23 October 2017

The Mellerstain Firescreen

I have finally started working properly on my version of The Mellerstain Firescreen.  This is what it will look like when finished


It is a crewelwork embroidery, an original 19th Century design from Mellerstain House in Scotland, the ancestral home of the Earls of Haddington.  I bought the kit from the Crewelwork Company about   5 years ago, as I really wanted to make a firescreen for our new cottage to use in the summer.  When certain dogs are not hogging the fire!

The kit is really good, beautiful Twill with the design printed on and full skeins of Appleton's crewel wools


I made a start, but my skill level was no where near the level it needed to be for such an advanced kit


So I packed it all away for a while (about 4 years!) I now feel confident after all my embroidery classes, to really do it justice. I have picked it up again and will try to make it my focus embroidery project this winter.



There are some lovely details, like the acorns with their french knot cups


The closed fly stitch leaves


and of course my favourite silk shading


Wool is so forgiving when it comes to silk shading as it's natural fuzziness makes it want to cling and blend



16 comments:

  1. I'm glad you feel ready to tackle this now. It's a big project, but so satisfying... Just make sure when it's finished that the firescreen is sufficiently sturdy that certain dogs can't knock it over!

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  2. what is the size of the piece? it sure is pretty and love your stitch work

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  3. Your work is amazing. Your stitches look so even. The classes must have been a good practice for this beautiful screen. I look forward to seeing your progress whilst trying hard not to be jealous of your skill..... only envious.

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  4. What a lovely piece. I don't think I have the skills to work on something like this so I'll just have to enjoy the beauty of your progress.

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  5. This is going to be a beautiful piece. Your shading is lovely.

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  6. Oh, this is a gorgeous piece and your crewel work thus far is fabulous. The colour of the wools are lovely. I am going to look forward to seeing the progress of this piece. Love the photo of your dog; he/she looks totally chilled.

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  7. WOW. I look forward to seeing the progression of this piece.

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  8. It's beautiful, good luck! :-)
    xx

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  9. This is just amazing and a great and inspiring story about not giving up and skill building, and what beautiful results thus far! :)

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  10. What a beautiful project this is and I am so happy to hear that you are able to enjoy working it now. I love Appleton wool and you are so right that wool is forgiving when embroidering. Happy Stitching!

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  11. Your embroiderey looks beautiful! That is going to be a fantastic piece when finished. Hugs,

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  12. Absolutely fabulous! I wish that embroidery classes were available where I live...

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  13. Das ist eine ganz bezaubernde Stickerei und wird fantastisch aussehen, wenn es fertig ist!

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