Tulip & Sunflowers by Luzine Happel

The world of needlework encompasses a hugely diverse range of styles, techniques, designs and finishes that are as varied as the different cultures, people groups and personalities that stitch them.

It’s fair to say that not every technique is for everyone, just like not all cuisines are enjoyed by all people.

When it comes to creating fine napery using needle and thread, it may surprise you to learn that this is an area of embroidery that can often spark division within the camp. On one side we have those who delight in the idea of making anything and everything we use, more beautiful thanks to needlework.

In the other corner, there are those who can’t understand why anyone would spend countless hours embroidering a pristine napkin or placemat, only to have it subjected to the possibility of ruin from food stains, red wine spills or the like, at your next dinner party.

If you’re nodding your head in agreement with this latter description, chances are this week’s featured project Tulip & Sunflowers from Inspirations magazine issue #122, is not your flavour of ice-cream, which is perfectly okay! For everyone else, let’s talk crisp linen handtowel, Schwalm embroidery style…

It has been stitched by the wonderfully talented Luzine Happel who has dedicated her entire career to specialising in Schwalm whitework. You can read more about her story and a write up about her Schwalm cushion, From the Heart, on our website HERE.

Schwalm embroidered pieces will often feature elegantly stylised flowers and this dainty hand towel from Luzine is no exception, with two of the best-loved blooms incorporated into the design, the joyful sunflower and the graceful tulip.

Outlined with coral and chain stitch, each large motif is filled with a lacy, withdrawn thread pattern and surrounded with petals, small flowers and leaves worked primarily with blanket stitch.

Created using white linen and cotton à broder threads in three weights, the hand towel is finished with antique hem stitch.

Whether your intention is to put this gorgeous project into active use, or have it adorn your home purely for decorative purposes, there is great joy to be had in the stitching of, the admiring of and, if you’re brave enough, even in the using of Tulip & Sunflowers!

We have all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, from easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to a Ready-to-Stitch kit with everything sourced for you.

*Instructions – As this kit does not include instructions, for step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to Inspirations magazine issue 122 or the Tulip & Sunflowers digital pattern, both purchased separately.