In Historic Needlework Laura [lshumar at iquest.net] wrote:
"Now I just have to figure out what to *do* with the stuff...all the
pieces I saw were called "covers," but I'm not sure what they
were meant to cover....."
Cushions. Doubtless. If you look at sources like the V&A book
"English Embroidery to 1750" You will see that things to cover other
objects are shaped like them. and usually mounted in the shape of what
they cover. All the long or short rectangles and squares are marked
cushion covers. If the shape fits, sit on it!
Covering Pillows, Cushions, Seat pads, etc. seems to have been a big
hobbiest outlet for amature embroiderers. I observe that with so
little upholstered furniture in any but the most wealthy inventories
everyone must be adding cushions.
Also, it is a great medium for design display. People have to walk
right up to your work, which is spread over a large fairly smooth
surface.
I must confess that after several years of collecting patterns from
modelbooks and samplers that I have not yet brought myself to make a
piece I would sit on. But, the day may come. Till then, I'll just
locating charting and making collection samplers.
Kay Jarrell
SCA- Kay of Tre Asterium
kjarrell at umich.edu
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