| In the 4th century, travelers to Constantinople were | | | | William the Conqueror. The detail is fabulous, and it is |
| awed by the intricate details sewn onto the robes of | | | | amazing to think it was all done by hand. |
| the Byzantines. Patterns interlaced with gold threads | | | | Embroidery has led to other sewing art forms as well. |
| and jewels adorned the colorful robes worn by both | | | | In the 18th century, French tailors used a backstitch |
| men and women. The Byzantines had learned this art | | | | embroidery technique that created modern quilting. The |
| from the trade with the Orient. | | | | invention of lace making began as removing portions |
| Travelers brought back samples to Britain, where it | | | | of the embroidery work, leaving open spaces. This |
| was decided that it was fit for church and royalty only. | | | | creative idea began in Venice and continues |
| Thus we have our many fine examples of tapestries | | | | throughout the world today. |
| that are actually embroidered works of art. It was not | | | | The fine art of hand embroidery is a lovingly handed |
| until after the crusades of the 11th century that the | | | | down tradition for generations of women. Many use it |
| common man was introduced to embroidery, and its | | | | to create beautiful garments handed down for |
| popularity as a decorative motif on clothing became | | | | generations. That is how many women were taught to |
| popular. | | | | hand stitch. Now with the invention of machines that |
| If possible, anyone who enjoys the art of embroidery | | | | can embroider in the home, it may become a lost art. |
| should have a look at the Bayeux Tapestry, held in the | | | | Perhaps there are enough people left who still enjoy |
| Bayeux museum in France. It is a delicate, yet | | | | the act of creating a work of beauty by hand to keep |
| extremely large depiction of the Norman Conquest by | | | | it alive. I hope so. |