Fiery Fabrication
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my parents livingroom
I have always loved Flame stitch fabric since my mother Rita used it in our home in the late 1970’s.
I went down a bit of a rabbit hole about the pattern recently because I plan to add some to the Chalet - the which and where TBD but, nevertheless I thought golly if I’m thrilled to learn a bit about the history then I knew I had to share it with all of you. Enjoy!
Wedding Portrait painted by Wybrand de Geest 1637
I found one of the earliest examples of it appearing in this wedding portrait from 1637. Look at the vibrancy of the chair fabric!
The pattern is known by other names — Bargello, Florentine stitch, Irish stitch, Point de Hongrie. The bold zig zag pattern looks like flames dancing that is why I only refer to it as Flame stitch.
One explanation of the pattern I found stated it may be the result of a Hungarian princess marrying into the Italian Medici family and introducing the tradition of this jagged embroidery stitch (Point de Hongrie), which merged with the straight or “brick” stitch to produce the variegated pattern so full of movement.
There is also another suggestion that it reached Europe through the Silk Road.
Point de Hongrie
Parham House
This room in Parham House is covered in Italian wool. The Elizabethan mansion was built in 1557 in England has exquisite examples of Flame stitch.
Clarence House Talcy Flame Stitch Velvet
Pulp Design Studios
How fun are these images showcasing it on the floor and ceiling!
Schumacher
Better Homes & gardens
Sherwoods Fabric
Milo Baughman Chrome Flame-Stitch Sofa
This is a gorgeous flat bar chrome sofa from the 1970s. Original plush flame-stitch fabric in shades of green and white create a stunning visual.
Teyssier
I could look at variations of this pattern forever!
Til next time friends be well.
