Waistcoat

“In their leisure time ladies often did embroidery work at home, but the work on this piece demonstrates so advanced a level of skill that a professional maker may have been involved. The symmetry of the design from the left to the right side shows considerable proficiency in the layout of the motifs. The design of the stylized branch and flower motif was drawn on before the fabric was stretched over a wooden frame to hold it taut. The main designs were then executed in chain stitches called tambour embroidery. The seated embroideress worked the design with a hooked tambour tool in one hand placed at the back of the fabric and with the thread in the other hand on the right side of the fabric.” - (via: Arizona Costume Institute)

Waistcoat

(via)