Thursday 31 January 2013

Not so mysterious now

Do you remember a piece of needlepoint I'd started?  I was calling this tapestry as that's what we'd call it in the UK, but I've since found out that it's not correct as a true tapestry is woven.  Anyway, I was working the Mini Mystery needlepoint design from Laura at Two Handed Stitcher, a free needlepoint design presented to us in 3 parts. 

While I was ill, and broadbandless I set to work on part two.  It was obvious by this point that I'd made some major mistakes with my counting - I'm pretty sure the zigzag stitches should have been 4 threads wide and I only did them 3, but I blundered on regardless.


I filled in the rows between zigzags with the eyelet stitch.  I was a bit disappointed it didn't make more of a hole, but maybe I wasn't pulling tight enough.


My stitching looks dreadful close up, I think my canvas was also too big, but I'm not sure!  The silver line in the border was supposed to be a narrow ribbon, but I went with what I had and used a silver "lamé" which is basically a 6-stranded metallic thread that is an absolute BUGGER to sew with.  Everything else is Perle 5, a mixture of DMC and Anchor.  I love Perle cottons.  When I was almost finished stitching this, I had the urge to sort out my threads.  The stranded cottons have 3 thread boxes - blue/green/purple, yellow/orange/red/pink and black/brown/grey/white.  I now also have a box of Perle cotton, sizes 5 and 8, and a box of assorted other threads including tapestry wools, crewel wools, metallics, and blending filament.  If I keep up this embroidery obsession, I'm going to need a bigger house...


For part 3 I added the white zigzaggy-type line.  I had a job chosing a colour as I think I truly messed the piece up with the purple!  Never mind, this is a practice piece, it's not destined for a show!  I loved this stitch method, the line looks fab close up, it really has depth to it.


It's couched down at the intersections with a Madeira metallic thread.  Oh, the other type of thread I have is silk thread.  It is luscious!  I want to buy some more then just sleep on a bed of silk thread...

Anyway, needlepoint finished.  Much practice is definitely needed!  I really enjoyed it and have only scratched the surface of all the stitches there are out there.  I have a book - Stitchopedia with some needlepoint in it so that might be my next point of call.  I perhaps also have to do some more research as I don't like all the canvas on view for this piece but suspect it's the canvas size I used rather than the design as Laura's stitching is gorgeous.



11 comments:

Maya Kuzman said...

Well, I don't know about you, but it certainly doesn't look dreadful to me! I think it is a lovely, intricate piece of art! It also looks like a lot of work!

Samantha said...

It's lovely, I'm sure you're the only one who can spot the mistakes! What are you going to do with that panel now? x

Kerryp77 said...

It looks lovely Wendy, well done.

Jane said...

These samplers are great for trying out new stitches and seeing what we like and don't like. I love the way the border is finished

Anita said...

Hi Wendy,
I found you again!!! I lost track of you. You have been very busy with your craft work. It's just gorgeous.
Cheers, Anita.

Shirley said...

for what its worth I like the purple. I think all us crafter need bigger houses, to store finished pieces and our stash.

Anna said...

But beautiful anyway...
Have a great day !
Anna

cauchy09 said...

i think it's pretty. you are biased by what it was "supposed" to look like, but it's lovely.

JoJo said...

I love the colours you chose and yes that metallic stuff is a pain to work with!!! I have it in gold. Also the blending filament is a pain. The effects are lovely but wow, not worth the frustration! How big is this piece you did? Pillow sized or small?

Sandra :) said...

We're going to need a bigger boat! *cue Jaws music here, lol* :D

It's beautiful - how big is it, and what will you use it for?

CeLynn said...

I don't know anything about this craft,but it looks beautiful to me!