| With needle, thread, and simple hand stitches, recreate one or all the pieces found in a traditional French Baby Layette. This type of stitching was considered “La crème de la crème” in refined embroidery, and is a Provençal needlework treasure. This exquisite baby layette was the kind of highly priced French heirloom revered and cherished by generations of royal European families and the aristocracy. In the south of Frtance, during the 16th through the 19th century, main events in a person’s life were celebrated in the stitching of a boutis. Some of the wedding petticoats, bed covers, stomachers and baby layettes were made in the ateliers/workrooms under the supervision of the personal embroiderer to the king of France. The Provençal boutis technique, (sometimes referred to as “Broderie de Marseille”) was used in the making of these whitework wonders destined to adorn the privileged offspring as well as the newborn in Provence from one generation to another.
The design motifs featured in this baby layette symbolize the love, prosperity and abundance bestowed upon the newborn for his/her journey through life. Boutis-work may look intricate, but is easy to execute. It is totally reversible and supple. The technique differs from quilting and trapunto. Start your own family tradition by making a treasured heirloom piece or pieces of royal embroidery by following the easy step-by-step instructions found in this pattern. Bestow your own legacy for future generation to enjoy.
Marie Yolande has traveled extensively throughout France in the search of French needlework. Her boutis research led her to Provence where she studied boutis-making from expert needlewomen who practice this type of French embroidery. As a way of sharing with others what she has discovered and learned abroad, she wrote an instruction book based on the boutis technique with step-by-step directions and designed an entire baby layette pattern collection. Marie Yolande teaches across the U.S. and Canada.
> Click Here for the Order Form! <
All the fabrics, notions and trimmings used in the making of this baby layette are of the finest quality with natural fibers such as cotton and silk. The instruction book with the pattern collection and kits can be ordered directly from the deisgner Marie Yolande. See order form.
©Copyrights 2003 Marie Yolande. All rights reserved.
|
