August Phoenix Hats
– Handcrafted by Heather Daveno –
Category: Stitchery
Essays I have written on mostly Asian-centric textile history and embellishment technique, available via pdf download.
The making of Crow King…
My King Crow Cap is made from rescued textiles and inspired by a manuscript housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is my entry into the “Met 150 Design Contest” which runs through August 12, 2019. Send me luck, and perhaps your vote !
Stitchery Part V: Applique…
Appliqué can be as simple as applying a leaf to a surface, or as complex as the ‘tablion’ in Byzantium.
Stitchery Part IV: Chinese Symbolism…
The invention of the draw loom and the development of brocades allowed patterns to be woven into the cloth, which was often over-embroidered to augment the woven patterns (a technique I now employ on my hats…)
Stitchery Part III: The Stitches…
There are somewhere around 100 – 150 identifiable embroidery stitches used worldwide. I have only captured here those that are the oldest and most recognizable…
Stitchery Part II: Tools and Techniques…
Bronze needles are the best for embroidery as they have a smooth surface and are more pliable than steel, which reduces finger fatigue…
Stitchery Part I: History and Fibers…
This 5-part series begins with a very brief historical overview and comparison of embroidery between East and West…
Teaching Applique at the Seaview Fiber Arts Guild…
I was invited to teach the arts of applique and embroidery to the Seaview Weaving and Fiber Arts Guild. Little did they know how much trouble I would bring through their door …
Reconstructing an UlaanBaatar boot…
A friend and I stumbled across these boots in a military antiques shop in Seattle, and recognized them as traditional Mongolian footwear from UlaanBaatar.
Making a Tibetan maikhan…
The peaked roof of the 13th century maikhan was supported by a ridgepole, supported in turn by two upright poles. Guy ropes were made of yak hair and adorned with prayer flags, which served to both mark the guy ropes (notorious trip hazards), and to send prayers to heaven for the Buddhist inhabitants.