207 - Florentine Fleur de Lys

Teacher: Michele Roberts
Class days: February 19-20, 2011 (Saturday-Sunday)
Style: Traditional Raised Goldwork, Beading and Needlepoint
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
Kit fee: US $105.00

The official symbol of the city of Florence, Italy, as well as the Medici family, is a very fancy fleur de lys with enhanced growth at top and bottom – the stamens and pistils are separated from the petals of the flower. These extra Renaissance Italian curves grant a richness, complexity, and delicacy seldom seen in the more spare, classically-shaped Fleur de Lys. To further enhance the design, the background is a diagonal lattice work of gold and pearls, and a latticed border of pure gold surrounds the diagonal lattice work. This motif is entirely worked in raised traditional Goldwork. Types of gold used are Pearl Purl, Bright Check, Wire Check, Check Thread, Japan gold, and Whipped Plate. Techniques include Padding, Invisible Couching, Parallel Laying, Twisting, Chipping, and two very different lattices.

Design Size: 10” X 7 1/2”

Student will Supply:

Frame and tools for working with metal – a welcome letter will contain a complete list of items to bring to the class.

Kit contents

White 24-count congress cloth | Basting thread | Gold-colored sewing thread | padding materials (felt, string) | Gold Pearl Purl #2 | Gold #6 Bright Check Purl | Gold #6 Wire Check Purl | Gold Whipped Plate | Check Thread | Japan gold | real freshwater pearls | needle felt with crewel | beading, millinery and long darner needles | beeswax | complete instructions in bound booklet, photograph, bibliography | other items.