Tuesday, May 05, 2009

red thread: the sweater

I've been getting my work organized for the Perivale gallery and am finally pleased with the eight pieces I've put together. The theme is a continuation of my personal take on how red thread is used as a protection element in many cultures.
red thread - the sweater
red silk thread on antique bed linen

5 comments:

Malissa said...

I didn't know about the tradition of protective red thread. Where can I learn more about that?

pink dogwood said...

It is used a lot in hindu prayer ceremonies. It is supposed to be a blessing from the priest - a red thread , wound three times around your wrist (right for guys, left for girls). I don't know the reason behind it, but I love wearing it :)

I really like your blog

jude said...

just fabulous. i have been collecting red thread amulets. i love this imagery.

Judy Martin said...

Red is the most significant and powerful colour in the folk embroidery of most of the world. This colour is often used around the opening of garments like at the neck or wrists or to cover vulnerable areas of the body such as the heart or womb. Life passages such as birth and death especially seem to require ritual and red thread has been used around the world as a protection device as much as for decoration.

I would recommend reading just about anything Sheila Paine has written about world textiles. Her first book, "embroidered textiles" changed my life.

jude said...

i have that book. yes, me too.