Issue
109 Cross stitch blush pink tulips for a spring
souvenir or create a decorative Indian bell pull.
There's an antique-style Hardanger cushion and a classic
still life picture for the home. The Masterclass looks
at using different techniques on the same piece of
fabric, and there are also some Celtic motifs in Cross
stitch.
Feature Designs
Blush
Beauties
At the end of the Singel canal in Amsterdam there
is a floating flower market where tulips are sold
in huge bouquets of fifty stems in just as many different
colours. Seeing these wonderful displays it is not
surprising how tulip fever swept the country in the
seventeenth century. Stitch these everlasting blooms
for a souvenir of spring all year round.
Old
English Alphabet
This traditional style alphabet is inspired
by the black letter calligraphy used by monks
writing manuscripts. When printing first began
it too tried to emulate the beautiful lettering
which was often illuminated with colourful decoration,
highlighted with gold. Use these versatile letters
to create personalised cards, gifts or monograms
for all occasions.
Gifts
from the Celts
If you think of Celtic peoples, the Irish, Welsh,
Scots, Bretons and some from Cornwall may come
to mind. It is particularly in Ireland that
the Celtic form of art has survived and developed
over the centuries. At an early stage their
patterns often involved the use of circles to
a standard of geometry that might leave most
of us gaping in wonder and their interpretation
of animal forms, referred to as zoomorphic,
displayed power and mystery. Now you can recreate
some of these beautiful pieces in cross stitch.
Sweet
Sablés
Hardanger and subtly shaded yarns from Caron are perfect
partners. The light and gradual colour change of these
almond threads give a softer, antique look to the embroidery.
The Satin stitch heart motifs worked in these creamy
tones look like the fancy biscuits found in continental
cafés and are just as irresistible.
Indian
Inspiration part
2
For centuries Indian homes have been decorated
with intricate floral patterns and motifs. When
the first fabrics from the East arrived in Europe
in the mid seventeenth century, the population
were in awe of the colourful cloth. In Paisley,
Norwich and Edinburgh weavers copied the designs
and made shawls "in imitation of the Indian".
A 'Paisley' pattern is instantly recognisable
and regarded as typically Victorian, yet the buta
motif with its teardrop shape filled with flowers,
is a major feature of traditional Indian decorative
art. Whether block printed, stencilled or embroidered,
patterns could have religious or social significance.
Typical images from everyday life were reproduced
in the home such as the ghudla, horse, and nahar,
elephant. This magnificent bell pull is inspired
by India's rich decorative tradition and will
bring bright jewel colours into your home.
Different
Techniques on One Fabric
Take any one embroidery technique and a particular
fabric is likely to be recommended for it. Take
any one fabric and certain techniques would
be considered suitable for it. Without a doubt,
for any single technique - Pulled work for example
- there would be a family of fabrics on which
the best effect would be achieved. But what
if you wish to mix techniques in one piece of
work? Is it possible to do Pulled work on an
Aida fabric? Can you do Petit point on Hardanger
fabric? Is Blackwork best stitched on an evenweave
or a blockweave fabric?
In this Masterclass we find some answers and
they might be quite surprising.
Classic
Composition A true artist can capture the light and tone
of a three dimensional scene and recreate it on canvas.
This still life in stitches has amazing dimensional
qualities with apples, walnuts and grapes that look
good enough to eat. This classic composition would look
fantastic in a traditional kitchen as well as making
an elegant picture for any part of your home.
