Beautiful, and long overdue

Isn't it amazing how quickly time passes when you get old? Because I can hardly believe that I waited 2 long years to share these with you. But there it is, the postmark on the envelope proving me wrong (or old). :) In any case, these two lovely floral patterns come from the generous Jane who maintains two beautiful sites dedicated to Japanese embroidery: www.nuido.org.uk and www.japanese-embroidery.blogspot.com. 2 years ago she sent me a package of loose transfers from assorted English magazines with dates ranging from the 40's to the 60's - these 2 were unidentified and undated, but my faves.

Don't you love that complicated, textured pattern above? It's delicious, even in black and white. I can just imagine my crafty friend Carina picking the perfect colors to make this piece come alive (and by the way she's hosting a giveaway featuring her amazing embroidery and a new book on her blog.)

Just as much as I love the complexity of the first pattern, I love the simplicity of the second:

I can totally see this pattern stitched beautifully using white or light-colored floss on natural linen...

Thank you so much Jane, for your generosity, and I hope you'll forgive me for how long I waited to share these, they are treasures!