Decorating textiles with needle and thread

The art of decorating fabric with needlework is known as embroidery. The stitches can be combined to create an unlimited variety of designs such as flowers, animals, people, religious icons, abstract patterns and beautiful landscapes to name but a few. Various types of threads can be used, including embroidery floss, linen, silk, cotton and wool.

All the wonderful embroideries featured in this article were created using wool thread of all colours imaginable over a span of approximately five decades. They were stitched by hand for pleasure and relaxation, both locally and abroad, by a lady who has since passed away and which have been inherited by the author. Almost all depict scenes from nature.
Embroidery is closely related to tapestry work which is, in fact, an intermediate craft between embroidery and weaving. In the case of embroidery, it is always done on an already woven texture- like canvas, whereupon the design would normally be printed. Canvasses come in all shapes and sizes.
Not much equipment is needed for this pastime apart from sharp-pointed scissors, needles and threads. However, for the large elaborate designs, it is wise to use a frame on which the fabric can be...