Work in Progress

I had an idea that I would start a series of embroidery samples based on calligraphy. My inspiration comes from the illuminated manuscripts of such books as the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Book of Kells.

This is a very rough and experimental initial idea which needs much more working on. I love the idea of the gold splashes, as if the illustrator accidentally knocked over his gold paint on the page. I don't want to reproduce a stitched version of an illustrated letter, but a modern interpretation of the idea.

Very early days, but the seed has been sown.

Crewel Cushion

I made this cushion years ago. My mother did lots of traditional Jacobean crewel - firescreens, stool covers, etc. - and I loved the fantastic creatures they depicted. So I decided one day to have a go myself. I think the first thing I did was the bird of paradise and I so loved the colours that my cushion became a little more colourful than traditional crewel work is. The pink cord round the edge was the icing on the cake!

I love this cushion and it lives on my chair in my study where I can always see it. One day I may do another one using stranded cotton and even brighter colours!

Fishbone, Fern and Thorn Stitches

I'm not really sure if I like the variegated leaf - it looks totally implausible to me! But I did manage to find four variations of Fishbone stitch whereas there weren't really any variations on the other two to be found.

I had much more fun doing the Fern and Thorn stitches though - I think it's because they're grouped together rather than stuck on their own looking self-conscious!

That's it now for the stitch samplers in this module. Next up is painting fabric - something I've never done before and am really looking forward to.

Also, on 23 October I start Sharon's Studio Journals course with Joggles which is going to be great fun.

Cretan Stitch

I enjoyed this one because I found so many variations of it. The hardest one to get the hang of was knotted (2nd row middle) because the only instructions I had for it were really difficult to understand.

I wanted to add the couching bit at the bottom because it's the first time I've done anything like this. From a distance it looks a bit like a hairy caterpillar!

I also had a couple of new threads which I used - one is a No.8 Coton Perlé and the other is a lovely fine wool - much more even than the Appleton's crewel wool. I think it may be an Aubusson wool but I can't remember where or when I bought it.

Roumanian Stitch

I had a bad start with this one. The two leaves at the top are absolutely not Roumanian Stitch! I think they are something I've done in the past but I can't for the life of me think what it's called.

I found the apple difficult because I was using six strands of cotton and some of the strands pulled out, making it a bit messy.

I really enjoyed the freestyle with two textures of thread and can think of loads of uses for this. I also enjoyed trying to translate a scribble onto fabric at bottom left and tried to curve a couple of stitches which worked quite well.

Cretan stitch next!

First stitching attempts

I've always been interested in stitching and textiles but have never really thought about developing that interest. My mother was a great stitcher and our home was always full of her embroideries; cushions, stools, pictures, napkins and tablecloths and more. So I decided now is as good a time as any to have a go and signed up for the first module of a City & Guilds accredited course with WS Touchbase. These are my first attempts at trying out stitches.

The Fool

The fool is a madman, a lunatic, a jester. The fool is unwise and uncaring. The fool is stupid, oafish, silly; an imbecile, a moron, a simpleton.

Or is he?

The fool is standing on the edge; ready to leap into the unknown. An adventurer; open minded. Rash, spontaneous. Crazy brave with his imagination fired up, ready to take a leap of faith. He carries little baggage but a huge question mark.

Faith or folly?