Progress on Evelyn Rose

Rose and Stem
Rose and Stem

I decided to understitch all the elements, and then concentrate on the rose, stem and leaves.

However, in this photo, you can see not only the finished rose on its stem, but also the understitched lettering, and the beginning of the effect I want, with the sunlight casting a shadow through the gauze to the surface beneath.

Then I had to decide how to stitch the top layer of the lettering.

Horizontal Trial
Horizontal Trial
Slanting Trial
Slanting Trial

I took a photocopy of my painted design in black and white, printed it out twice, fished out a white gel pen, and began to experiment with stitch direction. I decided that the constantly changing angles of the slanting version would end up terribly “busy”.

So, horizontal it is, then. And I’m using Japanese Flat Silk, which at least makes the satin stitch easier to make work!

And while you think about how that is going to go – Episode Nine of SlowTVStitchery is now up, in which the first edge is reached, and it is agreed that the sight of colours against gold is worth getting up for!! Happy watching, happy stitching, and stay safe.

7 Comments

  1. Meredithe says:

    It is looking beautiful

  2. Sue Jones says:

    The shadow effect is very good, isn’t it? And the rose and stem are spot on. So I think you have another success on your hands.

  3. Great progress on the rose, and on your Egyptian Goldwork, too.

  4. Jen Mullen says:

    The rose and stem are wonderful!

  5. Lady Fi says:

    Very nice!

  6. Just lovely. I look forward to seeing the lettering stitched as well. I think you are right about stitch direction, it will be more straightforward to stitch that way as well won’t it, and will probably follow the edges of the lettering better. Look forward to seeing the flat silk used on satin stitch as well, no gonk hair there I am sure 😉

  7. Carolyn Foley says:

    Direction of the thread can often make or break a piece of stitching, speaking from experience. I have a little booklet that I bought from Jennie-Aiden-Christie a number of years ago on the topic. I don’t know if it ever made it into print.