Anyone with info on history of Schwalm whitework

[Deepa]

Present day Schwalm whitework involves drawn thread stitches,but the 18th century Schwalm was a surface embroidery technique with lot of interlacing and weaving involved. Last week I received a book from Germany titled "Early Schwalm Whitework"  authored by Luzine Happel. I googled to find information about the embroidery technique but there was absolutely nothing.

Does anyone know more about this form of whitework? I've posted the pictures of the embroidery (from the book) in my blog. I was wondering how the transition from surface embroidery to drawn thread happened. A picture of a worked piece is attached.

Deepa
http://deepashome.blogspot.com/

[Yvette Stanton]

For Luzine, I'm currently road-testing some left-handed Schwalm instructions that she has written. It is a gorgeous form of needlework, and I am enjoying it very much!

[Deepa]

Yes I know Yvette, you're stitching up the present day Schwalm. I subscribe to Needle'n thread :)

Luzine has another book called Early Schwalm whitework.Do have a look at my blog http://deepashome.blogspot.com/

Yvette Stanton said:

For Luzine, I'm currently road-testing some left-handed Schwalm instructions that she has written. It is a gorgeous form of needlework, and I am enjoying it very much!

[Mosaic Magpie]

Hi Deepa,

I have recently become very interested in Schwalm whitework myself.  You mention Luzine Happel, I am stitching a project from her upcoming book, titled "Basic Principles of Schwalm Whitework" for left-hander.  As you, I have looked for more information and photos, finding very little.  Without the internet and Luzine, I may never have learned of this type of embroidery.  I will be watching with great interest all that is posted to this discussion.

Deb 

[Ann Clare]

Apart from Luzine there is a book 'Schwalm Whitework' by Renate Fernau, a Lacis publication that has lovely clear diagrams.

[Margaret]

I have just found the book Schwalm Embroidery techniques and designs by Christine Bishop, one of my many purchases which I have never looked at fully before, how I need more hours in a day!. The author gives a brief description of early schwalm work and says it closley resembled Hedebo from Denmark. Not sure if this is of any help.

[Mandy Currie]

Deepa, I was thrilled to find your blog through your link, your work and your knowledge of embroidery are really impressive, I love the lacy 3D flowers you make and would like to know how to make them.

[Elaine Wilding]

Hi Deepa, Just like Mandy  I want to know the process for your lace flowers. Your blog is wonderful I took a peek.               And all the information is great. Is this type of embroidery a little like Brazilian embroidery. I have never heard of Schwalm Embroidery before. Or is a type of white work. So curious???? Happy stitching Hugs Elaine

[Deepa]

Hi Mandy

I think you're talking about Brazilian Embroidery flowers. If you visit BDE website you'll get information about this type of embroidery and some free designs too..

Hugs, Deepa

[Deepa]

Hi Elaine,

I do a lot of flowers.Some are brazilian embroidery and some are surface embroidery :)

Schwalm embroidery is a white on white  embroidery(meaning stitch with white threads on white fabric) ,and Schwalm is a place in Germany where it originated hence it is called Schwalm white work. It is a drawn thread embroidery which creates a kind of lacy look on the fabric.
Hugs,

Deepa

[Deepa]

Thank you Margaret. Now I need to find what is Hedebo :)

[Deepa]

Thank you Ann, never heard of this book.Does it have the history of Schwalm?

Ann Clare said:

Apart from Luzine there is a book 'Schwalm Whitework' by Renate Fernau, a Lacis publication that has lovely clear diagrams.

[Deepa]

Hi Deb,

Iam so curious to find how the transition from Schwalm surface embroidery to drawn thread work happened.What influenced this change ? I think I'll dig around a little more :)

Regards,

Deepa