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Lace and Embroidery

Brazil, circa 1960. One Mrs. Elisa Hirsch Maia, known as Madame Maia (I want to now be known as Master SREBrad), was playing around dyeing native cellulose (not sure where you buy native cellulose) because she just was bored to tears with the cotton threads and floss that were then available. In doing this, Madame Maia created a whole new style of embroidery, Brazilian.

The Varicor company, based in Brazil, began to produce multi colored Rayon threads. These threads caught on so quickly and became so popular in Brazil that Brazilians called it Vari-Cor Embroidery (clever, huh). Soon the rest of the world discovered this type of stitching as well, but because it was so associated with Brazil, it became known as Brazilian Embroidery.

What makes Brazilian Embroidery different from your everyday basic embroidery?

Well, we have been talking about Rayon, so that's the first and foremost difference; the use of Rayon. Other differences that stand out in this art form are the three dimensional effect (stitches built upon stitches and "raised" stitches that are anchored to the fabric), use of bright colors, and filling the background of the motif with fine a "growth" of thin threads. This density of design is the most striking aspect of the work.

So what do you need to practice Brazillian Embroidery? Rayon thread, Milliner or Straw Needles (these type of needles are the same diameter throughout the entire length of the needle, therefore making it easier to slide bullion wraps off the needle), a hoop (yes, it's best to hoop this one), and some material on which to work your magic (doesn't have to be an even weave fabric).

Most yarns, threads, and flosses have what is called an "S" twist, but Brazilian Rayons have a counter clockwise "Z" twist. How do find out which way your thread swings? One method is to hold the thread in your left hand between your thumb and index finger. With your right hand, twist the fiber to the right. If it tightens up, it is an "S" twist, if it loosens, it is a "Z" twist. Similiary, if you twist it to the left (and shake it all about) a "Z" twist will tighten and an "S" twist will loosen. Righty Tighty="S" Lefty Tighty="Z"

Why this is important is because when you are going to town on those beautiful, bountiful boullions, you will want to wrap in the correct direction (wrap me the right way, baby). For all right handers, you will wrap toward your body on a "Z" twist fiber and away from your body on a "S" twist. Reverse this technique for all you lefties.

Because Rayon is available in different thicknesses, it is not meant to be split. Only the very thickest thread, which has some 16 strands in it is sometimes split into smaller threads. Key to size, the thicker the thread, the thicker the flower (size does matter).

Forteleza Linens

Cearà is known for its quality handicrafts. Such products including handmade cotton hammocks, lace, T-shirts, leather products, and sweets. The other craft you will see everywhere is lace, a tradition brought to Cearà by the Portuguese. The lace-makers (rendeiras) create delicate and complicated patterns, requiring enormous amounts of work, which in Brazil Fortaleza is known for these products. Look for tablecloths, bedspreads, blouses, place mats, and numerous other items with lace trims. Good-quality lace is available The large tablecloths can cost up to R$1,100 (US$550) per square meter and take 8 months to make! The quality is truly outstanding.

Bobbin Lace
as the name suggests, made with bobbins and a pillow. The bobbins, turned from wood, bone or plastic, hold threads which are woven together and held in place with pins stuck in the pattern on the pillow. The pillow contains straw, preferably oat straw or other materials such as sawdust, insulation styrofoam or ethafoam. Also known as Bone-lace. Chantilly lace is a type of bobbin lace.

   

Monthly Photo Contest

• Grab your Brazilian Depot products and get your camera ready.
• Take pictures of you, family or friends wearing, displaying or using our or products.
• Email us your pictures.
• WAIT TO SEE IF YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN to WIN a 10.00 gift certificate

So get started NOW... send us your best pictures with your best pose! Come on... it'll be fun and who couldn't use the savings on your next purchase!

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Submit Your Pics Today! customerservice@thebraziliandepot.com

Email us your pictures, along with your name, address, and a brief description about the picture. At the end of the month we will email the winner. All photos submitted will be in the running to be chosen as the PHOTO OF THE MONTH.

Take your best photos with our products. Submit your Name, Email, and Photos.

Basic guidelines
Send pictures that are clear and in focus
Make sure to show the product clearly
Be creative with your shots...
Use exotic backgrounds... SEND pictures from YOUR VACATION

Rules

CONTEST PARTICIPANTS: Must be wearing or showcasing items FROM The Brazilian Depot. All products must be clearly shown in the photo... BE creative, BE imaginative and have fun.
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