Chorus of Angels Tablecloth

Chorus Of Angels design, inspired by the “May Queen” design by Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh.
Chorus Of Angels

Some of you may recall this design, which Mam and I were thinking of developing into the background for the crib figures I inherited from one of my great aunts. I’ve not managed to think of a way to make it work in embroidery yet, so I keep on looking at it and thinking “No”, and moving on.

Sigh.

Design plan for the angel medallions

However, it has occurred to us that using the same angels as the basis for a design for the Christmas tablecloth might work quite nicely, and will give us another chance to play with the shapes and design.

So, sized for the purpose, planned out and tweaked. And we’ve decided, rather than embroidering directly on the tablecloth (if you’ve ever embroidered a tablecloth, you will have a fair guess why we aren’t!), we are going to prepare the applique separately and attach those to the tablecloth.

Initial layouts of the applique of the angels

We’re using quilting cottons in red, yellow, and green, and we’ve got everything cut out and pinned approximately in place, and now we’re not sure what to do next!

So there are some experiments ahead. I’m thinking of restricting the colours to stranded cotton in the same red, green and yellow (as far as possible), and using a variety of interesting edging stitches. And we both have samplers of those in our embroidered Coat of Many Flowers and the Little Jacket!

6 Comments

  1. Alex Hall says:

    Wow, I absolutely love the Rennie Mackintosh feel of the angels. Looking forward to seeing how this develops very much!

  2. Sue Jones says:

    A bright and interesting project for darker days. If this is to be a practical tablecloth, I am sure your fabric, stitch and thread choices will be made with washability and resistance to fruitcake crumbs, candlewax and other such specialities of the season.

  3. Carolyn Foley says:

    That should translate really nicely.

  4. Queeniepatch says:

    Looking forward to seeing the progress of this project.
    I agree with Sue Jones, make sure the red appliqué will not bleed in the wash.

  5. Karen says:

    What fun, and perfect for winter.

  6. Terrie says:

    It must be a nice festive table cloth if finished.

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