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?
6 Comments so far
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Melitastitches4fun's Blog 
The picture is very small, but I don’t have a problem with the two larger bands. They serve more as borders or bookends to my eye, framing the rest of the piece and letting that shine. I’m drawn more to the more interesting stitches between them. Just my opinion. I wouldn’t rip it out; but if you really aren’t comfortable with the way it looks, rip away!
Comment by Remedial Stitcher August 24, 2020 @ 6:18 amI finally was able to fix the photo.
Comment by melitastitches4fun September 5, 2020 @ 12:41 pmI am not sure what “modern” stitches means, but the bands are all mirror like in style and color working from the center band out, so to me these to bands just seen to ground the ends. I think it would be perfect on the edges of a pillow. Your test of setting it next to the other pillows did not ease your mind as to its suitability?
Comment by suesci August 24, 2020 @ 6:46 amHi Sue, I should have quoted exactly, “The rest of the sampler is traditional and elegant. The new bands are modern and bold.”
Comment by melitastitches4fun August 24, 2020 @ 9:13 amTo answer your question Sue, I could live with the bands but when I cover them up, I like it much better.
Comment by melitastitches4fun August 24, 2020 @ 9:19 amThen it makes sense to remove the offending bands!
Comment by suesci August 24, 2020 @ 9:34 am