Gærde-valmue (H) – placemat – Gerda Bengtsson (GB)
- Motif: Field poppy with a single open red flower, several slender buds and finely divided leaves along the upright stem. The plant’s roots are visible at the base, presenting the entire plant as a botanical study.
- Size: 30 × 41 cm
- Thread: Danish Flower Thread
- Fabric: Haandarbejdets Fremme (HF) – Linen 12B
- Designer: Gerda Bengtsson
Gærde-valmue (H) – placemat – Gerda Bengtsson (GB)
This placemat is decorated with an elegant embroidery of a field poppy, where the entire plant is depicted in a botanical motif. The slender stem rises from the ground with visible roots at the base and carries leaves, buds and a single open flower at the top.
At the centre of the motif stands the characteristic red poppy flower. The petals are embroidered in warm red tones, and their gently curved shapes give the flower a soft and lively appearance. In the middle, small darker details highlight the flower’s centre and add depth.
Along the stem several buds appear in different stages. Some remain upright and closed, while others bend slightly forward in the familiar arc that is typical of poppy buds before they bloom. These subtle variations bring life to the motif and reflect the plant’s growth.
The leaves are finely divided into narrow, almost feather-like segments. They spread out from the stem in small green branches, creating a light and airy structure around the flower. At the base of the stem the colours shift into warm earthy tones, where the delicate roots extend in several directions and give the motif a natural character.
The embroidery is worked in cross stitch with Danish Flower Thread on linen. The clear colours and fine stitches highlight the details of the plant and make the motif vivid and distinct. The green border surrounding the placemat provides a calm frame to the design and brings the composition together.
The result is a classic embroidery with a botanical motif that both celebrates the simplicity of nature and adds a refined textile element to the table setting.
About Haandarbejdets Fremme
Haandarbejdets Fremme has been an important part of the Danish embroidery tradition since 1928. The association is known for its nature and floral motifs, where precision in both drawing and stitching plays a central role.
Gerda Bengtsson is one of the most prominent designers in the history of Haandarbejdets Fremme. Her embroidery motifs are based on careful observation of plants and flowers and are characterised by harmonious colours and a clear, simple composition. Her designs have made botanical embroidery a beloved part of Danish needlework.
