INSPIRATIONS: A portcullis (from Anglo-Norman porte coliz and French for sliding door) is a latticed grille made of wood and/or metal. Portcullises were invented by the Romans and were often used as draw bridges to fortify entrances to medieval castles. Their latticed design inspired the Portcullis knitting stitch, was incorporated in wallpaper especially designed for the Palace of Westminster by AW Pugin and over time they have been used often time to symbolise Parliament in Britain and its former colonies.
In current times the symbol of a Portcullis forms the royal badge of the UK Parliament and it also used in the coat of arms for Canberra, Australia. It stands in front of a Gum tree to symbolise Canberra's nickname "The Bush Capital". This coat of arms also includes the Australian black swan representing Australian Aborigines, and the European white swan representing white ‘settlers’.
STITCHES: This project uses Right Angle Weave.
REQUIREMENTS LIST
BEADS in your choice of colors (approximate amounts only): Size 11/0 seed beads in color of choiceOptional embellishment beads as desired (Please see Gallery of Designs for ideas)Findings (earrings or bracelet clasp and jump rings) of your choice.KIT: A kit is available for this project. Please discuss colour preferences with Glenda. $15.00
SKILL LEVEL: Suitable for beginning beadweavers, those new to the stitch or those wanting a refresher.
OPTIONS
To attend a workshop ($40.00) 2 hours includes tuition, full colour class notes & bead kit:
To purchase as a PDF tutorial ($7.00)