Welcome to Plimoth Plantation’s newest blog. The Embroiderers’ Story will chronicle the progress of a particular project being carried out by the members of Plimoth Plantation’s Colonial Wardrobe & Textiles Department, along with essential help and support from members of the historic needlework community.

Over the next year, we will be recreating a 17^th-century embroidered jacket, such as that worn by Dorothy Cary, later Viscountess Rochford, in this portrait dated c. 1614-1618. The work will be done entirely by hand, using 17^th-century techniques and modern materials that most closely replicate the original linen cloth and silk and metal threads.

The idea to recreate one of these embroidered jackets was spurred by the planning for Plimoth Plantation’s upcoming exhibit on personal adornment. The exhibit planners wanted a garment that summed up the early 17^th-century English aesthetic of personal adornment and could, along with a Native Wampanoag turkey feather mantle, form the centerpiece of the new exhibit.

For some weeks we (the members of Plimoth Plantation’s Colonial Wardrobe Department) were stumped. Nothing that we could accomplish seemed able to stand as counterpoint to the mantle. Finally we suggested an embroidered jacket, the idea immediately caught everyone’s imagination and we were off. That was in November, 2006.

Since then, we have been overwhelmed with the enthusiasm news of this project has generated. This is definitely an ambitious undertaking; based on time trials we estimate the embroidery alone will take between 2000 – 2500 hours of labor. That figure doesn’t include the time required to make and apply yards of metal bobbin lace or assemble the embroidered pieces into a finished garment. We’re going to need as much enthusiasm, support, and help as possible.

This blog is the direct result of a suggestion from members of the needlework community who would like to keep up with the jacket as it progresses. As the Manager of the Colonial Wardrobe & Textiles Department, I intend to post 4-6 times per week in order to keep everyone abreast of the project, make historical information and a bibliography available, supply links to the manufacturers of the supplies we’ll be using, provide information on how to join the team of embroiderers working on the jacket, report on what we learn as we carry out the process, and generally build a community. I hope you’ll check back often, and let your friends know we’re here.