true true During the past year we have embarked on an interesting collaborative project to copy and recreate a set of embroidered bed hangings originally made here in western Massachusetts during the 1760s. At this point, we have devoted enormous effort to research, pattern making and stitching. Since the set is incomplete, it has been a challange to study each piece and determine both what role it plays and how its missing counterparts should look. The embroidery of vegetable dyed crewel on handwoven linen fabric is vibrant & beautiful. It is easy to imagine how the original maker must have reveled in her accomplishment as each piece was finished. Eventually, you'll be able to read a story (or two) about the project here on our website. For now, click on this photo of a detail from one of the reproduction curtains to view lots more images of the work in progress. I try to post new photos in an online album every week. You can continue to check back and see how the work is progressing. 6 image/jpeg 3rd_val_detail_section_5.jpg 5991619 2009-03-09T17:41:40Z image/jpeg 3_ballantine_repro_valances_to_post_11.07.08.jpg 1412020 2009-03-09T17:41:44Z image/jpeg repro_curtain_as_of_02.15.jpg 2341159 2009-03-09T17:41:45Z image/jpeg repro_curtain.cl1.jpg 183913 2009-03-09T17:41:47Z false Vegetable dyed worsted wool on linen fabric. varies w/pattern--contact us 8-12 months 2009-03-09T17:52:10Z true true A simple, not even strictly period valance & fixed drapery combination made for a small dressing room. 7 image/jpeg tapp_bath_window.jpg 1482346 2009-01-12T17:23:32Z false Linen trimmed with cotton and cotton/wool trimming tapes call for quote For quote we need to know width and length of windows, fabric choice and specific trimming specifications. 2-3 weeks 2009-01-12T17:23:33Z true 2009-03-03T21:32:34Z true 18th century bed hangings served some of the same and some different purposes as a reproduction set does today. Even though we no longer use them to create warmth and privacy in drafty, crowded homes, we admire them for the heroic human effort they represent. They are visual evidence of their owner's fondness for beautiful handwork and period style. 20 image/jpeg Jewell_bed_in_situ.jpg 5418044 2009-03-03T21:32:26Z image/jpeg Jewell_headcloth3.jpg 1903855 2009-03-03T21:32:31Z image/jpeg curtain2_d5.JPG 185268 2009-03-03T21:32:32Z image/jpeg HPIM2330.JPG 1803282 2009-03-03T21:32:32Z false Vegetable dyed worsted wool thread on linen fabric, brass curtain rings, vegetable dyed worsted twill tape trim varies w/pattern--contact us To make an accurate estimate we need to know the dimensions of your bed and how many pieces you want in your set of hangings. We have designs we can show you--or we can work from your originals or specifications. 12-18 months 2009-11-06T16:47:54Z true true A border of colorful flowering plants ornament this simple embroidered table cover. Work'd covers such as this one served to ornament as well as protect period tables. This example that we made around 1990 measures approximately 60 inches square which is a good size for a small square or round table. 12 image/jpeg creweltablecover_lg.jpg 66360 2008-12-30T21:03:38Z false Vegetable dyed worsted wool thread on thick wool fabric--tri $1125, as shown Table size: width x length x height 4-6 weeks 2008-12-30T21:03:38Z true true Flame and geometric patterned Irish stitch chair cushions offers comfort & style for sitting in period joined chairs whose accommodation is by definition spare. We work these cushions as singles or matching sets in your choice of vibrant vegetable dyed colors. They can be fitted with cording and/or wool corner tassels to suit your taste. 15 image/jpeg P1030334.JPG 2718338 2009-11-06T21:25:59Z image/jpeg chair_cushion_med.jpg 157002 2008-12-30T21:16:28Z image/jpeg flame_stitch_cushion.jpg 2759538 2009-11-06T16:55:50Z image/jpeg coral_lozenge_cushion.jpg 3121848 2009-11-06T16:55:53Z false Vegetable dyed worsted wool thread on linen canvas covering a plump feather filled cushion. $650, as shown Chair seat bottom dimensions: Width at front AND back Depth from front to back 6-8 weeks 2009-11-06T21:26:02Z true true Colorful and durable, chair seats worked in Irish stitch were fashionable 18th century alternatives to wool or silk upholstery. You can enjoy them as well; we make one-of-a-kind pieces as well as matching sets. In addition to balloon & trapezoidal shaped slip seats, we can provide you with upholstery for larger pieces of period or reproduction furniture such as easy chairs or sofas. 