Flossie, my younger daughter, is learning a new skill.
This is Suzhou embroidery (su xiu 苏绣), or Su embroidery for short. Dating back for over 2000 years, this traditional Chinese silk embroidery is “famous for its beautiful patterns, elegant colours, variety of stitches, and consummate craftsmanship. Its stitching is meticulously skillful, coloration subtle and refined.” (Wikipedia)
For more information and history about this exceptional embroidery type, look here. Su embroidery is breathtaking and the creations are stunning.
Anywho, Flossie has taught herself to do this. She bought herself a book (The Art of Chinese Embroidery: Foundation Level by Margaret Lee), read it and found what she wanted to achieve. Then she bought the silk thread, linen, silk and borrowed a traditional slate frame plus stand.
We now have our own stand and OH looked at the slate frame design and has made her a bigger version for her next embroidery piece.
Floss started by doing a test piece using cheaper linen and working out the stitches required. She has very kindly given me this piece plus I have first dibs on everything she makes. A mother’s perogative, I think.
And now she is working on the real thing on the fine silk background.
So that’s what Flossie does when she is not going to interviews, keeping up her Chinese (Mandarin), revising, doing tests, feeding and riding the horses.
I am full of admiration.
(so proud *** sniff ***)
WOW! This is an impressive, new artistic skill!!!!
Wow! She’s obviously got your family’s artistic genes.
And the colours look so subtle.
You’re also right to exercise a mother’s prerogative
How lovely. Such an elegant design.
You’re such a creative bunch! Beautiful work, Flossie.
BEAUTIFUL embroidery!
Frances, the cold weather isn’t just your fault; I washed my Winter coat and, along with my sweaters, put everything away. Of course the temperature dropped…(can you hear Mother Nature laughing?)
Beautiful! Your family is so creative and talented.
How awesome this embroidery is! Good for you Floss!
Frances, my two beautiful sheep arrived in the mail today and I love them. I had them sitting on the counter in the kitchen and my husband came by and picked them up and said….oh…these are really cute. Then I told him where they came from and he liked them even more! So thanks so much Frances. They are really cool!
So pleased you all like them xx
The embroidery is stunning! Well done, Flossie. I think it is beautiful. It is a credit to you to be self taught. Well done!
Beautiful! Is that all chain stitches?
Dont think so. I will ask.
This stitchery is magnificent ! Flossie, in my arthritic state my sewing is suffering. please continue, Flossie and put your works on your Mum’s site to sell. i would LOVE a piece !!
I have told Flossie. xx
Suzhou Embroidery is the most complex and highly advanced of all embroidery styles. Your daughter’s work looks like standard western style embroidery and bears little resemblance to actual “Su Embroidery.” Most Suzhou Embroiderers uses split silk thread for their works. This embroidery is using full diameter modern embroidery floss.
True Chinese Suzhou Embroidery is highly complex as it is demanding. The craftsmanship, creativity and artistry of true Chinese Suzhou Embroiderers is as astounding as it is beautiful and amazing. The young woman in this video inspired me to give split silk embroidery thread a try. https://youtu.be/fSv0bXxoty0?si=sODcOBeykV08o6IV
Let me tell you, it is exceptionally difficult and trying. I’ve been embroidering a little hummingbird for over a week and it looks like I’ve hardly done anything at all. And, my work looks so crude in comparison to the master embroiderers in China who created this 2000 year old style.
I like what your daughter has done, it’s nice work… But in my personal opinion it does not qualify as “Su Embroidery.” Buy some silk and try doing it the way that the Chinese People of Suzhou Province does it. You’ll be amazed, frustrated and inspired all at the same time. If I can, I will share a photo or 2 of my work as it is more developed and advanced. Thanks for the post.
Give her a break! It was my daughter’s first piece, taught to her by Margaret Lee – https://margaretlee.com.au/product/the-art-of-chinese-embroidery-foundation-level/
My daughter also attended an embroidery course later on in person in France for a week taught by this lady and learned a whole lot more.
I meant no offense. I like her work. I’m working on my first pieces also and it looks terrible. But using split silk thread is very slow and tedious. If you’d rather I not be part of your web group then I will take my leave and ask to unsubscribe.
My daughter learned off the internet. Everyone in her class in France was amazed she had got so far with just a book and some videos. Learning is gradual. You can’t be brilliant first time around. And yes, I adore her embroidery. My daughter is one clever girl. And, by the way, she speaks fluent Mandarin and went to Oxford university. She also lived in China for over a year. By the way, do you speak Mandarin?