Seams French

" Piqûre de Marseilles" or "Boutis" is a traditional French hand stitched and corded needlework technique, which uses embroidery stitches to create intricate channels that will later be stuffed with yarn, thereby creating a raised design with three layers. It's origins, and it's name, can be traced to the port of Marseilles in southern France to the 15th century. Traditional boutis was a technique invented to embellish otherwise plain white cotton with intricately patterned channels that would later be stuffed with a plump white yarn to give it relief. The resulting corded whitework created an elegant, embossed textile that was much sought after. Not only was it aesthetically appealing, but it also provided warmth and absorbency, so could be used for bed coverings, toilette linens (like towels), clothing items, home decor, etc. The first two photos below are from the collection of Mme. Monique Alphand, a well known French expert and collector of antique t...

I recently had the opportunity to become a member of the association of "France Boutis". "France Boutis" is an organization, similar to the quilt guilds in North America, that promotes the tradition and heritage of boutis. In May they held their first "Salon National du Boutis" exposition in Caissargues. They also meet regularly to work together and to teach and support each other. Last week, I attended one of these meetings, and had the pleasure of meeting 8 other women, all committed to mastering this traditional craft. The women all came ready to work on their latest piece. Here (left to right): Dominique, a patchwork quilter now also learning the art of boutis; Marianne, generous in sharing her expertise with others; Dominique, (seated) a lace artisan, working on a new design for her boutis; and Danielle, a "boutisseuse" whose  positive energy and cheerful smile  brightened the afternoon.   Danielle with Marie-France, who was coordin...