo, it is difficult to show white on white, and this boutis is large.  Most of the photos here are closeup to show you the details.

Outer border of leaves

Wonderful broderie au tambour all over the 21cm wide frill

Laundry mark on the reverse

Hard to see the entire design unfortunately.

Detail of designs

So much more beautiful when you can see the transparency

Central carnation

One of the many paisleys, all have different designs.

Inner border, I love the simplicity of this one.

On these two photos you can see the small tufts where the cording ends were not pushed back into the motifs.

Hope everyone got some stitching time in today !