Isn't this just fabulous embroidery? This is a close-up of the embroidery on a cap from the late 1800s. Did you know you can go to The Costume Institute and look at old textiles, dresses, purses and hats? I had no idea you could see such museum quality textiles online, and with such detail! (Note: I fixed the link)
Once you go to the website, you can put words in the search box like: embroidery, stomachers(they are usually heavily embellished), reticules(purses) or just "French". Most items can be enlarged, then you can zoom two or sometimes even three times to see a particular part of the item up close. Sometimes so close that you can see each stitch! More often close enough to see each bead or sequin (some of the stitching is just so fine)
Check it out; but you'd better make a cuppa, you'll want to see it all...
Enjoy....
~Lin Moon
