Special Projects

Staircase Stitchers

The Staircase Stitchers are a group of local volunteers who meet monthly at Staircase House.  The Stitchers produce embroidered items for display in the house using the 17^th century embroidery techniques they are taught. Jane Dew, embroiderer for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, is leading the group, teaching The Stitchers historic embroidery techniques and giving advice on embroidery and needlework designs characteristic of periods in the house.

The project is funded by Stockport Heritage Trust and the main focus The project is funded by Stockport Heritage Trust and the main focus is to embroider bed hangings for the replica tester bed donated by the Trust.  The group was formed in October 2005 and the Stitchers have already produced some impressive work which will add colour and exuberance to the rooms of the house.   

In the 17^th century, a home like Staircase House would have been adorned with brightly coloured and skilfully embroidered textiles.  Items such as cushions, curtains and bedcovers would be highly decorative with embroidered flowers, insects and animals.  The designs used by the Stitchers are based on examples of historic embroidery. 

The success of the project so far can be measured by the quality of the work produced, the new skills learned by the stitchers and the new confidence and enthusiasm demonstrated by the group.