Beaded Silk Flower Etui

Stitched by the late Jane Herbert from one of my linen class designs, this is another exquisite, one-off treasure. Worked on antique white linen, the design was imagined from a sampler seen at auction which depicted a fanciful vase of flowers in a vignette of counted cross stitch. It is worked in stranded cotton) and is embellished with tiny seed beads and hand-painted silk thread.

The etui is completed with a hand-crafted folded hem to create the covered pocket and has a covered brass ring and a twisted cord closure. Inside you will find five gold-plated needles, a pair of vintage curved steel scissors and a pair of highly decorative antique mother-of-pearl needlework tools and a faux ivory thread holder.

The etui measures a generous 6.5 x 7.5in (16.5 x 19cm) when folded and is supplied gift boxed.

My linen classes at Pinks Barn were held on alternate months and were usually for a full day. As a rule, I would design a new project for each class and would supply a materials pack for each guest. A slightly riotous lunch would occur with sparkling wine and/or orange juice and a fairly focused raid on my workroom!