Samarkand by Margaret Lee

One of the great joys of being involved in an artistic endeavour such as embroidery is to come across a piece that is totally mesmerising.

In the needlework community we get excited about such finds in a similar way that we celebrate a win by a family member – there is a proximity that makes you proud to see ‘one of our own’ achieving amazing things.

The reasons we might find a particular piece mesmerising will differ for each of us. It may be our appreciation of the technical excellence that has been achieved. Perhaps it’s been created using our favourite technique in an application or method we’ve never seen before.

Or it might just be that the design itself combined with a specific colour palette and materials list really speaks to us.

Ultimately, when you see something truly special, you just know, and we believe the project Samarkand by Margaret Lee is exactly that.

Measuring 24.5cm x 40.5cm wide (9 5/8" x 16"), this is a lavish beaded table mat created using both Japanese bead embroidery and goldwork techniques with the design inspired by the architecture of an ancient city.

The textiles and patterns of Central and West Asia have influenced the creative pursuits of designers from all over the world for centuries.

Samarkand uses a colour palette of gold and silver along with a touch of red, which is reflective of the splendour of the building that inspired it.

The sparkling beads are complemented by extensive goldwork, outlining the main segments of this rich, quartered design.

It’s not often we see these two techniques combined and here Margaret gives us some insight as to her approach:

‘I’ve often considered that goldwork and beads are a good complement to each other, and Samarkand is an excellent example of what can be achieved combining these two different techniques. In this project, both have been applied in a considered and different manner to get an optimum visual result.’

A good litmus test for the appeal of any embroidery project is to view it through the eyes of a non-stitcher.

It’s fair to say that if Samarkand was sitting out on display in your home, it’s such an eye catching and distinctive design that it would almost certainly draw comments from visitors.

Then once they discover you created it yourself with needle and thread, they will be amazed that such a thing is possible.

Samarkand is one of those pure works of stitched art where everything has been perfectly considered and executed to the extent that, even if this style of décor or design is not necessarily part of your normal repertoire, it is so stunning that it’s tempting and mesmerising us all.