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Embroidery, in its most basic
terms, has been with us since time immemorial. Over the centuries,
basic stitches have evolved into the more complex and elaborate
needleworks we know today. Embroidery of any kind uses stitches known
and used for hundreds of years in countless ways and for many
different purposes. Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery is no exception.
The difference is that it doesn't limit itself to specific stitches:
it uses stitches from all types of needlework. Brazilian Dimensional
Embroidery is a style of embroidering where you can choose from the
whole palette of stitches and knots you know.
Another difference in
this style of embroidery is the thread. Rayon was introduced in the
mid 1800's and by the turn the century, was the first man-made fiber
in full production. Although it is man-made, rayon is not a synthetic
fiber but regenerated natural fiber (cellulosic material, generally
wood pulp). Rayon has long been the preferred thread for this style
of embroidery because of its sheen and smoothness. Most stitches,
especially bullions (which are used extensively for their dimensional
effect), are much easier to make because of the thread's smooth texture.
Now we come to the
question if the stitches aren't Brazilian and rayon isn't Brazilian,
what does Brazil have to do with Brazilian embroidery? Well, many
times throughout history, credit goes not to the inventor, but to the
ones who popularize an item. Brazil started producing multicolored
rayon threads in several weights. The popularity of the thread spread
rapidly throughout Brazil to the point where variegated rayon
embroidery became know as vari-cor embroidery. It wasn't long before
the rest of the world noticed its popularity and immediately adopted
it as "Brazilian".
In 1979, the EdMar
Company started manufacturing variegated rayon thread in the U.S. and
has witnessed its steady growth in popularity, not only for Brazilian
Dimensional style embroidery, but in all areas of needlework. Today
there are many organizations and an International Guild that are
exclusively dedicated to the art and advancement of Brazilian
Dimensional Embroidery. |
