The Jacobean Coat – Sleeve One Embroidery

Sleeve One - Felt applied
Sleeve One – Felt applied

Having decided to start with the sleeves, and with stitch and thread choice for the small teal leaves in place, I could start to think about the other details. This picture shows the basic motif, with no stitching on it and really no idea where to start.

Incidentally, the coat fabric is a lovely clear pale green, and it doesn’t matter what I do, it just doesn’t photograph to advantage – or at least, not in winter daylight. I’m hoping Mam will be able to wear it in the spring, and we’ll be able to get some good photos for you to see!

Flower Detail
Flower Detail

I have decided that each of the motif elements will be stitched around the edge, or – as with the feather stitched leaves, stitched from edge to edge.

I think the stitch around the edge of the purple shape is called “Loop Stitch”. It creates a “spine” which can have arms of whatever length you want. In this case I wanted them neat and not too big, and they’ve almost disappeared into the felt in some cases.

When I’d added the outline, I felt something more was needed, and added the scattering of blue French Knots. They help to vary the colour and change the tones a little. This is not going to be an exercise in minimalism!

Felt and Embroidery On Sleeve One
Felt and Embroidery On Sleeve One

Here you see the – for now – finished motif on Sleeve One.

The large leaves have Blanket Stitch edges, and a large central vein made using one of the un-named stitch variations from my books by Edith John.

The reason I say “finished for now” is that I feel it may need a few light details to add a bit of sparkle, although I’m not sure of colour, or placement. I’m leaving the idea to sort itself out in my head as I continue to stitch.

9 Comments

  1. Sue Jones says:

    There’s a nice contrast between The soft-looking purple and teal sections and the crisp contrast on the beige leaves. Once you get the whole coat up to roughly this level of finish, what else it needs (If anything) will probably be perfectly obvious. And it will look even better with your Man wearing it!

  2. Lady Fi says:

    I like the bright colour.

  3. Carolyn Foley says:

    This is looking quite stunning.

  4. Lin Tarrant says:

    I love the way the French knots sink into the flower, very effective. xx

  5. Jen Mullen says:

    Love the detail on the flower!

  6. Sheryl says:

    The French knots are the perfect addition.

  7. The more stitches you add, the more beautiful the sleeve becomes.

  8. Susan says:

    I think it’s quite lovely, and when you have all the sleeve stitching, you will know whether there’s anything extra required. Your mother is going to have the best looking spring coat in town!

  9. karen says:

    absolutely beautiful….the second image, the close up….it’s delicious.