Filed under: ANG Cyberworshop, Making Stitches Work For You with Carolyn Mitchell
I got the threads I wanted to finish up the sampler.
Bands 3 and 23, both over 3 canvas threads went well enough by using Silk Lame Braid SP100 in an Encroaching Oblique Variation and Plaited Gobelin.
When I added Band 24, the bottom band in the picture, of Florentine and Satin, it seemed ok. But, now with most of the top band of similar stitch of Stacked Cubes added, it seems that the bands which are over 24 canvas threads overpowered the design. It is 3 colors of Splendor (light, medium, and dark).
So, I reached out to several stitching friends, my husband, classmates, and the teacher, Carolyn Mitchell, of the class which began this project for their opinions. And, I got some wonderful feedback about the 2 bands including:
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The light is reflecting off the lightest laid threads drawing your attention.
- The stitches are too modern for the rest of the bands.
- The width of the bands are going to be a focal point no matter the stitch.
- Leave the piece in a place where you can look at for a while and see how you feel about it.
- Since I was talking about making into a pillow to go with other purple pillows, leave it with the pillows and see how you feel about it.
- Several liked the bands as stitched.
- The rest of the sampler is traditional and elegant. The new bands are modern and bold.
- The width of the bands are going to be a focal point no matter the stitch.
- Make the band half the width.
- Leave the piece in a place where you can look at for a while and see how you feel about it.
- Since I was talking about making into a pillow to go with other purple pillows, leave it with the pillows and see how you feel about it.
- Several liked the bands as stitched.
Well, it’s been 5 days considering what to do. When I cover up the 2 outside bands, I really see a cohesive design that I find very pleasing.
Initially, I selected 12″ x 12″ to match the size of another pillow that I have. And, I selected 25 bands because that was how many Carolyn Mitchell had in her design. However, nothing says I can’t just end the piece at 23 bands. That would make a 12″ x 9″ piece. That’s a good size and I can still make into a pillow. So, I am quite sure that I’ll rip them out and leave it as is.
Any thoughts you’d like to share?
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, Flying Cranes Wedding Kimono by Lee
This kimono, Lee’s Flying Cranes Wedding Kimono, was part of an article published in Needle Pointer’s magazine (Mar/Apr 2020 issue). It was compared by a certified judge to a basketweave stitched canvas of the same design. It’s an interesting discussion if you have not read it. Needle Pointers is a publication for ANG members and well worth joining ANG just for the magazine (6 issues per year)!
It is a 16 count canvas which I hadn’t stitched on before. It felt like stitching on 18 count. The magazine goes into how I applied batiste fabric to the back before couching the golden clouds.
For the background, I selected Trebizond TRA 401 Red (& needed 2 spools). The stitch, Huck Toweling, came from June McKnight’s Backgrounds. She said is resembles a homespun fabric. It was as easy to stitch as she said it would be. And, it was open enough that I could stitch over the swirls and go back later and see where to stitch the swirls. Loved it.
One of Amy Bunger stitch guides and a Facebook post from Nancy Laux with Needle House in Houston recommended piercing Kreinik #16 Braid in the middle to better make curves in needlepoint. I used Kreinik #4 Braid to pierce. Both 017HL. It is a wonderful alternative to the typical couching technique.
The mat was cut out specifically to the shape of the kimono by Dave at Romeo’s Fine Arts in Lansdale, PA. He did a great job!
I was going to submit it to the ANG Seminar exhibit this year which would have ended yesterday and we’d be returning home today. But, as with most events, it was canceled due to coronavirus. By next year, I will probably have something different to submit. So, I will post this now.
This is the Cinnamon vase, the 5th and final vase! I love this canvas, Vases with Curly Bamboo. And, I have been very happy with the stitch guide from Sharon G.
This vase once again was stitched lightly enough to allow the shading of the painted canvas to show through. It’s a composite stitch using Gloriana 151 Cinnamon, 2 strands of Bijoux 428 Amber, and Sundance #14 Beads 462D.
The top band, bow, and base use a combination of Kreinik #4 Braid 005 and 002. Couching with Kreinik Cord 005C was used to bundle 5 strands of Kreinik #4 for the bow. And, a long stitch of Kreinik 1/16th ribbon was laid in the top gold band before couching with Kreinik #4 Braid.
This month, we will discuss the background and borders. Again, my ANG Main Line Stitchers chapter meet via Zoom.
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