June 7 - 13, 2007

GUILD SCHOOL
Maine Maritime Academy
Castine, Maine

Course: Needlework

Project: 18th Century Seat Cover for a Settee

Course Description:
Settees were furniture pieces in which two or three chair backs were blended into a single seat. Settees were often part of a set with other chairs and were generally upholstered with embroidery. Skills at needlework were considered an accomplishment for the 18th Century woman. She could demonstrate her expertise by embroidering functional items, such as chair seats, for her home. At times, furniture was commissioned specifically to display the fine needlework. Quite often, designs for seating displayed the love the English had for floral patterns, inspired by their love of gardens. Borders of flowers and foliage in bright colors surrounded pastoral or pictorial scenes. It was not unusual for the centers to be based on classical scenes taken from engraved sources.

Referring to pictures of 18th Century needleworked chair seats, with scenes surrounded by floral borders, students will sketch and chart a pattern on graph paper. Class discussions will include the essentials for setting up the project and the selection of colors, plus adapting antique designs into 1/12" scale. Students will begin stitching the design on #54 silk gauze. A partial chart will be available for those not wanting to design their own pattern.

Time: 12 hours. Although the chart will be completed by week’s end, students will be given all instructions and materials to finish the needlework at home.

Power Tools: None.

Skill Level: Intermediate and advanced. Students should be experienced with basic needlepoint and should feel comfortable working on #54 silk gauze.

Materials Fee: $15. There is an option to purchase a Queen Anne Settee created especially for this class by Richard Hardy, I.G.M.A. Artisan, for $200.