5 image/jpeg irishstitch_patt_ex2_lg.jpg 549934 2008-12-30T21:12:01Z image/jpeg irishstitch_patt_ex3_lg.jpg 421714 2008-12-30T21:10:49Z image/jpeg sample_of_pattern_worked.jpg 5543017 2009-01-16T18:22:43Z image/jpeg met_chair_patt_seat_lg.jpg 707620 2008-12-30T21:10:50Z true Vegetable dyed worsted wool thread on linen canvas varies w/pattern--contact us Tracing on paper of slip seat to be covered, OR, in the case of more complex upholstery, templates from your upholsterer. 6-8 weeks for slip seats, long 2009-01-16T18:22:45Z true 2009-01-16T17:00:27Z false Simple, unlined drapery curtains are elegant and appropriate for a wide variety of period room settings. These are fully operable--you can open and close them daily to control light and privacy--or you can leave them in one position all the time. 19 image/jpeg blue_bizzarre_sample_curtain.jpg 2575328 2009-01-16T17:00:25Z false Linen fabric with linen/cotton tape & cast brass line rings $240 each Price quoted is for a curtain that will neatly cover a window up to 36 inches wide and 65 inches tall. Provide us with fabric choice and width & height of your window for a firm quote for your project. 2-3 weeks 2009-01-16T17:00:27Z true false These useful, decorative pillows are perfect for making period chairs (17th -- 19th century) more comfortable and colorful. We make them quite plump, as was done throughout the period—so as to completely fill the space between the seat and the lowest horizontal member on the chair back. We will also add coordinating or matching wool cording or tassels (or both!) according to your taste. 14 image/jpeg decorated_cushion_lg.jpg 444432 2008-12-30T21:23:26Z image/jpeg triangle_cushion_lg.jpg 330219 2008-12-30T21:23:27Z image/jpeg rust_tasseled_cushion_lg.jpg 261317 2008-12-30T21:23:27Z image/jpeg wool_cushions_med.jpg 110594 2008-12-30T21:23:27Z true Wool fabric covering over inner cushion stuffed with feather Basic cushions: $95. Chair bottom measurements: Width at back, Width at front, Depth at center from front to back 2-3 weeks 2008-12-30T21:23:28Z true true Simple and elegant, these reproduction window valances are patterned after those that appear in period prints and paintings. They may be combined with matching curtains; or used on their own to add color and style to modern interiors. 10 image/jpeg Att_indigo_wash_valance_lg.jpg 395146 2008-12-30T21:19:58Z image/jpeg Rust_wool_valanced1_lg.jpg 406198 2008-12-30T21:19:58Z image/jpeg SPLIA_Valance.jpg 577138 2009-11-06T21:17:17Z true Wool fabric in period colors trimmed with vegetable dyed worsted tape $350-450, as shown Window casing measurements: Overall width & thickness of frame 3-4 weeks 2009-11-06T21:18:29Z true true While we specialize in hand stitched needlework for valances and upholstery, there are times and places where something less labor intensive is more appropriate. We make window valances from many different materials to suit our customers' needs. Woven flame patterns were available as early as the 17th century. Trimmed with our vegetable dyed wool twill tape, these have a simple stylish appearance that is perfect for many interiors. They can also serve as cornices (left in place without curtains below them) to create a lighter, yet elegant alternative during the summer months. We do have a sample you can borrow to judge the effect in your rooms. 8 image/jpeg woven_flame_val_lg.jpg 587155 2008-12-30T21:13:54Z image/jpeg woven_flame_val_d2_lg.jpg 780663 2008-12-30T21:13:54Z image/jpeg woven_flame_valance_d1_lg.jpg 613332 2008-12-30T21:13:55Z true Machine woven fabric, linen lining & veg dyed wool trim normally $95--$300/window Width of valance at top x desired depth Approval of paper pattern & materials colors 2 weeks 2008-12-30T21:13:55Z