Issue
110 St Edward's Crown in Cross stitch for the Golden
Jubilee, and the second part of the Indian art bell
pull. More technique combinations in the Masterclass
and graceful ducks in Blackwork. There's a taste of
summer with brilliant country berries and red racing
cars in Cross Stitch. Also some stencil style floral
cards and trinket pots.
Feature Designs
St
Edward's Crown What could be a better memento of the Queen's
Golden Jubilee for friends, children or grandchildren
than their own special card or framed picture.
There is time to stitch more than one in this
Jubilee Year and the richness of the threads in
this design will certainly make it stand out from
the crowd.
St. Edward's crown was used for the coronation
of Queen Elizabeth II and has not been worn by
her on any other occasion. The original St. Edward's
crown was Saxon. It was said to be of gold wirework
set with stones and two little bells and was probably
used by Edward the Confessor. This was broken
up in 1649 and replaced by the one depicted here
for the coronation of Charles II. The crown is
entirely of gold, set with 440 precious and semi-precious
stones. Those that edge the base and the arches,
and the two drop-shaped ones that hang from the
cross, are silver pearls. It weighs two and a
quarter kilograms (just shy of five pounds) and
is set on the Cap of Estate, which is made of
velvet.
A Taste of Summer Gooseberry fool, Summer Pudding, jams,
preserves and pies; it is that time of year
again. After an hour or so in the kitchen you
will deserve to sit down and stitch these lovely
designs to enhance your culinary efforts. Whether
you stitch the jam pot covers or the splendid
tea towel band, be sure your guests can admire
your skills in stitching as well as cooking.
Periwinkle
Petals Wonderful shades of mauves and blues
are very much in vogue for home decoration.
Whether you are a follower of fashion or just
happen to like these soothing colours, designs
for coasters or cards are always welcome. Each
design is quick to stitch - perhaps just an
evening - so plan to relax and enjoy them.
Red
Racing Machines We cannot re-create the noise, the smell
or the excitement of the motor race, but we
can stitch those wonderful forms that are exhilarating
in themselves. Whether classic in style or state-of-the-art,
the paintwork shines and the wheels stand firm
on the road. Stitch these for yourself if you
dare; or perhaps as a gift for someone you know
who is a long time enthusiast of a world favourite
sport.
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.
More Techniques
on One Fabric at a Time - Can They
be Done? Last month I took four fabrics and tried
Pulled work, Blackwork, Cross stitch and Petit
point on each of them in turn. The results held
surprises for me and this is no less so this
month and, as I included two forms of embroidery
in which fabric threads are cut away, I expected
disasters or, at the very least, considerable
difficulty. Hardanger on Aida; French knots
on Dublin linen; there were surely pitfalls
ahead.
Four Brown
Ducks - Sitting on the Pond Brown ducks are every bit as smart as
their more colourful counterparts. Their feathers
are oiled and they can swim and dive as well as
any. Most marked about them is the textured pattern
of their feathers and this is captured most successfully
in Blackwork. The density of patterns allows for
lighter and darker areas and many of the patterns
themselves will echo the texture of feathers lying
neatly along the streamlined little bodies. Quick
to stitch and very satisfying, these four designs
will be a must for all Blackwork lovers.
Shapes in dreams Dream can be vivid. Dreams can be misty.
Dreams are always a little unreal. Perhaps our
dreams are reflected in our choice of colour and
tie in with our wish to relax or wish to be always
on the go. There are day dreams and night dreams
too, so choose your background as well. Whatever
your mood, or that you perceive for the person
you are stitching for, relax while you stitch
- just keep those fingers busy.
