[shroudie]

Seams? Why yes!

Dr. Mechthild Flury-Lemberg, former head of textile department of the Abegg Foundation in Riggisberg, Switzerland, found stitching. According to PBS
Flury-Lemberg "discovered a peculiar stitching pattern in the seam of one long side of the Shroud, where a three-inch wide strip of the same original fabric was sewn onto a larger segment. The stitching pattern, which she says was the work of a professional, is surprisingly similar to the hem of a cloth found in the tombs of the Jewish fortress of Masada. The Masada cloth dates to between 40 B.C. and 73 A.D. The evidence, says Flury-Lemberg, is clear: "The linen cloth of the Shroud of Turin does not display any weaving or sewing techniques which would speak against its origin as a high quality product of the textile workers of the 1st century."

According to PBS, "her examination would produce new evidence that the famed linen dates to the 1st century A.D., to the time of Christ."

Shroudie

[Mamzelle]

I've read so many arguments about carbon-dating--and they are really kind of boring--this garment could be dated in other ways.

But so few facts as to the common-sense nature of this textile, only those speaking to the curiosity of the image. How many pieces are joined together? How wide are the pieces--(width of weft)-- Are there selvedges, or have these been removed? Have some expert spinners been given samples of the thread? Is the fiber itself of long, valuable part of the flax plant or the coarser tow? While there were hand-spinners in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, evidence that this thread was spun on a wheel would quickly rule against authenticity.

They need someone who knows old textiles in general, not just experts on antiquities with little interest or experience in the hand mfg of fabric. For instance, a home weaver of good experience could describe that hem stitching better than the PHd who claims to see similarities to a garment of Masada. There are only so many ways you can make a seam, and only so many ways to hem it. A ladies' sewing circle could add more facts, frankly.

First off, the fact that it is a joined fabric may speak against authenticity--there is a mystique to whole cloth. But that's only one small point.

[Swordmaker]

Dr. Mechthild Flury-Lemberg, former head of textile department of the Abegg Foundation in Riggisberg, Switzerland, found stitching. According to PBS Flury-Lemberg "discovered a peculiar stitching pattern in the seam of one long side of the Shroud, where a three-inch wide strip of the same original fabric was sewn onto a larger segment.

Shroudie, I think I have to disagree with this report.

At the Shroud of Turin symposium in Stockton last month, Dr. Alan Whanger told us that while working on the Shroud, Dr. Mechthild Flury-Lemberg unstitched part of the "seam" attaching the "side strip" and proved that it was merely a "pleat." Part of his presentation showed slides of Flury-Lemberg's hands unstitching the pleat, spreading it to show that it is one contiguous piece of cloth with the body of the Shroud. The photos proved it was not really a "seam" but a carefully folded pleat.

Speculation was made as to the dating of the pleat itself - the stitching did not match the basting type stitching done in the repairs by the Nuns of Poor Clare or the patching of the patches done by the Princess Clotilde of Savoy when the new backing cloth was sewn on. One theory was that the pleat was added to add strength because the Shroud was held by that side when displayed. WHEN the pleat was added is unanswered... but it could have been done in Edessa by King Akbar or his descendents... or anytime after that... Dr. Mechthild Flury-Lemberg has apparently equated the stitching to samples from Masada.