In Assisi embroidery, a beautiful old Italian needlework tradition, the background is stitched while the main motifs are only outlined. Outlines are black or brown, while red, blue, green, or gold thread is used for the background. Motifs feature symmetrical pairs of animals and birds surrounded by ornate filigree borders. The style dates to the 13th and 14th century, fell into disuse in the 18th and 19th century, and was revived at the turn of 20th century. A modern version of Assisi embroidery has been evolving in the 21st century, using many different colors, patterns, and motifs. However, the revived traditional version is still carried on in the town of Assisi where one can see local women sitting in front of their houses and stitching items for the local co-operative embroidery shop. Read how an Italian immigrant learned the technique from her grandmother (“nonna”) over a century ago in the historical novel Tazia and Gemma (see NOVELS).
