Stan Hywet Needlework Guild's 

Cromwell Project 

Stan Hywet Needlework Guild has undertaken a project to reproduce the bed hangings located in what is known as the Cromwell Room in the Tower of Stan Hywet Hall. They are composed of embroidered linens of three (3) parts:

1. a counterpane (the name of the bedcovering),

2. a total of six (6) valances (3 up and the same down), and

3. two (2) side curtains (hanging from the bed canopy at the head of the bed).

 (above: Part of one of the valances)

The cloth is a linen and cotton blend, loomed in a twill weave of 2 to 1.  The simple embroidery on the hangings is done in blue wool. Today, the cloth and the wool used in the stitching are impossible to buy over the counter and have been reproduced for us by Thistle Hill Weavers of Cherry Valley, New York.

(left: A close-up of the original, 17th century needlework)

 (right: Some of the stitchers dedicated to this reproduction project)