CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING

December, 2021

Photo Credit: Stephanie Veltri

It was a beautiful holiday season being backing Arlington, Virginia this year. This being my first year of Instagram posts, I was able to highlight my design work and share it with some amazing people.

This Christmas I brought out my favorite needlepoint pillow. Needlepoint is the oldest known canvas working a counted thread embroidery. Tent Stitch is the most classically used and typically covers an entire canvas. Color changes depict the pattern for visual interest and portrayal. Detail is achieved depending on the mesh fabric below the stitchery. Needlepoint dates back to the ancient Egyptians as they used the stitch technique to sew up the canvas of tents. Modern needlepointing came from tent stitchery in the 1600's. In the 17th Century Bargello or flame stitch became popular in Florence. With upholstered furniture becoming a trend needlepointing was implemented into the design. The 18th century shed a light on needlepointing to train women how to sew their own clothing. Shaded Berlin wool was used in the 19th Century with multiple colors in bright hues. Needlepoint has continued to be popular into present day and featured in so many fantastic products! When I first saw this Chinoiserie pagoda needlepoint pillow with velvet backing at George Washington's Mount Vernon I fell in love! It's not only a fabulous home decor piece, but the art of needlepoint is evident in the design, detail and quality. It fits in perfectly with our home and exudes history as well as elegance. There's something very romantic about the finery of needlepoint and what it brings to the home.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Veltri

Above I am featuring one of my favorite Chinoiserie pieces from Collectiblebrooks.com. A double happiness ginger jar serves many functions and has been around for centuries! From the time of the Qing Dynasty the Qi lettering signifies wedded bliss. These jars were originally used to carry ginger or salt and also given as gifts to the emperor in China. They were not named "ginger jars" until they were introduced to European culture. These special jars can be filled with festive holiday blooms or work beautifully being layered amongst similar chinoiserie porcelain pieces. Do you collect ginger jars?

Photo Credit: Stephanie Veltri