New Goldwork project

 It (finally) feels like proper summer.. a bit too hot even.

Having spent the morning in the garden, watering and tidying up, it is nice to move inside where it is much cooler and enjoy getting my new goldwork project started. 

Tile by Henry Richards (1905)

I love the patterns on Arts & Craft tiles. These patterns are often clean and simple and at the same time intricate in the way stems and foliage are used to form shapes and interlocking patterns. Ideal for embroidery.

Taking inspiration from the tiles, this new design is not large and the shapes are really simple so it should be fun to stitch. I have marked the design using my light-box and acid free pen which allows me to mark beautiful, fine, clean lines.

First step is to add felt padding onto the fuller shapes. The flower parts all have two or three layers of felt. I didn't think to take a photo, but the smaller layers are underneath, so that when I apply the final layer, I get a smooth, rounded dome shape. The top pieces are stitched down with tiny little stitches so that the edges are pulled down and there are no 'fluffy' bits of felt sticking out.

I had not decided when I started whether or not I would pad the leaves, but I ended up adding just a single layer of felt to those. Partly because I do like the way the light plays on the metal when it is slightly raised, but also because I want the leaves to have a green tint to them and therefore don't want the pink of the silk to reflect onto the metal threads. 

With the padding finished, I am ready to play with gold...

... perhaps after a trip to the beach for a quick evening swim...

Best stitches,
Anna