CREWEL WORK, BAG

The bag hand embroidered by the donor in 1990s, emulated a ‘sweet bag’ of the Tudor Period, 16th Century.

Lavishly hand embroidered ‘sweet bags’ containing pot pourri were put in closets to scent clothes or were worn hanging from the waist. [Carey p 9] These were necessary, as folk rarely bathed and hence body odours prevalent. But also given as gifts, exquisitely finished with handmade cords, tassels or ornamental knobs and containing money, perfume or sweetmeats.

Linen, draw-string bag with embroidery in assorted stitches worked in wool. Lined with cream satin fabric.

Twisted cord looped through blanket stitch loops created the draw-string. A tassel on each corner.