Stuart Reticule by Betsy Morgan

It’s no secret that when it comes to stunning projects created using counted thread embroidery, one of our generation’s most celebrated and accomplished designers is Betsy Morgan.

If you are new to Betsy’s work, her needlework is so exceptional that we were fortunate to collaborate with her on a two-volume book series, Willing Hands, that showcases her impressive talents in depth.

After travelling the world for decades teaching eager students, Betsy retired from teaching several years ago - news that was met with some disappointment by those who had happily taken every class they could.

However, in her post-retirement years, Betsy has returned to designing brand-new projects once again, which has been a great win for stitching fans like us.

This week, our feature project is another new Betsy Morgan original, Stuart Reticule, from Inspirations magazine issue #129.

This delightful, counted thread reticule includes a matching needlebook and scissor fob, worked on 36-count cream linen using a subtle palette of stranded silk threads.

Naturally, you may be curious about the name. We’ll let Betsy explain:

‘I have spent a tremendous amount of time looking at photos of samplers from the Stuart Era (1603–1714) and noticed that I kept seeing the same motif over and over. It was also included on the Boscobel Oak sampler, which makes me believe it was a commercial pattern.’

‘It was interpreted differently by each stitcher using a wide variety of stitches and colours. I even found a sampler from Williamsburg, Virginia, stitched around 1865.

The centre front area of this reticule is my interpretation of that motif, and all of the other motifs used in this design are variations of those that were common during the Stuart Era.’

Inspired by Betsy’s historical research, we were eager to learn more. The Stuart Era (1603–1714) was a remarkable period for English needlework, particularly counted thread embroidery. Domestic embroidery flourished, with band samplers, repeating borders and stylised floral and symbolic motifs stitched not only as decoration, but as demonstrations of skill, learning and personal expression.

Designs were often shared, adapted and reinterpreted, which explains why familiar motifs appear time and again across surviving samplers from the period.

With Betsy’s Stuart Reticule, as the name suggests, the reticule itself is the centrepiece. A reticule is a small drawstring bag, traditionally used to carry personal items such as sewing tools, scissors and needlework essentials. Here, as Betsy references, the front panel showcases her interpretation of the Boscobel Oak sampler motif.

Measuring 12.5cm × 11cm (5” × 4⅜”), excluding cords and tassels, the reticule is lined in mustard yellow silk, creating a beautiful contrast when opened.

The matching needlebook continues the theme, featuring floral motifs, initials and date details reminiscent of personal markings found on historical samplers. Compact and practical, it measures 6cm (2⅜”) square and is finished with a simple cord closure.

Completing the set is the scissor fob - a small but richly detailed piece measuring 3.8cm × 3.5cm (1½” × 1⅜”), adorned with floral and linear motifs drawn from the same design vocabulary.

Once completed, the needlebook and scissors, complete with fob, fit neatly inside the reticule, creating a cohesive and highly satisfying stitched ensemble.

Kits for the Stuart Reticule are selling fast and we are currently working through our second batch already, to ensure you don’t miss out order your kit today using the link below.

Just a reminder, instructions are not included in the kit as everything you need including charts, step-by-step diagrams for some of the fun stitches Betsy has used including Montenegrin & Nun stitch etc. and close up photos are in Inspirations magazine issue #129 sold separately HERE.