In the Bible, in the Book of Exodus, detailed directions are given for the construction of a fabulous jeweled and embroidered breastplate of justice, or hoshen, to be worn by the high priest Aaron. The piece was to be done by a "seamster" in gold, with violet, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely woven linen. The ancient instructions in Exodus 18: 13-30 outline how to sew 12 jewels and gold rings onto the breastplate. There is one jewel for each of the 12 tribes of Israel. What a perfect modern needlework subject! The jeweled breastplate in the Book of Exodus was probably the most famous jeweled object in all of human history. This small piece is designed to be what was the likely the exact size of the original jeweled object. As such, it is suitable for framing, or soft finishing as a part of a historical re-enactment costume for Aaron.

The needlework piece uses metallic, cotton, and synthetic threads to simulate twelve different jewels and their settings. A number of new, unique stitches are introduced, and the piece uses familiar stitches over padding to simulate the jewels. Detailed color blending for the background is discussed and a chart is provided showing how to create subtle color shifts by blending in the needle.

The piece is worked on 18 per inch canvas with size 24 needles. The completed piece is 6 inches square. There are 108 stitches in each direction. The canvas size is 10 inches square.

Stitches and techniques used include: Rice Stitch or Crossed Corners, Waffle (Norwich) Stitch Variation, Sprats Head Stitch, Round Rhodes Stitch, Oval Rhodes Stitch, Cabochon Stitch, Rosette Stitch, Cushion Cut Stitch, Felt padding, Jessica Stitch, Couching, Kalem or Knit Stitch, Precise Color Blending Sequence.

This project may be worked as it was designed, or as a simple stitch notebook. Students provide their own materials. The instruction booklet includes: overall schematic for the piece, detailed diagrams for each unique stitch, including complete supplies list, complete stitching instructions with extensive research, color photo, and bibliography.

This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of this historic jeweled object while learning many unique stitches and a complicated color blending sequence. The accompanying booklet is intended to serve as a permanent reference tool after the project is complete.

Every color in the project has been chosen for a researched historical reason. Alternate color suggestions are listed in the book for different translations of the ancient texts.

A great portion of the book consists of summaries of the research that was done on each jewel or other component in the breastplate. Each stitch has directions on a separate page. Following a written discussion on the stitch you will find notes on the location of the stitch in the sampler, a numbered stitch diagram, and a scan of the worked stitch.

The materials listed assume that the student wishes to create the Breastplate of Justice exactly as it is pictured. Students should make substitutions as desired. All materials are cotton and synthetics available from DMC Kreinik and Rainbow Gallery. Students provide their own kits. Color substitutions for the King James Bible translation are included.

Michele’s last two CyberWorkshops, 121 Crossed Stitches, and Trio of Faberge Eggs, were fun and challenging, and the Breastplate of Justice will bring in historical research and a wide variety of techniques to learn. Join us in this CyberWorkshop and learn so much!