With autumn’s return comes sharpened pencils, new notebooks, and the quiet thrill of study. In our Poisonous Plant Embroidery series, that spirit of learning takes a darker path as we focus our studies on the Mandrake, one of history’s most storied and unsettling roots.
Known by many names - Hand of Glory, Little Gallows Man, Thieves’ Root - the Mandrake (a member of the Nightshade family) has long captivated healers, scholars, and storytellers alike. Its thick, upright root sprouts purple, bell-shaped blossoms that ripen into golden berries, yet every part of the plant is both hallucinogenic and poisonous.
Historically the Mandrake was noted for its use as a crude anesthetic and pain reliever, a subject of fascination for early physicians and scholars alike. Some even carved it into an amulet believed to bring fortune to the bearer. Yet the pages of medieval lore record a darker myth: that when torn from the earth, its terrible cry could bring instant death to any who heard it.
Under the expert guidance of seasoned textile artist Sarah Zanchetta, you’ll embark on a hands-on session where you’ll master five essential, beginner-friendly stitches: back-stitch, satin stitch, leaf stitch, long-short stitch and french knot. All materials - including a hoop, threads, and a step-by-step project guide - are provided, so you can immerse yourself fully in this transformative experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just starting out, join us to explore the striking contrast between nature’s beauty and its raw, untamed potency. Step into a space where creativity meets the darker side of the botanical world, and take home not just a piece of art, but a story woven in thread.✨
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