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In Contemplation of Spoonflower

by Sidney Eileen

I am very seriously considering making some of the freehand blackwork embroidery patterns I have transcribed available as print-on-demand fabrics via Spoonflower.  This would mean they would be available for you to buy already printed on fabric, to use as fabric for costuming or any other purpose, or to save yourself the trouble of transferring the pattern before embroidering.  Unfortunately, neither Spoonflower, nor any other fabric print-on-demand site I’ve looked at offer linen fabric, but it would still be a very convenient option if you don’t mind using cotton instead.

Now, I have never had an account with Spoonflower before, so I’m sure there will be a learning curve setting up the prints.  Also, I will have to purchase a sample (not just a swatch – to make sure the design prints properly) of each design I want to make publicly available before anyone other than myself can purchase it.  From what I understand, their fabric quality is very good, but it’s also not cheap, so I am not currently in a position to just buy a bunch of samples outright.  This means I need to choose just one or two designs to set up first, and see how things go.

That’s where you guys come in.

Of the embroidery designs I have transcribed so far, I’d like to know if you are interested in purchasing them as printed fabric in the near future or maybe someday.  Then, I’d like to know which pattern(s) you are most interested in purchasing.  Please comment here, let me know privately via the Contact form, or comment/message me on facebook.  Your responses will directly impact which design(s) I make available first.

In no particular order, the patterns I am considering are:

(A) Floral Lattice

Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant Elizabethan smock.
Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant Elizabethan smock.

(B) Birds, Bugs, and Florals

Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant Elizabethan smock. The design is repeated enough times to include variations of the figures found on both the front of the smock and the sleeve.
Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant Elizabethan smock. The design is repeated enough times to include variations of the figures found on both the front of the smock and the sleeve.

(C) Spiral Floral

Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant coif
Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant coif

I can make this one available oriented vertically, or diagonally to the grain of the fabric.

(D) Bands of Florals (arranged like the extant jacket)

Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant jacket
Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant jacket
Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant jacket
Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant jacket
1600 Blackwork Embroidered Jacket
1600 Woman’s Blackwork Embroidered Jacket

I would orient this one diagonally to the grain of the fabric, like on the inspiration garment.

(E) Waves and Fans

Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant coif: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/101643
Freehand blackwork embroidery pattern, transcribed by Sidney Eileen, from an extant coif

Thank you for your input! <3