In 1671 Martha Edlin who was 11 years old, embroidered a casket. She used a variety of stitches including raised work to create different textures. Martha also used pearls, silk and metal threads. Inside are her needle case, bodkin and pin cushion and a small box which has a secret drawer.
The casket is in the V&A and they have a video of Martha Edlin’s Casket so that you can see it, in the round, online.
While on the V&A site also see the movie of Jacquard Weaving
Hmm, seems you have to have Quick Time to play this video. Oh well, I could read the transcript. I’ve seen photos of this in books, perhaps I’ll have to go and see the real thing one day.
Hooroo,
Christine.
I found the video stream on Jacquard Weaving really interesting. Only yesterday I was reading a article on saganishiki (Japanese silk & paper brocade) on the Wormspit website.
http://www.wormspit.com/saganishiki.htm
This is a site all about silk.
CA
It’s so beautiful and truly evokes the period and a little of Martha herself.
Thanks for this. I once spent about two hours with my forehead pressed up against the glass of this exhibit trying to see as much of the casket as I could. Yay for the museum for making this video.