Irridescent Embroidery

***Please note: All my vintage books that refer to this type of embroidery spelled the word “irridescent” as opposed to today’s spelling “iridescent.” Since I try to keep information as close to the original as possible, I will keep the original spelling.***

Irridescent Embroidery is sometimes called opalescent embroidery and either term indicates the distinctive feature of the work. Any pattern which affords scope for shading forms may be worked with opalescent colors. All traceries or fine parts of the pattern are worked after the usual manner; a flower with large petals, a scroll or conventional form of sufficient size, give opportunity for the iridescent work. This is done in the Solid Kensington Stitch always.

At the tip of the form, work with the Long and Short Stitch, using White for the outer color, Overlap this with a row of the palest Green, then one of pale Pink, and so proceed, using the very pale tints of any colors which harmonize, until the form is filled. The result is especially dainty and beautiful, and table linen done in Irridescent work is charming.

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