Victorian Hearts by Kim Beamish

Different styles emerge in different periods. In the past, styles were often driven by the reigning monarch, which is why many of the styles we recognise today still bear their names. Jacobean, Elizabethan, Edwardian – all of these styles emerged under the named monarch, but the one we know the best is Victorian.

Victorian style developed during the reign of Queen Victoria from the early 1800s through to the end of the nineteenth century. Because Victoria’s reign was so long, the style did vary and change over the years, but many elements are still recognised and popular today.

Victorian style is characterised by beautiful things and ornate details.

This is primarily because it arose during a period of great prosperity for Britain, so no expense was spared when it came to fashion or decorations, at least for a portion of society.

The result was grandiose homes stuffed full of decorative detail; rich and brilliantly coloured textiles filled with patterns; beautifully designed dresses with masses of petticoats, bustles and elegant accessories and jewellery; and a love of floral and feminine detail.

Kim Beamish has taken that love of floral and feminine detail and used it to create a gorgeous set of stitching accessories that exemplify the Victorian style. Titled ‘Victorian Hearts’, this project from Inspirations issue #114 is a delightful trio filled with lacy detail and soft colouring. The matching heart-shaped pincushion, needlebook and scissor fob are decorated using various counted thread stitches and finished with tiny pearls in true Victorian style.

Kim has decided to use a subtle variegated thread for the floral border around the three accessories so that the colour variation between the heart-shaped flowers is softly graded. This gives the beautiful effect of flowers at various stages of blooming and emphasises the whitework centre of each accessory.

These centres are worked using an open trellis stitch, which results in a fascinating texture. The reverse of each accessory is worked only in white on white with the same stitch, ensuring that both front and back are as lovely as one another.

Kim has created a uniquely lacy effect with detached blanket stitch loops worked around the edge of each heart.

The step-by-step instructions make these easy to work, with the only consideration being to make each loop an equal size where possible. A small dot, made with an erasable pen for the start and end of the loop, can help. That way when you reach the bottom tip of the heart, you won’t find yourself with a loop of an odd size. It also helps you to ensure that there are a similar number on each opposing side to create a pleasing symmetry.

The final touch to Victorian Hearts is the twisted cord that is used for tying the needlebook closed and hanging the scissors from the fob. This is made from the same brand of subtle variegated thread giving a lovely, tweeded effect.

This beautiful and traditional set of needlework accessories would take pride of place in any stitching kit. It wouldn’t have looked out of place back in the 19th century, and it certainly still retains its beauty and charm today. Certain styles will always remain in fashion, and Victorian Hearts is a perfect example of that.

Make Your Own Victorian Hearts

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Victorian Hearts by Kim Beamish is a charming, needlework accessories set with pulled and counted thread techniques.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Victorian Hearts includes everything* you need to re-create these charming needlework accessories: Fabric (unprinted), wool felt, embroidery threads, beads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.