The fillings of the leaves and pods were fun and easy to stitch. The border was done in no time. I turned the page and there wasn’t any more to stitch!
Gay Ann was inspired by this photo of Cora. She really nailed the colors (just very dark gray-brown, medium brown, ecru, and cream). And, look carefully at Cora’s right arm to see how the design matches!
I felt like this should have been a step in and of itself in Cora’s design by Gay Ann Rogers.
There was lots of counting that I did 99% correctly the first time. Perhaps the lesson I learned is that correct stitching can be done by focusing on the work rather than trying to stitch and watch TV.
It’s all cross stitches, double-running, and backstitching reminding me that counted cross stitch patterns are not easy just because they are all x stitches. I have several cross stitch designs in my to do pile that would be challenging.
Filed under: Gay Ann Roger's, Countess of Granrham, Other People's Pieces
The Countess of Grantham, Cora, was actually the first in the series of her Downton Abbey inspired pieces.
Cora is an American and the only one who has just white, black, and a touch of brown. Looking back at various outfits she wore during the series, she didn’t wear as many colored outfits as the daughters.
The center motif, Step 1, is completed. The double-running stitches in black Kreinik for the petals and outer border remind me of black work. It really keeps the thread hidden underneath. And, I used long lengths moving out from the center in opposite directions. I find that very helpful in open areas. It was easy to follow the path because I did it with the TV off!
Filed under: Gay Ann Roger's, Countess of Granrham, Gay Ann Roger's, Dowager Countess, Gay Ann Roger's, Lady Edith, Gay Ann Roger's, Lady Mary, Other People's Pieces
It took ordering from 3 stores to compile the required threads to stitch all 4 Gay Ann Roger’s Downton Abbey pieces. Everything including the 4 pieces of canvas are now ready to go. I only substituted Fuzzy Stuff which I had in my stash for the Planet Earth fiber Furr-Fuzz-Funn. One of the Kreinik colors has been discontinued but I was able to get it. I thought it was interesting that 3 of the 4 pieces use DMC Ecru and Lady Mary’s does not. Nothing as common as Ecru for her!
The next decision is in what order to stitch them? Do I stitch youngest to oldest or vice versa? This decision is based on one key point: The Dowager Countess is the newest design just released in her October sale and I would her done hers first. But, it uses Watercolours Amethyst 006 and I have stitched with Waterlilies Amethyst 006 recently. So, I will start with Lady Edith.
Filed under: Gay Ann Roger's, Countess of Granrham, Gay Ann Roger's, Lady Edith, Gay Ann Roger's, Lady Mary, General comments, Other People's Pieces, Technique Issues
I asked Santa for Gay Ann Roger’s series of designs inspired by Downton Abbey including the Countess, Lady Mary, and Lady Edith. Hopefully, she adds a fourth based on the Dowager Countess.
And, I expect to learn a lot from Susan Sturgeon Roberts in her book, Tips & Techniques for Needlepoint. After some cooking, I will settle down with this.
Happy Holidays to all!
