Remnants and Repurposing

by April Sproule November 19, 2024

Blue Chinese Peonies and Butterflies, 12"w x 8"h

One of my favorite pastimes when I was younger was exploring antique shops in search of vintage textiles.

Twenty-five years ago I discovered this example of Chinese silk embroidery in a local antique store.* The impeccable workmanship astounds me every time I see it. I believe that cloth holds memories, and I can’t help but wonder when this piece was made and by whom.

I encourage you to consider using remnants of clothing or other vintage textiles in your work. The item doesn’t need to be in perfect condition, and maybe it can serve as a source of inspiration for your art.

Closeup of one of the butterflies that measures about 1.5" wide

Whenever possible I wash my vintage textiles before using them. Sometimes I've had dyes or paints on old kimonos bleed or smudge a little, but honestly that's better than working on something that's really old and dirty. Once I know the piece is clean, I don't mind if it has a little stain or discoloration. And by repurposing things you are saving them from ending up in a landfill.

This section measures about 3"h x 4"w

If you have glorious old fabrics you've been saving for something special, please use them now. It's much more gratifying to see them in a finished art piece then to leave them stuffed away in a box somewhere.

This section also measures about 3"h x 4"w

These stitches are so small on the back side I can hardly see them without a magnifying glass. The thread they used for embroidery is a twisted two strand silk. And there is also a bit of gold couched work in areas.

These are the skills that were passed down from one generation to the next, and I am in awe of the beauty of this work.

*Footnote: When I found this piece, I was driving down the street in a hurry to get home. Suddenly, I was struck with this feeling that I needed to pull over and go into the antique shop I was passing by. I had no idea why. But I went into the shop, looked around, and spotted this magnificent piece of work. It was in the very back of the shop, wadded up, turned inside out, and caught under the leg of an old table. Following my intuition that day paid off.