The Return of the “Paisley”-Machine Embroidery

The lacy tear drop shape referred to in modern times as “Paisley” is of Persian origin. The design has been used throughout the ages in various ways and called by several different names. The motif was a popular embroidery/stamp pattern in the early 1500′s in Persia (known today as Iran). Its popularity was immense and even textiles were set up to duplicate the design in many different ways. With my maternal Persian influence, I had started a series of machine embroidery designs some years ago…Farsi and Izmir. The “Paisley Floral” idea came to me as the shape itself can be depicted in so many ways. The Persian artistry showcases the paisley amongst many floral shapes. That became my influence in creating the collection. Ofcourse I wanted a modernistic look to it as well so I worked in such a way that it would appeal not only to the younger generation of today but also the young at heart  who can recall the 60′s and 70′s quite fondly.

My first project was to create a purse around which I want to add the shirt/pants etc. I knew just the perfect purse pattern which would showcase the embroideries well so ofcourse I ventured over to my friend Carolyn’s website to purchase the “Abby’s” Purse pattern. The fabric I chose was a faux leather which really does not sit well for photography but it has a soft and wonderful hand. Using simply one design I stitched out the motif (mirror imaged) to give more definition to the roun edge of the purse flap. Btw…I had spoken earlier in my blog about “Carol’s Purse” pattern but I have to admit that “Abby’s” Purse pattern is just as addictive and easy as the other.

 A bit about the history of the “Paisley”. The tear drop motif was so well liked that the English decided to bring the pattern to Scotland in the early 1800′s. Actually, a town called “Paisley” was set up specially where mills generated fabric with the paisley designs.  The motif is well used on Kashmiri shawls as it resembles the “mango” in shape. The half of the Ying Yang resembles it as well.

Since the purse pattern was so easy, I decided to go ahead and create another but using faux suede fabrics this time. A word about faux suede…it is an excellent fabric but definitely do apply fusible interfacing (lightweight is fine) to it prior to embroidery and or sewing, especially purses as that gives the fabric just an extra body.  This time I decided to be bold and create a fabric look giving the purse flap an almost Indian embroidery look. Ofcourse I know my dd is going to confiscate the bag the very first instance she sees it.

Using same idea of flipping the design to give it a round effect matching the bag’s flap, I then took the several smaller elements within the collection to add a bit more to the empty space between the two Paisleys. The effect was excellent. It is very difficult to showcase small embroidery details on black unless one uses very bold colors. The Paisley florals are created with an open look to the designs. In other words, the intent is to give a shadow work effect using threads on top of the fabric. I was pleased to see that even using the light fill type stitches showcased the designs nicely and gave it a definite Middle East/Subcontinent look. A bit of some crystals and the purse will really come to life. Btw, that is one of the things that I am working on, is to allocate placement of crystals with the designs. Ofcourse whether crystals are used or not, will not effect the designs in any way. The crystals will only enhance.

At the upcoming American Embroidery Conference in March, I will be having a “Jazz up those Jeans” class using a design from the “Paisley Floral” collection. The designs do stitch out fast and are great for decorating just about any garment and or household decor items. Just to show a sneak peek at the Jeans class at the AEC:

The designs can easily embellish any modern garments as well as any ethnic garments. I definitely have some plans for these designs as the paisley seems to have made a come back again. Over time, the motif has appeared often enough that it has a definite place in what I would now refer to as heirloom….a modern heirloom with a twist.