Translating old times to today

While being with my husband for business in Hungary, I am left to myself some time. And what do I do? It is beautiful weather, so I decide to take a walk. As a starting point I visit a hat maker’s shop. Would I be able to find a connection to the embroidery-scene? Unfortunately not. Then off I go, to the local museum, where a school class just arrives. Well organised and disciplined. Seems to me rather unusual, according to our Dutch standards …

The museum itself offers lots of beauties, if you give it a try. I do. And I love it! Colour, shape, feelings being translated through art and the way it is presented …

Colourful embroidery?

Although my memories of Hungary’s history are all centered around the colourful traditional costumes and some sense of heroic fighters, I am surprised by this soft colour palette. Really LOVE it! It gives a new dimension and understanding of this place. How does this translates to this day? I happen to see the hotel I am staying in a different way. It is decorated in soft and light tones. The contrary of the bright colours of my memory. It vibrates some ‘northern coolness’. What will this be like in summer? Will the bright colours come to life? For now, I see many sources for new embroidery:

The same for this one: Where do you find your inspiration? How do you translate it to your work? I am curious to know you! Let’s share our experience by adding a comment below. And yes, some traces are left here of the colourful tradition …

The lines of this pattern could make a beautiful centrepiece. How could you add some shadow? What materials to choose to make it interesting to keep looking at? And this one is more about subtle use of colour: a background for a stunning embroidery not by one single colour, but a mixture of small amounts of pastels to create a wonderful, fairytale-like frame to work on.

For me, it not the painting itself, but the use of shape and colour that inspire me to work out in embroidery.

Just some ideas that pop up this morning:

1. develop a slipper line for haute couture (the haute couture shows are filled with flat shoes, so not a bad idea …) (traditional slippers)
2. develop more techniques for adding backgrounds to embroidery patterns, using soft tones (painting)
3. simple patterns that are duplicated become very attractive (shield)
4. tradition vs modern times: keep the most simple lines and skip the rest

_________________________________________________________________________________________________   Saskia ter Welle designs Women’s Wear and Advises on Personal Colour and Style. She teaches French Haute Couture Embroidery techniques and organises inspiring events on Personal Branding.