Between projects

I must admit I was completely blown away by all the lovely comments on my last post. I could say I was too overwhelmed to post for a week and a half, but that would not be completely true - I have just been busy.

Amongst the comments were a few request for classes... Will I teach it? One should never say never, but I don't think so. I feel a bit mean but this kind of work is just about the only embroidery I do now just for me. Most of my work is designed with classes and instructions in mind and it is a completely different way of working - taking notes and keeping track of quantities, keeping time frames in mind, writing and drawing up diagrams - in fact, the stitching is the easy part. So I am afraid that, at least for now, the answer is no, I am sorry but I won't be teaching it.

It has made me think a lot about teaching though. I absolutely love to teach. There is something really, really special about sharing something you love in that way. But it has made me think a lot about the way we often teach embroidery and I need to ponder on that a bit more before I share some of those thoughts...


For now I feel a little bit 'between projects', so while I decide what to start next (a large crewel project?, a goldwork pomegranate?, perhaps another raised embroidery floral design? or the next figure - a character lazily floating on clouds?) I have been reaching for my 'Between Projects' project.


Apart form the beak the bird itself is finished. The legs were fun - two parallel rows of coral knots, with the knots off-set to give them that 'knobbly' look and bullion knot toes. Yes, bullion knots! I don't use these knots very often at all. It would have to be my least favourite stitch of all stitches - we don't get on bullion knots and I. Anyway, they worked for this.


All around the bird is a repetition of leaves and blossom, all the same shape and similar in size. So that the overall look won't be busy and confusing to look at - they need to all be embroidered in the same way. The leaves were pretty straight forward - all worked in soft shading. The delicate blossom are worked in four simple stitches - fly stitch, satin stitch, detached chain (lazy daisy) and pistil stitch. I'll show you how tomorrow...

Happy Stitching,
Anna x

Comments

  1. I'm a big fan of your work, this bird embroidery is fabulous! A true work of art. Have a good week, A.

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  2. It's looking beautiful, and your stitching is amazing - so neat! It would be wonderful if you could do an online class for those who cannot get to Australia... Even though I'm not at all into wool it would be really nice to get some tips on technique...

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  3. Hello Anna: Thank you for stopping by over at my blog, it was a delight to discover yours. The funny part is that so much of my clothing and textiles have embroidery. I ADORE it. In fact, I've been mocked for having so much of it in my life. But, your work is UNBELIEVABLE. I'll definitely be following you here. This bird makes my heart sing. And the girl below makes me want to chase something right now! A dream I hope. Thanks for sharing your art with us. Beautiful.

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  4. Your work is so pretty. Lovely to pop by and check what you are up to. :)

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