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An Old Gift

I am making a tallit for Yaara. Yaara’s grandmother died just a few months ago.  Yaara and her grandmother were close ( they lived in the same building).  That death is leaving a real hole in the upcoming event.

When we met to design Yaara’s tallit her mother mentioned that when Yaara’s grandmother turned twelve her relatives from Romania sent an embroidered blouse as a gift.  We initially thought that it might be nice to incorporate that blouse into  the tallit.

Matt, Yaara’s father was reluctant to do anything that might permanently alter the blouse. As it turns out, the colors won’t work with the colors we chose for the tallit. I think that I can copy the design motif onto the pinot/corner pieces.

 

Here is the blouse.

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It’s made out of a even weave linen gauze.

 

The design was probably counted off  rather than being drawn on the fabric.  I have seen this sort of work done in cross stich before, but never in these loosely formed straight stiches.

 

I like how the mix of colors creates a real sense of movement on the piece.

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The blouse is entirely hand sewn. Actually more accurately embroidery stitches hold the piece together.

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Even the hem is embroidered. SAM_2033SAM_2034

The construction is typical peasant garment,  made of all rectangles a narrow  central panel with rectangular sleeves. The narrow bodice panel is widened with two panels under the arm. This sort of a construction is economical in terms of fabric usage. you can construct a garment like this with zero fabric waste.

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I will adapt the embroidery design for the pinot. by incorporating the look of the blouse I hope that I will include this special memory of Yaara’s grandmother in Yaara’s tallit.

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Comments

  1. SandyMarch 21, 2014 at 4:59 PM

    I had troubles with my internet last week and forgot to come back and read this. The blouse is wonderful. I can understand keeping it whole. I have a blouse from Romania (when we tried to adopt from there). But all the stitching is blue. It didn't fit me for long, but I can't bring myself to do anything to it. I do wish the neck opening was more like this one. It is all gathering in a sort of smocking technique and never quite suited me...perhaps a large bosom had more to do with that.
    Sandy

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