Stumpwork Iris by Michele Roberts

The iris has been a powerful design motif since Biblical times. In heraldry, the fleur de lys is modeled off the iris. Though there are many variations and colors in Genus Iridaceae, the common purple bearded Iris is generally accepted as the standard. This life-size, realistic three-dimensional stumpwork iris done in lace is centered in an elaborate Rennaisance-styled needlepoint, silk ribbon, and bullion frame on this formal piece.

I gave myself a four-fold challenge for this piece: Design a piece which used traditional methods and thread types; Adapt lacemaking techniques for needlepoint; Combine this with the creative utilization of metal purls; and subtly integrate silk ribbon embroidery into the design.

Techniques used include invisible attachment of gold bullion, lacemaking on hand-held muslin lacemakers’ pad, needlepoint stitches, silk ribbon stitches.

Materials used include 18-count iridescent canvas, overdyed silks, wires, metallic braids, and English gold and coloured bullion.