A New Project
The Embroiderer's Grand Tour

If you have had a chance to read the About Us page you know that my husband and I are living part time in Germany while he manages a global group. This has been an incredible opportunity to visit wonderful embroidery sites around Europe! I discovered early on that there is no guidebook that highlights locations of interest to people who love embroidery/decorative arts. During past trips over the years, it was frustrating to discover a wonderful spot that I could have visited when nearby, only to have missed it because I didn't know it existed.

Therefore, Thistle Threads has embarked on a project to produce a small guidebook which lists as many museums, shops, etc. that are of interest to lovers of embroidery and other decorative arts. So far we have gathered listings in 10 countries (including Iceland!), but in our drive to make the first edition worthy of publishing, we need your help.

We invite you to send us an e-mail detailing any spots that you are familiar with or have visited in Europe. Please let us know when you last visited them, what you thought, and any contact/location information you may have. Also include your name and address. The first reference for each site that we use in the published edition will receive a certificate for 20% off purchases on our web site (The certificates will be mailed upon publication, which is not expected for about a year).

This wonderful private museum is the product of a family who collected fabulous examples of purses from the late 16th century to the present. To showcase their collection of over 2500 objects, they converted 75% of their home into a state-of-the-art exhibition space which puts many big name museums to shame. Several important purses from the 16th and 17th century are on display, including a sweet bag with a phrase braided into the girdle strings - a technical feat! Embroidery from many time frames is on display and is a special love of the owners and their curator daughter (who is an expert in 16th century purses). A light tea is available by prior arraignment in their lovely courtyard, and is worth the time.