Welcome to the world of H.M.S. Beagle Embroidery!
These lovingly made 100% linen cushions are adorned with insects that are considered endangered, in a bid to celebrate their contribution to nature and to bring our awareness to their precarious future.
Which one is your favourite?
Oleander Hawk Moth - there are approximately 1500 species of Hawk Moth and both the caterpillar and moth have colourful markings. The moth resembles a hummingbird as it hovers over flowers with an extended proboscis. Embroidered on both sides with a repeat pattern.
Richmond Birdwing Butterflies - an endangered butterfly native to Eastern Australia, they used to be abundant between Grafton and the Sunshine Coast. There are records of great clouds of them in Brisbane in the 1930s. These are the smallest of the Birdwing Butterfly species and the largest butterfly native to the region. Due to loss of their habitat and food source, the Richmond Birdwing Vine, they are now vulnerable. Conservation efforts involve captive breeding and replanting their food source. Embroidered on a single side.
Comet Moth - also known as the Madagascan Moon Moth is native to the rainforests of Madagascar. Their name alludes to their long comet-like tails. The adult moth cannot feed and only lives for a few days. Now endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, efforts are being made to breed the comet moth in captivity. Embroidered at actual size on a single side.
Wanderer Butterfly and Caterpillar - also known as the Monarch butterfly is native to North America but also common in Australia. It is well-known for its massive and wide-ranging migrations, which are spectacular. Unfortunately, this wonderful spectacle is under threat due to loss of habitat and declining milkweed food source. Embroidered on a single side.
Atlas Moth - native to the rainforests of South East Asia, the Atlas moth is endangered to loss of habitat. It has the largest wing volume of any moth and is the second largest moth in the world. Embroidered at actual size on a single side.
Beetles - representing four of the largest beetles in the world, the Goliath Beetle, Hercules Beetle and two Rhinoceros Beetles. Embroidered on a single side.
dimensions
30 X 33cm (approx)
100% linen filled with alpaca wool for support and a luxurious feel.
H.M.S. Beagle is an embroidery design boutique, based in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Their unique, high quality products aim to evoke a journey of discovery into the wonders of the natural world - just like Charles Darwin on his famous voyage aboard the ship H.M.S. Beagle. This Australian design house is concerned with and actively working to regenerate and preserve the flora and fauna that is, or was once present in this fertile rainforest region.
The tradition of embroidery is age old, dating back over 30 000 years. Paleolithic burial clothes were embroidered with mammoth ivory beads. This timeless craft transcends culture and geography, from early Chinese silk embroidery, to Mexican, Hungarian, tribes of South east Asia, Hmong, Bedouin tribes and Medieval European.
H.M.S. Beagle designs all begin as drawings or original photographs. They are then painstakingly transformed into a digital embroidery file, stitch by stitch. The bulk embroidery and manufacturing is carried out by a dedicated team in India. Items are the finished off here in Australia.
At a time when many textiles products are made at the expense of both exploited workers and environmental destruction, H.M.S Beagle products are made from natural, ecologically sustainable fabrics, such as linen and organic cottons. The cushion inserts are filled with Alpaca wool.
Importantly, every person involved in the long chain to final product is paid fairly with good, safe working conditions.