Simple Fare by Maria Rita Faleri

Let’s go back to basics for a moment and refresh our memory as to what it is we do exactly…

Embroidery [noun] the art or work of ornamenting fabric with needlework (source).

Or put another way, we take something ordinary and make it extraordinary using needle and thread.

A beautiful demonstration of the simplicity of this concept is the project Simple Fare by talented Italian designer Maria Rita Faleri.

Beginning with an unassuming piece of Burrato linen, beautiful in quality yet modest in appearance, Maria uses her trademark technique, Catherine de’ Medici embroidery, to transform it into an elegant table runner.

The relatively open weave of the Burrato linen at 6 threads per cm creates a wholesome and honest feel that is further enhanced by the use of ivory cotton to create a subtly textured finish with rustic appeal.

Yet make no mistake, this is a sophisticated piece featuring a repeating geometric pattern, edged with stylised grass and flower motifs that were inspired by a 14th century fragment of Egyptian embroidered linen held by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

The runner is then bordered along each side with blanket stitch and finished at each end with five handmade tassels.

If you are not familiar with Catherine de’ Medici stitch, it’s a use of double running stitch where thick cotton thread is used to create graceful geometric and floral designs. The correct placement of the needle when making the second pass of stitches results in a cord-like line.

Simple Fare suits both modern and traditional homes, seamlessly embracing the roles of understated minimalism and refined embellishment.

Measuring 98cm x 42cm (38½" x 16½") omitting the tassels, its length offers versatility making it ideal for its intended purpose as a table runner on a dining table or hall stand as well as used more creatively draped across the end of a bed or displayed like a tapestry on a wall.

Special mention for the tassels featuring a technique called Onion Knots that are simple overhand knots used to create these delightful textured clusters that resemble a string of onions or garlic.

Without doubt Simple Fare fulfills the brief of ‘ornamenting fabric with needlework’ and then some. Maria has done a superb job of using a traditional technique to create a traditional item that is contemporary and very now.

Ready-to-Stitch kits for Simple Fare are now available and come with the same premium quality Burrato linen Maria used in the original piece, along with the threads, needle and because it’s part of our Handpicked 4 Collection, printed instructions are also included.

If you, like us, can’t get enough of Maria’s gorgeous embroidery, you can follow her on Instagram HERE.

Thank you, Maria - your work always brings us such delight.

To purchase a Simple Fare kit, pattern or a copy of the book The Handpicked Collection 4, click on the link below and scroll down.