Punto Antico (antique stitch), a type of Italian drawn-thread work, is thought
to have its origins in the Levant. The geometric shapes are said to be inspired
by the Arab influence that dominated the island of Sicily for centuries. Numerous
traces of this embroidery style are found throughout Italy depicted in paintings
and portraits dating back to the fourteenth century. Today, Punto Antico is used
in embroideries all over the Italian peninsula. (For more on Punto Antico, visit
pieceworkmagazine.com/go/articles/puntoantico.)
