Daffodil by Di Kirchner

We’re not quite sure how she’s achieved it, but Di Kirchner has packed an incredible amount of history into a 25cm (10”) square of white linen.

The handkerchief has been doing serious work for a very long time. The ancient Romans waved them at performances. Shakespeare built an entire tragedy around one. Queen Elizabeth I’s wardrobe accounts are full of them.

For centuries, this modest square of fabric has signalled surrender, dried tears, declared love, and finished off a very good suit - all without breaking a sweat. Or rather, while helping to break (or mop up) quite a lot of it.

But there are signs it’s ready for a comeback - and if it is, it deserves to return in style.But there are signs it’s ready for a comeback - and if it is, it deserves to return in style.

Style is Australian designer Di Kirchner’s middle name. She has a real flair for creating stunning, stylish needlework.

So, when it came to creating her latest stylish piece, Daffodil from The Handpicked Collection 7, her choice of technique could not have suited the revival of a handkerchief any better if she tried.

The technique Aemilia Ars was founded in Bologna in 1898 as part of a broader Arts and Crafts revival movement. The Società Cooperativa Aemilia Ars set out to resurrect the needlelace traditions of the Emilia region - specifically reticella and Punto in Aria - drawing on 16th and 17th century designs as their source material.

It is, in other words, a technique that knows exactly how to bring something beautiful back from the brink.

Those familiar with Aemilia Ars as we use it today will recognise it for its predominantly floral and geometric motifs, worked over a pricked paper pattern and card backing rather than directly onto a base fabric.

A foundation thread - known as the cordonnet - is laid over the design outlines and held in place with temporary support stitches.

The needlelace fillings are then worked section by section within that framework, before the whole piece is released from its template, the support stitches removed, and the lace left to stand entirely on its own.

For Daffodil, Di has used this process to build her flower from the inside out - each part of the bloom is worked in a different needlelace filling, so that the trumpet, the petals, and the leaves each have their own distinct texture and character.

The result, once lifted from its template, is a daffodil that is at once delicate and remarkably three-dimensional.

And if you’re not quite ready to help kickstart the handkerchief revival, Daffodil is equally suited to a doily, a pocket square, or as a bridal gift.

However you choose to use this gorgeous piece, you’ll be creating something steeped in history and beauty.

Daffodil Ready-to-Stitch kits are now available using the link below.

If you would like to enjoy more of Di Kirchner’s stunning designs, don’t forget to the check out and follow her on Instagram HERE.