Melitastitches4fun's Blog

Step 6 of the EGA Master Craftsman program for Canvas had to be an original design. This was an opportunity to redo a piece I designed years ago after taking First Steps by Nanette Costa. I learned 30+ stitches through my first ANG Correspondence Course and used those stitches in this fireplace.

I especially wanted to make the design area taller instead of square and change the candles and background.

The updated piece (pictured below) passed with distinction and all 6 pieces will be going to Boston for the Seminar!

At least one of the judges felt the white in the flames was a little strong but that the ThreadworX overdyed was a perfect choice for the sooted walls inside the fireplace. The diaper pattern wallpaper recedes (as it should) and adds just enough texture to add interest. Different values of the bricks and logs add dimension as do the Smyrna cross stitches around the large Jessica. The glow on the rug is lovely and well-executed. The rug employed a 21-step thread blending formula to move from light to dark using DMC Floss 842, 841, 840, 839, 838 (5 strands).

Thanks so much to the three judges who take the time to review and critique the pieces. It was a challenging experience with some angst occasionally but I enjoyed the process.

Well done, Melita. Congratulations! The bricks behind the flame are amazing — such attention to detail. Love the “glow” on the rug, too.

Comment by Joanne Pascoe May 10, 2023 @ 5:24 pm

Reply

Thanks Joanne. I appreciate your comments.

Comment by melitastitches4fun May 10, 2023 @ 5:42 pm

Reply

Wow – the update is lovely. The glow on the rug alone but I love the wall paper. It’s a great looking piece – congrats.

Comment by lpleyer May 10, 2023 @ 6:09 pm

Reply

Thanks Linda. They were two improvements that did really help make it better.

Comment by melitastitches4fun May 10, 2023 @ 7:46 pm

Reply

This looks wonderful–love the floor, wall, brickwork–actually love all of it!

Comment by brendasneedlepointstudioblog May 11, 2023 @ 7:18 am

Reply

Thanks Brenda. I was happy with it too and glad the judges were too!

Comment by melitastitches4fun May 11, 2023 @ 8:23 am

Reply

This is lovely. I really like looking at both of the designs, to see the evolution. It’s fascinating to look at the latest design to see how much more detail and depth is there. Congratulations!

Comment by BFromM May 13, 2023 @ 2:06 pm

Reply

Thanks. The original fireplace was bigger than I expected when I started stitching it. So, I ran out of room. I didn’t map out as much then as I do now. A lot learned over the 10+ years!

Comment by melitastitches4fun May 13, 2023 @ 3:12 pm

Reply

Fireplace
What a beautiful engaging picture you created!!! I would love the pattern it looks so fun to do!! Loved all the colors and stitches you did !

Comment by Wendy Knepper May 27, 2023 @ 6:03 pm

Reply

Thanks Wendy! I’m not sure if I am going to take the time to write it up. Do you need detailed instructions or a general game plan?

Comment by melitastitches4fun May 27, 2023 @ 7:30 pm

Reply

And, thanks. Glad you like it!!

Comment by melitastitches4fun May 27, 2023 @ 7:30 pm

Reply