Monday 8 April 2013

Another challenge

Ok, 2nd time lucky. I don't know what I did but I just managed to lose a post. I wish I did know so that I don't do it again!

Anyway, as I was saying, I like to try something different to take me out of my stitchy comfort zone and keep the old brain cells ticking over.

My challenge for 2011 was the Embroideress Band Sampler in Stitch magazine, Issue 65 (and 66 and 67), designed by Jane Greenoff.  It took a while to gather the supplies and even longer to gather my courage!

It was so worth it.


This is the whole sampler.


The top section has cross stitch and back stitch and then hem stitch followed by queen stitch. It was quite scary cutting and withdrawing the threads.


It was even scarier cutting the threads for the square! This was the first time I had tried something like this. There is also detached buttonhole stitch and braided cross stitch and then more hem stitch and zigzag hem stitch.


This section was easier with queen, Rhodes and detached buttonhole, but mostly cross stitch.

 
Here's more cross followed by hem stitch, half eyelets and somersault stitch.
 
 

This section was a real challenge. You'd think the hem-stitch square would be the most difficult but I found the bullion knots the most trying. The braid stitch had me baffled until I checked online and found a video. What did we do before we had the internet?


Here we have darning, cushion stitch, detached buttonhole, backstitch and needleweaving.


This section was easier with backstitch and queen stitches, then somersault stitch with beads.


The final section has satin stitch, cross stitch, queen stitch and eyelets.

This has to be my all time favourite project, in terms of both visual appeal and stitching satisfaction. There may have been times when I doubted my sanity but it was so worth it in the end.

Right, there's just my 2012 major project to document and then I need to start taking pics of the smalls.

Until next time,
regards, Anne

5 comments:

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

What a wonderful piece you have created, Anne! That would definitely take me out of my comfort zone - WAY out! All of your stitches look beautiful, the colors are just lovely and the entire piece is jaw droppingly beautiful! Well done, you!

Starry-eyed stitcher said...

I saw this being worked and it is so beautiful. When you read the list of stitches used it shows what a challenge and achievement it is. Irene xxx

Diana said...

Exquisite work!

~Narita said...

Oh Anne, you so persevered!
I could NOT have done those buillion stitches and made them look as nice as yours. Excellant job :)

The whole sampler is beautiful, you did a wonderful job.

alex6 said...

Really stunning work. I'm about to start this project, so your post has been an inspiration :)