Battenburg (Battenberg) lace has also been known as Renaissance lace.  Created by using loops of woven tape secured together by yarn to form a pattern it originated in the 16th century. It regained popularity at the end of the 19th through the beginning of the 20th Century. This new popularity came when it was used by Queen Victoria who created a duchy for her daughter's new husband, the Duke of Battenberg.

Today, it is commonly used for tablecloths, Christmas tree skirts, parasols and bridal gowns.

Battenburg Lace parasols and fans are often used in Civil War reenactments, vintage weddings, French royal court reenactments, photography props and speaks of gentility and refinement.

Close up showing simple tape with few fillings

That lace is so lovely, and I am going to be using the white Battenburg tree skirt which is available here at AnnTheGran.  I did 'age' the skirt with a 'tea bath' because I wanted it to have an antique feel. 

I grew up in Akron, Ohio in the mid 50s.  It too was a time of great innocence and simplicity.  I remember the snow and cold days and an occasional ‘snow day’ away from school.  I remember hearing the coal furnace being stoked and feeling the heat.  One of my fondest memories is the day after Thanksgiving, the two ‘downtown’ department stores, O’Neils and Polsky’s would unveil their Christmas Showcase windows. 

Those windows were filled with winter scenes of elves that would move around in Santa’s Workshop and children dancing around Christmas Trees that were decorated to the tip top star.  They were animated and each store had about 6 or 8 windows, each with a different scene. There were animated people, animals and magic was everywhere.  It was a delight to see.

I wondered if I could capture that feeling somehow in embroidery.  With all the dazzling things children see and technology driving their toys and world, how can I help them to see a simpler time of this season?  Embroidery is so creative, but can it compete?

So, I captured them together and here are the (nearly finished) results.  I did have a problem with my embroidery machine and was unable to finish the skirt before the blog due time.  You will get the idea as is!

I used several Christmas designs that I had collected previously but I wanted more, so I selected the Candy Land Christmas Set and I am so glad I did. 

This set has excellent shading woven into its designs.  The items markings give them a 3D look.  I used metallic threads for the shading and I love the outcome.  For instance, the ornament has a yellow loop design and, while difficult to see, I used silver metallic thread in the shade area.  The yellow peeks through the silver and is just delightful.

I also used the same colors from design to design.  For instance, I used silver metallic in each, but also used the same pinks and reds for continuity.  They tie together nicely.

I have a tendency to use my own colors rather than that of the designer.  Of course, if I were doing a dog or horse, I would use the correct colors; but in this case, I can make it personalized just for me.

Thanks for reading my postings, I am delighted to spend this time with you.  Please do ask any questions and tell me what you might like to learn about next.  I do have a couple of things in the planning stages:

ü  Lafayette Curve

ü  French Country

ü  Entredeau

ü  Dotted Swiss

ü  Dantela cutwork

ü  Egyptian cotton

ü  Silks

ü  Metallic thread

What do you want to know about next year?

Best wishes to you and yours, Pat