Sunday 18 April 2010

Blue Bee

I have found I am enjoying doing more embroidery, I find it very relaxing, even if the some of the stitches can be a challenge.

One of the forms of embroidery that I have always admired was crewel work.  Many years ago, before I had the children, I bought myself the Anchor Book of Crewel Stitches and Patterns.  Finally, I have taken it out and am having a go at some of the designs in the book.

The first one I have done is Blue Bee.  I've used a variety of threads-DMC and  Madeira stranded cotton, Anchor Pearl No 5 and 8.  Stitches used-chain, back, satin, stem, french knots, basque stitch, and couched threads.

I now have to decide how I will incorporate the finished piece into something.  The next one I do will be done using wools, which is a bit more traditional.

19 comments:

Miriam said...

Wow! This is really amazing beautiful!

zetor said...

really lovely. I have not heard of basque stitch before, will look that one up.

Terry said...

Very nice! You're just so talented! :0)

Amy said...

LOVELY!!!

Gina E. said...

That is lovely, Jane! I used to do a lot of crewel work about 25 years ago, and have about 8 of my finished pictures hanging around our home. But once I got into Cross Stitch, and more recently Patchwork, I haven't had time for Crewel. One day I would like to do some more though...if I live that long!

Rudee said...

I love that shade of blue.

Lorna @scrapsnscribbles/letssewit said...

wow that is just lovely work.

Annie said...

That's gorgeous. I used to do a lot of crewel back in the day. I always enjoyed it, but it got overtaken by needlepoint in popularity at the time. Due for a comeback I'd say.

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely exquisite! How beautiful. I love hand embroidery and stitching as well. There is something peaceful and comforting to have the needle and fabric in one's hand.

Deepa said...

Beautiful. Crewel work is in my to-learn list. But first I need to get the resources which sadly are not available here.Have you tried Jacobean?

Sue said...

It is beautiful! You have done a fabulous job.

Angela said...

Your Crewel work is amazing! I have a couple of crewel work books on the shelf but as with so many other things I want to try just don't seem to have the time to give it a go.

Maggi said...

Lovely piece Jane. The first real embroidery I ever did was a crewel tablecloth when I was nine. I still have it!

Elena said...

Wow! Gorgeous work! I really love all of the beautiful stitches and French knots, and your idea with the combination of different threads is so creative!

Karan said...

Another gorgeous piece of embroidery. Love the bee. :0)

Karen said...

Jane, this is breathtaking, I literally gasped when i saw it, beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning. Really nice work. Lovely stitching. Can't wait to see how you finish it.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful piece...I love the blue bee : )

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Wow. Jane this stitchery is truly beautiful. Hugs Judy