I picked up the incredible Mellerstain Crewelwork kit by Philippa Turnbull of The Crewelwork Company as I knew it would make a perfect firescreen for our open fire in the sitting room. I got home, took one look at the size of it and put it all back in the bag! One beginner's class and I thought I could stitch something this big!
Fast forward to Sept 2014 and after a few months of classes, one Tipsy Thistle Bag
I then came to a complete stop for more than 2 years - I had to move my frame as we were rearranging the room and I no longer had the space for a large frame to be set up permanently.
I have thought about picking it up again several times, but it seemed too much hassle, until I read Mary Corbet's post about this project, in it she describes how Philippa recommends a hoop seat frame. I have one of those and I love it! so today I got my firescreen back out of the box it's been languishing in.
I am really enjoying working on this again
I love how easy it is to blend the colours when silk shading with wool
I spent about an hour and a half working on it this afternoon
On the plus side, I know I will continue working on this and will finish it using my hoop, it just makes stitching so much easier. I take the hoop off after each session, my hoop is bound with bias tape and I don't seem to damage the parts I have already stitched. The only negative that I can see is that I may get some wrinkles and distortion. Philippa recommends a good wet blocking at the end of the project so I think I will just have to go with that.
The kit is still available from the RSN HERE however I am shocked that the price is now £140, I know I paid £98 as the price is still on it, Hmmmm
It's a beautiful project : )
ReplyDeleteI think your stitching is so pretty you do it really well
ReplyDeleteI too am stitching melellerstain! Mine is the parrots cushion though. Leaving the birds till last!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Don't give up; I finally finished a birth announcement begun in 1971 for my second daughter when her daughter was born in 2013! You will probably beat that, right?
ReplyDeletePerseverance is the thing. It's a big project, but all that means is you have more fun stitching it...!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece. It's amazing how our enthusiasm overtakes common sense, isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a gorgeous piece this is! I do hope you continue to work on it as I can't wait to see it develop. it's amazing! I loved seeing your past work again too, so nice to see everything again! You are a talented embroiderer!
ReplyDeleteI covet that screen! i want it. Your embroidery is just lovely. As I look at this firescreen, I imagine how it would be as an applique. Hmmmmm
ReplyDeleteElaine so glad to see you back working on this stunning project, your needle skills are such a joy to see and learn from. many thanks for so many detailed photos its great to see how you work. Cheers Glenda
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