Here we go! I'm very excited to have started stitching on my Christmas canvas from Mindy's latest whimsical collection. The design size is approximately 8x8" and segmented so nicely that it should keep one's interest fresh and take no time at all to complete. Most finishers have late September deadlines for Christmas finishing and I'm going to try to get it done by then. : ) The first thing I usually do is make two photocopies of the painted canvas using one for future reference (many times painted canvas design details are covered up by thread before the area is actually completed, leaving you at a loss when you go to add beads, buttons or additional stitches). The second copy I use as a road map of stitches and/or threads. Yes it takes time to do all this but it moves things readily along when you get down to the fun part - stitching. On this particular design I have not designated all the stitches to be used and plan on repeating some and deciding others as I go along. Confession: To help me with stitch selection, I discovered and am using a stitch guide created by Tony Minieri and found in the June/July issue of my very favorite needlepoint magazine, Needlepoint Now. Mr. Minieri's guide is for a similar canvas and I consider myself extremely lucky to have this available for ideas. He's a pro and I've only heard stitchers sing his praises for his inventive use of stitches and thread. YAY!
The threads, chosen by Mindy herself, are fabulous and so far I am loving them. Beginning the first circle using Planet Earthy's (PE) 6-ply silk in two shades of green and Bella Lusso's Merino wool has been a delight. The twist of the Silk has definition but lays very smoothly. The Merino wool is amazingly soft and strong. This is the first time I've used these two brands of threads and I am impressed. The white area was stitched in Alternating Mosaic using Perle Coton and is the "underlayment" if you will, for the button stack. The green circle area is stitched in basketweave and will eventually have sequins attached inside the two-tone green circles.
Next up is red and white polka dot circle. I'm using PE's silk in red for the Diagonal Plait (love this interesting and quick moving stitch) and the Rhodes using Petite Sparkle Rays in white. 
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It's a beautiful canvas...I've been really thinking about trying needlepoint. But I don't know where to start...seeing your work is really bringing the whole subject to a head though :)
ReplyDelete~Vonna
If Vonna is in the Denver Area, she should come visit the Colorado Columbine Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild..... Columbineang.org :)
ReplyDeleteTEST
ReplyDeleteHi Vonna,
ReplyDeleteI hope you do pursue needlepoint, I think you'll do just fine as the stitches and techniques are shared across most forms of embroidery. It's the ground material used that is different. Sally is correct, your local chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild (www.needlepoint.org) is a great place to get acquainted and will welcome you with open arms. They also offer correspondence courses, stitch of the month, and many other learning opportunities should you prefer to learn online. And of course there's all of us in the blogosphere to help too! Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment! Madonna