An illumination that served as a pattern source (from Medieval Russian Ornament).
The pattern (after computer enhancement) was traced onto fusible interfacing
The interfacing is fused to cotton velvet
Pattern for the top, adapted using graphic software from another illumination
Light table assisted in tracing the patterns
The design is transfered to the front of the fabric using running stitch
Cord foundation is couched over the fabric before couching the pearls on top of the foundation
Gold cord is sewn to the foundation, with the needle going though the gold, the foundation and the fabric. This is not quite couching.
Glass jewels looked too garish
An attempt to use large pearls instead was not satisfactory
Agate stones in various colors looked better
Attaching the gemstones: I did npot have small settings, so I pearled around them
The finished embroidery
Preparing the buchram for the hat foundation
Wire has to be sewn around the edges
Flannel is used to cushion the foundation
The bare hat
Pearl netting is made of seed pearls using two-needle vertical netting technique
Pearl dangles
