Monday 8 March 2010

Myself in A Chinese Skirt

This beautifully embroidered, dyed and pieced skirt was amazingly heavy. This would be a 'best' overskirt and there would be two underneath this one. Embroidered Skirt panels would be on the top of this. Costume pieces would be passed down through the family and often recyled into another textile depending on it's owner. Judith's collection had so many beautiful pieces I will post some of them and how I have developed the stitches and layers in the future. So watch this blog! I felt very priveledged wearing it.
Thank you, Judith for such an inspiring experience.
If you would like to have more inspiration visit
there is a translation button, click on the main page and then click on costumes.
This shows you a selection of Chinese Textile Costumes.

Judith wearing a Chinese Neckpiece

Southern Chinese costumes are worn in many layers. Each piece is made in sections and assembled into elaborate textile pieces. Judith is showing me how this collar piece is worn. The more decorative beaded and embroidered section is at the back not the front!
Every piece of textile is covered in an extroidinary amount of stitches and folded patchwork.
Breath taking.
Judith is a very creative lady herself and she showed me some of her pieces she has made and her sewing room which is being re-designed at the moment.
It was a lovely afternoon,
Thank you Judith.

Map of China

Went to visit Judith today and her collection of Southern Chinese textiles.I first met Judith when she came to give a talk about tese textiles to The Kings Lynn Embroidery Guild. She has visited China five times, incuding a tour of the Silk Route. Her photographs and stories of her visits are wonderful with the accompaning textiles.
Thank you for sharing, Judith.