Meadow Bloom

It is finished! 

I did (almost) manage to finish last weekend and only needed a few very last stitches before I could block it today. Considering how much I struggled with this design to begin with, I am rather pleased with the finished piece. Especially the last flower above... mind you, looking at it here on the screen, I can see it needs just one last finishing touch - a row of white knots to complete the edge of the of calyx and to give it a bit of a lift ... then it is done.

I find blocking my crewelwork gives the best finish. I admit that it was a little scary the first few times I did it, but I don't think twice about it any more. I have a cork pin-up board that I have ruled a grid of lines onto. I cover this with a sheet of clear plastic. Then I pin the finished embroidery onto it, making sure it is straight and very taut. When you do this, always pin opposite sides from the centre outwards. Once it is in place, it is just a matter of wetting it completely with a sponge. After that, I press a towel down onto the work to soak up as much moisture as possible before I leave it to dry. It comes up beautiful and crisp, much, much better than you will ever get it with an iron.
All I have left to do now is to lace the embroidery onto card and pop it in a frame and it is done, ready for class display - well the 'easy' part is done, there is of cause still the instructions to write...

I usually try to be organised and take good notes while I stitch. I make a thread card of all the colours I use as well as record how much yarn I use, so that I can kit the project later. However, it is fare too easy to become absorbed in the stitching and when I begin to write, I usually discover I have left bits and pieces out here and there. I have tried to be particularly organised with my notes for this project because, even though I know I should write the instructions right away, I am unlikely to get the them done this side of Christmas and possibly not for a month or so. Partly because I am itching to get back to, and finish the Or Nue Daisy, but most importantly because my sister is coming to stay with us. It is ten years since we have spent time together and even longer since we have had Christmas together. I am so excited.........

Anna x