Sunday, February 24, 2008

SFILATO







Whilst looking for a present to send to the UK yesterday, I was shown these beautiful pieces of sfilato, Sicilian drawn thread embroidery. I know that the backgrounds they are displayed upon do not do much for them; nevertheless I think the work is beautiful and wanted to show it to you.
Sfilato embroidery has been traditional in Sicily since the end of the fourteenth century and today you can find many examples in Ragusa. The woman who carry out this intricate work are, of course, figurative descendants of the Arab workers of the tiraz [royal workshop] in Palermo.

14 comments:

James Higham said...

They are indeed beautiful and whilst a man might not feel it's his business to go out and get some, still he likes to see that sort of thing about in the house.

Chelsea + Shiloh said...

i love it Welshcakes, so delicate..it reminds me of tatting my gran used to do

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, James. I do know what you mean. To see such loveliness in the home means that you feel welcome and are cared about.
Hi, Abbey. So glad it pleases you, too.

jmb said...

They are quite beautiful Welshcakes, but I suppose those poor women who do that lovely work earn about 1 euro an hour since craftwork is not valued according to its intricacy.

Claire said...

Pretty.

Liz Hinds said...

They're beautiful. Some people have such marvellously creative hands.

Gledwood said...

Those embroidery/lacework/whatever-they're-called thingies are a throwback from pretelevisual days when people used to listen to the Home Service and actually do something useful with their hands instead of rotting in front o't telly¬!

My Auntie C had a BIG THING about Dallas... used to do her jumpers knitting during the show... these jumpers went on sale at a fairly posh shop...

anyhow... when anything particularly exciting was happening; e.g. with Sw' Ellen or whatever she frequently had to unpick 6ft long sleeves/etc etc!

ps are those sfilato really "embroidery"? embroidery is colours sewn on to a background as paint on to canvas... isn't it? that is white on white..? or was there something I missed..??

:-o...

?
!

Ellee Seymour said...

I thought you was going to say that's how you filled in your quiet evenings with Simi, sitting by the light sewing this exquisite lace.

Crushed said...

Id there a Ragusa in Sicily? Ragus was also the former of Dubrovnik.

I've sen an illustration of Count Roger's cloak. Quite an amazing work of art, really

Leslie: said...

They are beautiful and I know what talent is required to make them. However, in all the newest interior design shows, these are an absolutely "no no" because they are like the old-fashioned doilies our grandmothers used to make and put on every surface. It's really unfortunate, because I think they're gorgeous and could still have a place in the home. I'd love to have a tablecloth done to put over a plain or coloured one, though.

CherryPie said...

They are lovely, I always like when I am holiday to buy something like this and enjoy using it when friends visit :-)

Unknown said...

these are beautiful WC, remind me very much of my Nanna also...just so pretty, thanks for sharing xo

Whispering Walls said...

They are beautiful but do you think lace is out of fashion these days?

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, jmb. No idea what they are paid but I will try and find out. I think many work from home and sell at realistic prices to people who are introduced to them. I think so, too, Kissa. Hi, Liz. Yes, I'd love to be able to do something like that. Hi, Gleds. I just love the story of your auntie! I did look this craft up before posting and it is defined as a type of embroidery everywhere. Then I found out that there is a debate at present about the meaning of embroidery but there is general agreement that it means "the art of needelwork" or "embellishing fabric using a needle." Oh, Ellee, I wish!! You know I can't sew to save my life! Hi, Crushed. Yes, I live in the Ragusa province. Roger's cloak is amazing indeed. Hi, Leslie. I don't worry about "fashion" in the home. If I like an object, I will have it[which is probably why sometimes I think my living space looks like a Victorian junkyard!] Here you still see these in most homes, for the workwomanship is appreciated. Hi, cherrypie. And they are light to carry when travelling, too! Glad you like them, Kyles. Hi, WW. Probably in Britain but here you do see this work displayed in homes.

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