If you’ve been reading Needle ‘n Thread for a while, you might recall a couple years ago, I highlighted the pearl and goldwork embroidered frames by Larissa Borodich, a reader in Russia. Larissa’s needlework is beautiful, so if you haven’t seen her gorgeous frames, you might jump back to that article and take a quick look!

I love hearing from Larissa and seeing what she is up to – she never fails to amaze me! If you use Pinterest, she has some lovely boards on Embroidery. While you’re there, check out all her antique ecclesiastical pieces from her own collections – absolutely gorgeous stuff!

Larissa recently sent me some photos of some embroidery done by her friend Elena Emelina, and of course, I had to seek permission to share! One aspect that really caught my attention was Lena’s ingenious use of pearl purl in her metal embroidery.

Lena’s work is vivacious and captivating! I thought you might enjoy seeing it, too.

You can click on the photos below for a larger version.

Here’s a close up of a brooch or pin embroidered entirely in real metal threads, pearls, and beads. See the pearl purl? That’s the silver beady looking thread curling up from the cluster in the middle, like stamens in a flower’s center. At the tip of each curl of pearl purl, she placed a bead. (Definitely worth seeing the close up there – feel free to click on the photo!)

I’ve never seen pearl purl used this way, and I think it’s ingenious!

Here’s the whole brooch:

Beautiful, isn’t it? I love the swishy tails, and the combination of the silver and pearls.

Here’s another one of Lena’s masterpieces. I think it’s striking! Her brooches are miniature embroidered sculptures, really.

And speaking of striking! The shading in the beadwork, the pearls and metal threads on the black background, the minimal use of very vibrant color – it all works together so well!

Lena has been sewing for many years, but her favorite part of sewing is embellishing the clothes. She’s taken to embroidery with a passion – and she’s completely self-taught. I can’t wait to see what else she does in the years to come!

Isn’t incredible what people can do with needle and thread? I’m always amazed, always amazed….

Enjoy your weekend!